March 14, 2025
Effective Jan. 1, 2014, active duty service members will see an average Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate increase of 5.0% or around $75 to $80 on average. The increase marks the largest in 5 years and lands 1.2% higher than 2013’s 3.8% increase. Despite the looming concerns that the Pentagon has BAH rates within their cross-hairs, this is great news.
See 2025 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates here.
Keep in mind that the BAH rate increase is average across all locations. BAH rates vary by location; not everyone will see the same increase if any. Actual increases will be based on a “by location” housing market analysis conducted for the Department of Defense and a food cost index prepared by the Department of Agriculture – both of which are measured much closer to the effective date to ensure they best capture the actual cost impact on the service member.
Reminder: Service members have individual rate protection against any decrease, and only newly reporting members to these locations would receive the lower BAH rate.
| 2012-2014 BAH (Basic Allowance Housing) Comparison | ||
| Year | Proposed Increase | Actual Increase |
| 2014 | 4.20% | 5.0% |
| 2013 | 4.20% | 3.80% |
| 2012 | 4.20% | 2.0% |
Finding Your 2014 BAH Rate
The simplest way to to determine your BAH rate is using this BAH calculator here. You can also parse either of the tables in the links below:
The BAH rate increases are for all branches of the military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Reserves forces where applicable.
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