Basic allowance for housing (BAH) calculator 2026
Get a clear view of your BAH and how it can help you build a smarter housing plan.
BAH Calculator
Monthly allowance
Use the ZIP code for the installation or base where the service member is stationed.
Select “Yes” if you have eligible family members (e.g., a spouse or child).
How do dependents affect my rate?
You’ll get the same BAH rate whether you have one dependent or five.
The “with dependents” rate reflects average family housing costs in your area and your pay grade, as set by the Department of Defense.
Annually
Dependents
Pay grade
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Basic Allowance for Housing calculations based on data from the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Travel Management Office
The Rocket Mortgage Purchase Rates are for estimation purposes only. Every situation is different. Results do not reflect all loan programs and are subject to individual program loan limits. Qualification, rates and payments will vary based on timing and individual circumstances. Mortgage rates and pricing could change daily. Actual payments will vary based on your individual situation and current rates. Some products may not be available in all states. Some jumbo products may not be available to first time home buyers. Lending services may not be available in all areas. Some restrictions may apply. This is not a commitment to lend.
Here's a payment example based on an average home price and the most common loan type:
Loan amount: [LOAN AMOUNT]
Loan type: [LOAN TYPE]
Interest rate/APR: [INTEREST RATE] ([APR] APR)
Monthly payment: [MONTHLY PAYMENT]
Points: [POINTS] points, costs due at closing [AMOUNT DUE AT CLOSING]
Loan-to-value (LTV): [LTV]
One point is equal to one percent of your loan amount. Payment does not include taxes and insurance. The actual payment amount will be greater. Some state and county maximum loan amount restrictions may apply. Rates shown are valid on publication date of [LAST RATE UPDATE].
An estimate of your taxes and insurance is based on the state selected. This does not include all fees.
VA loans do not require PMI. The VA loan is a benefit of military service and only offered to veterans, surviving spouses and active duty military.
Service members may qualify for $0 down.
Apply my BAH to my mortgage
Mortgage details
Down payment
Est. monthly payment
Apply your BAH toward your mortgage, and it could cover [percent] of your monthly payment.
Great news! Your BAH covers your monthly payment with extra for other expenses.
Interest rate
The percentage you pay to borrow money. The interest rate is auto-filled by loan type until you modify the rate value.
Loan type
A 30-year term is the most popular loan length because it has the lowest payments.
Principal & interest
Remaining balance
Taxes
Monthly out-of-pocket
Your BAH, at a glance
Location drives allowance
Your duty station ZIP determines your BAH based on local housing costs in that area.
Rates refresh yearly
BAH rates change every January, so know your rate and plan ahead.
Steady rate
Your BAH won’t go down even if the housing market changes.
Flexible use
You can apply BAH toward rent, a mortgage, utilities, or other housing-related expenses
Family boost benefit
Dependents mean a higher BAH tier to help cover family housing costs.
Dual military
Both receive BAH but the dependent boost goes to the higher rank or main caregiver
Turn your benefits into a home
Fuel your first home purchase with a VA loan for steady, long-term rewards.
Bring more to the table
BAH counts as income, helping you qualify for more
Grow equity effortlessly
Watch every payment work to build your equity
Keep your home running
Put the rest toward utilities or maintenance.
Military homebuying tools and resources
Explore service members hub
Learn how to use your benefits to buy with confidence.
Compare your mortgage options
Compare VA and other loans to find what fits your goals.
View current mortgage rates
Check current rates and plan your next move.
Estimate your housing budget
Use our calculator to plan your home buying with confidence.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a tax-free benefit that helps service members cover housing costs when government quarters aren’t available. Your rank, location, and dependents determine the amount.
Only active duty military members are eligible for BAH. That means if you’re currently serving full time in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard, you’re eligible to receive it.
Your BAH rate depends on your duty location, pay grade, and dependent status. The Department of Defense sets rates yearly using local rent and utility data, ensuring fair, location-based housing support.
No, your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is tax-free. It’s not subject to federal or Social Security taxes, so you keep more of your benefit every month. Always confirm your state’s tax rules.
If you PCS or relocate to a lower-cost area, your BAH may not drop immediately — thanks to individual rate protection. But once you move, your new BAH will match your new duty station's rate.
Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) is a tax-free benefit for service members stationed outside the U.S. It helps reimburse housing rent, utilities, and move-in costs based on what you actually pay.
If you’re both active-duty service members, each of you may receive BAH.
- No dependents: You’ll each get the single rate for your duty location.
- With dependents: One receives the “with dependents” rate, and the other gets the “without dependents” rate.
Check with your personnel office or the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) to confirm your specific eligibility.
The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) helps Veterans, reservists, Guard members, and dependents cover housing costs through the GI Bill. It’s similar to Basic Allowance for Housing but tied to school enrollment. Most lenders don’t count MHA as stable income for a VA loan, so you’ll need other reliable income sources to qualify.
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