BAH is set by ZIP, pay grade, and dependency status. The amount is the same whether you have one dependent or five — only having dependents vs. not changes the rate. Active-duty members are generally taxed by their state of legal residence, not their duty station (SCRA) — the tax column shows each state's posture for context.
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PCS & duty station questions
How much will my BAH change at a new duty station?
BAH is driven by the ZIP's Military Housing Area, your pay grade, and whether you have dependents. Two stations can differ by hundreds of dollars a month — and local rent can differ even more, so the same BAH stretches further in some places. This tool shows your BAH at each ZIP and how it compares to local median rent.
Which duty stations have no state income tax?
Nine states have no wage income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Note that active-duty pay is generally taxed by your state of legal residence, not your duty station — but local income (a spouse's job) and a future move can make this matter. See every state's military-pay rules, and what a legal residence switch would save you, with our Military State Tax Calculator.
How do I find good schools near a base?
This tool counts the public elementary, middle, and high schools near each ZIP and shows a broad academic-proficiency signal from federal (NCES / EdFacts) data. Proficiency standards vary by state, so treat it as a starting point and dig into specific schools before you commit.
What does "cost of living vs BAH" mean?
It compares your monthly BAH to the area's median gross rent — a quick read on whether your housing allowance comfortably covers a typical place, or whether you'll likely pay out of pocket. We also show median home value and household income to round out the picture.
Where this data comes from
- BAH & rent/utility splitU.S. Department of Defense — Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO). 2026 rates + component breakdown, effective Jan 1, 2026.
- Cost of living & incomeU.S. Census Bureau — American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2023): median gross rent, median gross rent by bedroom count (table B25031), home value, household income.
- Price index (incl. groceries)U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis — Regional Price Parities (2024), metro-level, all-items + goods.
- COLA (CONUS & OCONUS)U.S. Department of Defense — DTMO Cost-of-Living Allowances. Eligibility + estimates; exact amount varies by grade/years/dependents (use the DTMO calculator).
- Area demographicsU.S. Census Bureau — American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2023): population, median age, sex ratio.
- Nearest installationU.S. DoD / DISDI — Military Installations, Ranges & Training Areas (MIRTA), 704 active DoD sites, all Service branches.
- CommissariesDefense Commissary Agency — DeCA store directory (236 commissaries with locations).
- State income taxState revenue departments — 2026 posture (which states levy a wage income tax).
- K-12 schools & proficiencyU.S. Dept. of Education — NCES Common Core of Data & EdFacts assessments, via the Urban Institute Education Data Portal.
- Colleges nearbyU.S. Dept. of Education — IPEDS, via the Urban Institute Education Data Portal.
- Locations (ZIP → place)GeoNames postal database (CC BY 4.0).
Figures are estimates and may be out of date. Always verify against official sources — the DTMO BAH calculator and myPay — before making financial decisions.