Low Cost Area (Rural/Remote)
National Average (Standard MHA)
High Cost Area (Major Cities)
Very High Cost (NYC, SF, Hawaii)
Select the tier that best matches your duty zip code's housing market.
Estimated Monthly BAH
$0
Annual Housing Allowance
$0
Diff. from National Avg
+ $0
Note: This tool estimates BAH based on current rank structures and market tiers. Official rates vary by exact zip code and year. Always verify with the official DTMO query for your specific orders.
2024-2025 VA BAH Rate Calculator & Guide
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. military allowance that provides uniformed service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets. This allowance is designed to offset the cost of housing when you do not receive government-provided quarters or barracks.
How BAH Rates Are Determined
Unlike Basic Pay, which is determined solely by rank and years of service, BAH is determined by three primary factors:
Pay Grade: Your rank (E-1 through O-10) determines your housing standard (e.g., apartment vs. townhouse vs. single-family home).
Dependency Status: Service members with eligible dependents (spouse, children) generally receive a higher rate than those without.
Duty Station Location: The zip code of your permanent duty station determines the cost of living adjustment. Rates are tied to the local rental market, not your actual mortgage or rent payments.
BAH with Dependents vs. Without Dependents
The distinction between "With Dependents" and "Without Dependents" is the most significant multiplier aside from location. The "With Dependents" rate is calculated to allow a member to rent a detached house or townhouse in many markets, whereas the "Without Dependents" rate typically corresponds to the cost of a condominium or apartment.
Housing Standard Profile
Typical Rank Assignment
1 Bedroom Apartment
E-1 to E-4 (Without Dependents)
2 Bedroom Townhouse/Condo
E-5 (Without Dependents) or E-1 to E-4 (With Dependents)
3 Bedroom Townhouse/Detached
E-6 to O-1 (With Dependents)
3-4 Bedroom Single Family Detached
O-4 and above (With Dependents)
Understanding MHA and Post-9/11 GI Bill
If you are a veteran using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is generally equivalent to the BAH rate for an E-5 with Dependents for the zip code of the campus where you attend the majority of your classes. This calculator's E-5 setting can help estimate those education benefits.
Is BAH Taxable?
No. Basic Allowance for Housing is a non-taxable allowance. This means it does not appear on your W-2 and is not included in your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). This provides a significant tax advantage, making the "effective" value of the allowance much higher than a civilian salary increase of the same amount.