BAH (CONUS) and OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance)

Service members living off base

BAH pays for off-base housing in the U.S. and is based on your duty station ZIP code, pay grade and dependency status. 2026 BAH rates rose an average of 4.2% on January 1, 2026, and rate protection means your BAH will not drop while you stay at the same station. Overseas, OHA reimburses actual rent up to a local cap plus a utility and recurring maintenance allowance, and some locations also pay a move-in housing allowance.

How to use it

Look up your new BAH with the DTMO BAH calculator before house hunting, and set a rent or mortgage budget below it to cover utilities.

Go to the official source

Last checked 2026-10. Rules and amounts change; your installation's finance, transportation or family center office has the final word.

Related in Housing & Home Buying

• VA Home Loan Guaranty
  Service members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
  Active duty members with leases, loans or legal matters