Honolulu County BAH Rates
All Oahu military installations fall under the same Honolulu County BAH rate schedule. Effective January 1, 2026.
BAH is tax-free income
Among the highest BAH rates in the nation
Rate based on with/without dependents only (number does not matter)
Rate protection: will not decrease for current station if market drops
With Dependents
$3,333
Without
$2,598
With Dependents
$3,333
Without
$2,598
With Dependents
$3,333
Without
$2,598
With Dependents
$3,333
Without
$2,598
With Dependents
$3,663
Without
$2,856
With Dependents
$3,912
Without
$3,036
With Dependents
$4,098
Without
$3,348
With Dependents
$4,302
Without
$3,720
With Dependents
$4,518
Without
$3,783
Important BAH Information
- • Hawaii is considered a U.S. duty station (receives BAH, not OHA)
- • Rates adjusted annually by DoD to reflect local market trends
- • Service members living on-base pay full BAH to privatized housing landlord
- • The number of dependents does not affect the rate — only with/without status
- • BAH is designed to cover approximately 95% of housing costs
Hawaii BAH Questions, Answered
Understanding your housing allowance before you PCS to Oahu.
What is BAH and who qualifies for it?+
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a tax-free allowance that helps service members cover housing costs when government quarters are not provided. Eligibility and the amount depend on your pay grade, your duty station, and whether you have dependents.
How are Hawaii BAH rates determined?+
Oahu is its own Military Housing Area (MHA). The Department of Defense sets rates each year based on local rental housing costs, then adjusts them by pay grade and dependency status. Because Hawaii has a high cost of living, Oahu BAH rates are among the highest in the country.
Does BAH cover the full cost of housing in Hawaii?+
BAH is designed to cover a typical housing cost for your rank in the local market. Depending on the neighborhood and home size you choose, your actual rent or mortgage may be higher or lower than your allowance. Use our BAH calculator to compare your rate against real Oahu neighborhoods.
Can I use my BAH toward a mortgage instead of rent?+
Yes. Many military families apply their BAH toward a monthly mortgage payment, often using a VA loan. Buying can let you build equity during your tour instead of paying rent. We can connect you with a military-friendly lender to run the numbers.
Do BAH rates change when I get promoted or PCS?+
Yes. Your BAH is recalculated when your pay grade changes, when your dependency status changes, or when you move to a new duty station with a different housing area. Rates are also reviewed annually.