BAH and BAS Calculator

BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a TAX-FREE monthly payment covering housing costs when not living in government quarters. It varies by pay grade, dependent status, and duty-station ZIP code, set annually based on rental market surveys (75th percentile of local market). BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence) is a TAX-FREE flat monthly allowance covering food - $483.16/mo for enlisted and $336.61/mo for officers in 2026, regardless of duty station.

The DoD surveys median rental prices in every Military Housing Area annually, then sets BAH for each pay grade at the 75th percentile of "adequate" rentals (utilities + renters insurance + average local utility costs). The BAH rate is what the government would pay to rent housing for that grade. Service members pocket the difference if they rent below BAH; pay out-of-pocket if above.

Under 37 U.S.C. § 403, military housing and subsistence allowances are explicitly excluded from gross income. The effective tax savings are substantial - a $3,000/month BAH equals roughly $3,750-$4,000 of taxable salary depending on tax bracket. This is one of the most overlooked elements of military total compensation.

Yes - BAH adjusts to the new pay grade and new duty station ZIP immediately. "BAH protection" applies if your new station has LOWER BAH and you lock in your higher pre-PCS rate as long as you remain there. If you marry or have a child during a tour, the with-dependents rate kicks in retroactively to the dependency status date.