*Rates are estimates based on 2024-2025 projected market adjustments for your MHA.
Understanding 2025 BAH Rates
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based entitlement to provide uniformed service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets. The 2025 BAH rates are calculated based on three primary factors: your geographic duty location, your pay grade, and your dependency status.
How 2025 Calculations Work
The Department of Defense (DoD) determines BAH rates by collecting data on median rental costs and average utility expenses for various housing profiles. For 2025, inflation and housing market volatility in major hubs like San Diego, Norfolk, and San Antonio continue to drive rate adjustments.
Factor
Impact on Rate
MHA (ZIP Code)
Determines the local cost of living and market rental rates.
Pay Grade
Higher ranks typically receive a higher allowance based on "housing profiles."
Dependents
Service members with dependents receive a higher rate to accommodate larger housing needs.
Example 2025 BAH Scenarios
Scenario A: An E-5 with dependents stationed at ZIP 92101 (San Diego). Due to high demand in Southern California, this member would likely see a monthly allowance exceeding $3,800 in 2025.
Scenario B: An O-3 without dependents stationed at ZIP 23501 (Norfolk). As a mid-level officer, the rate would be adjusted for a one-to-two bedroom professional apartment profile, roughly estimated at $2,400 per month.
function calculateBAH() {
var zip = document.getElementById("zipCode").value;
var grade = document.getElementById("payGrade").value;
var hasDependents = document.getElementById("depWith").checked;
var resultDisplay = document.getElementById("bahResult");
var resultBox = document.getElementById("bah-result-box");
if (zip.length < 5) {
alert("Please enter a valid 5-digit ZIP code.");
return;
}
// Base multiplier logic for the calculation engine
// Since 2025 rates vary by MHA, we use a simulation logic based on known high/medium/low cost regions
var baseRate = 1800; // National baseline average
// Regional Adjustments (Simulation of MHA profiles)
var zipPrefix = zip.substring(0, 2);
var regionMultiplier = 1.0;
if (zipPrefix === "90" || zipPrefix === "91" || zipPrefix === "92") regionMultiplier = 1.85; // Southern CA
else if (zipPrefix === "10" || zipPrefix === "11") regionMultiplier = 1.95; // NYC/NJ
else if (zipPrefix === "20" || zipPrefix === "22") regionMultiplier = 1.65; // DC/NOVA
else if (zipPrefix === "98") regionMultiplier = 1.45; // Washington State
else if (zipPrefix === "23") regionMultiplier = 1.25; // Virginia/Norfolk
else if (zipPrefix === "30" || zipPrefix === "31") regionMultiplier = 1.15; // Georgia
else if (zipPrefix === "78") regionMultiplier = 1.20; // Texas
else if (zipPrefix === "80") regionMultiplier = 1.35; // Colorado
else regionMultiplier = 1.0; // Standard rate
// Pay Grade Multipliers
var gradeMultiplier = 1.0;
var gradeMap = {
"E1": 0.85, "E2": 0.85, "E3": 0.85, "E4": 0.90, "E5": 1.00, "E6": 1.15, "E7": 1.25, "E8": 1.35, "E9": 1.45,
"W1": 1.30, "W2": 1.40, "W3": 1.55,
"O1": 1.20, "O2": 1.35, "O3": 1.60, "O4": 1.80, "O5": 1.95, "O6": 2.10,
"O1E": 1.40, "O2E": 1.50, "O3E": 1.70
};
gradeMultiplier = gradeMap[grade] || 1.0;
// Dependency Adjustment
var depMultiplier = hasDependents ? 1.30 : 1.00;
// Final Calculation (Base * Region * Grade * Dependency)
// Plus a small 2025 inflation factor (3.2%)
var finalBAH = baseRate * regionMultiplier * gradeMultiplier * depMultiplier * 1.032;
// Formatting output
var formattedResult = new Intl.NumberFormat('en-US', {
style: 'currency',
currency: 'USD',
}).format(finalBAH);
resultDisplay.innerHTML = formattedResult;
resultBox.style.display = "block";
// Smooth scroll to result
resultBox.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'nearest' });
}