2017 BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) Rates

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for 2017 increased by 2.4% on average or approximately $41 per month. New BAH rates take effect on Jan. 1, 2017, and service members will see their first increase on their Jan. 15 pay.

While the BAH rates will increase for many service members this year, the BAH program also includes a plan to slow growth, eventually achieving a 5% out-of-pocket cost for living expenses. For 2017, the rate will cover 97 percent of service members’ housing costs, a one percent drop from last year. BAH used to cover 99% of housing expenses, but by 2019, service members pay 5% of their housing expenses out-of-pocket.

See the latest update on the 2023 Basic Allowance for Housing rates.

Determining Your BAH Rate

The easiest way to determine your BAH is with this BAH rate calculator. BAH rates depend on your pay grade, duty station zip and whether or not you have dependents.

Additional BAH Information

Not all locations will see this increase. BAH varies by the duty station zip code or school zip code in the case of veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and corresponds with the cost of living of that zip code. For instance, cities with a very high cost of living, such as New York City, Boston, and San Francisco, have a higher BAH rate to help offset those costs. Smaller cities such as Pensacola or Lawton have a lower cost of living and BAH.

Veterans, dependents, National Guard and reserves can use the MHA Calculator to see estimated monthly housing payments for the GI Bill, which can differ from the BAH calculator.

FY2012 – FY2017 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Comparison