BAH Calculator

Estimate Basic Allowance for Housing by pay grade, location, and dependents.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: DFAS

Dependents

Monthly BAH

$2,720.00

Annual BAH

$32,640.00

BAH Details

Monthly Amount$2,720.00
Annual Amount$32,640.00
Tax StatusTax-Free

Use the BAH Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Three things drive your Basic Allowance for Housing estimate: your pay grade, the location of your duty station, and whether you have dependents. The allowance exists to help service members cover rent in the civilian market wherever the military sends them, so getting a clear read on your 2026 figure is an important piece of any budget, particularly in a year when rates are rising in some areas and falling in others.

Behind the estimate are the official Department of Defense (DoD) BAH rate tables for 2026, built from a wide survey of rental costs across housing types such as apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes within each Military Housing Area (MHA). Your pay grade and dependency status determine exactly which cell in those tables applies to you, and that cell sets the amount.

Treat the output as an estimate, since the housing actually available to you and the terms of your own lease can shift what you ultimately pay. BAH is also distinct from OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance) and from the going rate of rent in any particular city, so the two shouldn't be conflated. And because the allowance is not designed to cover 100% of every housing expense, utilities in particular may fall outside what it pays.

Example: E-5 with Dependents in San Diego, CA (2026)

  1. 1 Input: Pay Grade = E-5, Location = San Diego, CA, Dependents = Yes.
  2. 2 The calculator references the 2026 BAH rate table for San Diego, CA (MHA CA030) for an E-5 with dependents. It retrieves the corresponding BAH amount for this specific combination.
  3. 3 Result: Estimated BAH for an E-5 with dependents in San Diego, CA for 2026 is $3,219 per month.
  4. 4 This $3,219 per month would be added to the E-5's base pay, providing funds specifically for housing expenses in the San Diego area. This allows the service member to budget for rent, but they should also consider utility costs and other housing-related expenses.

Source: DFAS · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How is BAH calculated for military members?
BAH is based on your pay grade, duty station zip code, and dependent status. The Department of Defense surveys local rental costs annually to set rates that cover median rent, utilities, and renter's insurance for each area.
Is BAH taxable income?
No. Basic Allowance for Housing is not subject to federal income tax, state tax, or FICA. This tax-free status makes BAH more valuable than an equivalent amount of base pay, effectively increasing your after-tax compensation.
Do I lose BAH if I live in base housing?
Yes. If you live in on-base housing, your BAH is typically forfeited to cover the housing costs. If you live off-base, you receive BAH directly and use it to pay your own rent and utilities. The choice depends on local housing costs.

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