Calculators
BAH Housing Budget Calculator
Compare housing costs with your Basic Allowance for Housing to see the monthly surplus or shortfall and the rent that fits within BAH.
- Runs in your browser
- Nothing uploaded
The tool
Enter your numbers below. Results update as you type, and nothing leaves your browser.
Everything you enter stays on your own machine. Nothing is sent to us or to anyone else, which you can confirm in your browser network tab.
What people use it for
- Choosing housing at a new duty station
- PCS move budgeting
- Deciding between renting and buying
- Military financial counselling
About this tool
What the BAH Housing Budget Calculator does
BAH is set to cover typical rent and utilities for your rank and dependency status in the duty station’s area. Comparing your actual rent, utilities and renters insurance with the BAH rate shows whether you keep a surplus or pay out of pocket.
It also works as a BAH rate calculator or a basic allowance for housing calculator.
Formula
- Housing costs = rent + utilities + insurance
- Difference = BAH − housing costs
- Maximum rent = BAH − utilities − insurance
Worked example
Using the starting values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly BAH rate | $2,100 |
| Monthly rent or mortgage | $1,850 |
| Monthly utilities | $220 |
| Renters or home insurance per month | $20.00 |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly surplus (negative = out of pocket) | $10.00 |
| Highest rent covered by BAH | $1,860 |
| Annual difference | $120 |
| Housing costs as share of BAH | 99.5% |
How to read the result
BAH rate protection keeps your rate from falling while you stay at the same duty station.
Living on base usually means BAH is paid to the housing provider rather than to you.
Estimates only. Official rates and rules change; confirm figures with the relevant agency before relying on them.
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Questions
Questions about this tool
The things clients actually want to know — costs, timelines, ownership and what happens after launch.
A tax-free allowance to help service members pay for housing off base.
Yes. If housing costs less than BAH, you keep the difference.
From surveys of rental costs by location, rank and dependency status.
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