2026 BAH Rates in Idaho – ZIP Code Housing Allowance
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates in Idaho are now live. These tax-free monthly payments help active-duty military personnel cover off-base housing expenses, determined by ZIP code, pay grade, and dependency status. Whether you’re stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base or living near Boise, the charts below show your updated rate.
Idaho’s BAH rates increased by an average of 5.4% in 2026, especially around the Boise metro area and Mountain Home. For a national comparison, check our military housing allowance update page. Thinking about buying in Idaho? Explore your options in our Idaho VA loan guide.
How to Find Your 2026 BAH Rate in Idaho
Use the BAH charts below to locate your 2026 housing allowance by ZIP code, rank, and dependent status. These rates reflect updated rental data from Idaho’s Military Housing Areas, including Mountain Home and Boise.
View BAH Rates in:
What is the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)?
BAH is a monthly, tax-free housing stipend provided to active-duty service members to help cover rent and housing costs when living off base. In Idaho, it supports families stationed at installations like Mountain Home AFB where access to base housing may be limited.
The Department of Defense reviews BAH rates annually to match changes in local housing costs. The 2026 rates below reflect updated market conditions across Idaho ZIP codes.
How BAH Rates Are Determined
BAH is determined by:
- Location: Rates vary based on rental prices in ZIP codes like 83648 (Mountain Home) or 83705 (Boise).
- Rank: Higher ranks receive larger allowances due to increased housing expectations.
- Dependents: Those with dependents qualify for higher BAH to accommodate family housing needs.
How to Use the BAH Charts
To find your BAH for 2026 in Idaho:
- Find your base’s ZIP code or assigned Military Housing Area (MHA).
- Select your rank or pay grade (e.g. E-5, O-3).
- Check the “with” or “without” dependents rate.
2026 Idaho BAH Rate Charts
BAH rates in Idaho rose by 5.4% in 2026. Use the charts below to look up your monthly housing benefit for Mountain Home AFB and surrounding ZIPs.
Idaho Housing Costs & BAH Impact
While Idaho is known for its affordable housing compared to coastal states, rents have steadily increased near growing areas like Boise. For service members stationed at Mountain Home AFB or in nearby towns, 2026 BAH rates have been adjusted upward to reflect these market shifts. In most ZIPs, BAH can fully cover rent and utilities. In more rural areas, it may even exceed typical housing costs, allowing families to save. BAH updates ensure housing affordability remains steady for Idaho-based personnel.
Convert Your BAH to VA Buying Power
Enter your BAH and key financials. We’ll estimate a comfortable VA home price and the resulting monthly payment.
Explore More BAH Insights
BOISE, ID BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: ID084
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,938 | $1,668 |
| E02 | $1,938 | $1,668 |
| E03 | $1,938 | $1,668 |
| E04 | $1,938 | $1,668 |
| E05 | $2,016 | $1,785 |
| E06 | $2,331 | $1,863 |
| E07 | $2,367 | $1,938 |
| E08 | $2,403 | $2,082 |
| E09 | $2,493 | $2,169 |
| W01 | $2,349 | $1,926 |
| W02 | $2,382 | $2,079 |
| W03 | $2,430 | $2,181 |
| W04 | $2,520 | $2,334 |
| W05 | $2,631 | $2,373 |
| O01E | $2,370 | $2,013 |
| O02E | $2,421 | $2,148 |
| O03E | $2,535 | $2,322 |
| O01 | $2,061 | $1,860 |
| O02 | $2,328 | $1,995 |
| O03 | $2,427 | $2,214 |
| O04 | $2,667 | $2,358 |
| O05 | $2,835 | $2,376 |
| O06 | $2,859 | $2,409 |
| O07 | $2,880 | $2,451 |
BAH for BOISE, ID includes the following zip codes: 83605, 83606, 83607, 83616, 83626, 83630, 83634, 83641, 83642, 83644, 83646, 83651, 83652, 83653, 83656, 83660, 83669, 83676, 83680, 83686, 83687, 83701, 83702, 83703, 83704, 83705, 83706, 83707, 83708, 83709, 83711, 83712, 83713, 83714, 83715, 83717, 83719, 83720, 83722, 83724, 83725, 83726, 83728, 83729, 83732, 83735, 83756, 83799
MOUNTAIN HOME AFB, ID BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: ID086
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,593 | $1,512 |
| E02 | $1,593 | $1,512 |
| E03 | $1,593 | $1,512 |
| E04 | $1,593 | $1,512 |
| E05 | $1,674 | $1,515 |
| E06 | $2,298 | $1,725 |
| E07 | $2,322 | $1,743 |
| E08 | $2,331 | $1,800 |
| E09 | $2,424 | $1,986 |
| W01 | $2,319 | $1,740 |
| W02 | $2,328 | $1,797 |
| W03 | $2,340 | $2,010 |
| W04 | $2,466 | $2,295 |
| W05 | $2,637 | $2,310 |
| O01E | $2,325 | $1,749 |
| O02E | $2,334 | $1,944 |
| O03E | $2,490 | $2,292 |
| O01 | $1,752 | $1,518 |
| O02 | $2,292 | $1,746 |
| O03 | $2,337 | $2,073 |
| O04 | $2,697 | $2,298 |
| O05 | $2,964 | $2,313 |
| O06 | $2,991 | $2,316 |
| O07 | $3,012 | $2,343 |
BAH for MOUNTAIN HOME AFB, ID includes the following zip codes: 83623, 83627, 83633, 83647, 83648, 83716
How to Use Your BAH to Buy a Home
Many service members stationed in Idaho are surprised to learn that Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) can be used to help qualify for a VA home loan. Because BAH is considered reliable, tax-free income, it often allows buyers to cover most — if not all — of their monthly mortgage payment.
Through the VA home loan program, eligible Veterans and active-duty members can purchase a home with:
- $0 down payment in most cases
- No monthly PMI (private mortgage insurance)
- Flexible credit guidelines and competitive rates
- Reuse of the benefit, even if you’ve bought before
In areas like Mountain Home or Boise, your BAH may be enough to completely cover a modest home’s mortgage — giving you a path to long-term stability instead of temporary renting.
2026 BAH FAQs for Idaho
How much did BAH increase in Idaho for 2026?
Idaho BAH rates increased by an average of 5.4% in 2026, especially in the Mountain Home and Boise areas.
Where is BAH highest in Idaho?
The highest BAH rates are generally found in ZIP codes near Boise and Mountain Home AFB.
What’s the BAH for an E-5 with dependents at Mountain Home AFB?
As of 2026, an E-5 with dependents stationed at Mountain Home receives approximately $2,010/month.
Does BAH cover rent in Idaho?
In most cases, yes — especially in towns near the base. BAH usually covers rent and utilities.
Is BAH taxable income?
No. BAH is a tax-free military housing allowance and is not counted as income.
Do all service members receive BAH?
Yes, if living off base or if government housing is unavailable or not used.
When are BAH rates updated?
BAH is recalculated each year and new rates go into effect every January.
Can I use BAH as income to qualify for a VA loan?
Yes. Lenders accept BAH as stable income when applying for a mortgage.
What is the MHA for Mountain Home AFB?
Mountain Home AFB falls under MHA ID053 and includes ZIP code 83648.
How do dependents affect BAH?
Service members with dependents receive a higher BAH rate to account for increased housing needs.
