2018 BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) Rates
Updated: March 23, 2021
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for 2018 will increase by 0.7% on average. The increase is far from the proposed 2.9%.
The 0.7% increase will be effective on Jan. 1, 2018, and service members will see the first increase on their Jan. 15 pay. BAH varies by location, and not every location will see an increase.
See the latest update on the 2023 Basic Allowance for Housing rates.
Determining Your BAH Rate
BAH rates depend on pay grade, zip code and dependent status. The easiest way to determine our BAH is by utilizing the BAH calculator here. You can also view the rates in chart format in the links below:
FY2012 – FY2018 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Comparison
Year | Proposed Increase/Decrease | Actual Increase |
2018 | 2.90% | 0.7% |
2017 | 2.90% | 2.4% |
2016 | 1.30% | 3.4% |
2015 | -5.00% | 0.5% |
2014 | 4.20% | 5.00% |
2013 | 4.20% | 3.80% |
2012 | 4.20% | 2.0% |
Continuing the Slow Growth Program
The BAH program includes a plan to slow growth, eventually achieving a 5% out-of-pocket cost for living expenses. For 2018, the rate will cover 96% of service members’ housing costs, a one percent drop from last year. BAH previously covered 99% of housing expenses, but by 2019, service members will be paying 5% of their housing expenses out of pocket.
Not all locations will see an increase, as the DoD bases BAH on the duty station zip code or school zip code in the case of veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. For instance, cities with high living costs, such as Honolulu, Chicago and Los Angeles, will have a higher BAH rate than cities with a lower cost of living.
BAH rate increases are for all branches of the military, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, and Reserves forces where applicable.
Most Popular BAH and Allowances Articles

2023 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Rates

2023 BAH Rates By State and Local MHA

2023 Military Pay Raise: Military Members Receive a 4.6% Increase

2023 Military Pay Charts

2023 Military Pay Dates and LES Release Dates
