Rates and VA Loan Buying Power
2026 Louisiana BAH Rates and VA Loan Buying Power
Primary sources:
DoD BAH Lookup
DFAS Pay and Entitlements
VA Home Loan Overview
CFPB Loan Estimate Guide
Louisiana BAH rates changed for 2026, and that matters because tax free BAH can directly affect VA loan buying power when it is verified on your LES. Before you use the tables, make sure your lender is using the right Louisiana market, the right dependency status, and a payment target that fits your full file.
Next step:
Check VA Loan Eligibility Using Your BAH and LES
Louisiana BAH Snapshot
New Orleans and Baton Rouge run above Fort Johnson and Alexandria in your sample set, while Shreveport and Barksdale AFB posted one of the stronger local jumps. Buying power can shift fast by zip, rank, and dependency status.
How Lenders Count BAH
Many VA lenders count BAH as qualifying income when it shows on your LES. Because it is tax free, some lenders also gross it up. That can help DTI, but residual income and the full monthly payment still decide what is workable.
PCS and Rate Protection
With valid PCS orders, lenders can often use gaining station BAH when you are moving into Louisiana. Separate from that, individual rate protection can preserve a higher allowance while you stay at the same duty station with the same rank and dependency status.
LES and Documents
Expect underwriters to review two to three LES statements, plus PCS orders when you are buying before a move. Those documents help verify continuity, current entitlements, and whether the lender used the correct Louisiana housing assumptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Louisiana BAH to qualify for a VA loan?
Can PCS orders change which Louisiana BAH a lender uses?
Why does the Louisiana BAH table not match my loan estimate exactly?
How to Use Louisiana BAH Rates for a VA Loan
- Pick the Right Table: Start with the Louisiana market that matches your duty station or likely purchase area, then match your rank and dependency status before estimating any payment.
- Turn BAH into PITI Target plus Cushion: Use BAH as the first pass for principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, then leave room for utilities, repairs, HOA dues, and ordinary monthly variance.
- Verify Lender Treatment Using LES and Gross Up: Ask how the lender is counting tax free BAH from your LES, whether it is grossed up, and how that changes your real qualifying range.
- Use Same Assumptions When Shopping Lenders: Keep purchase price, taxes, insurance, credit band, and occupancy plan the same so you can judge lender treatment instead of comparing mismatched scenarios.
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
-
2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Rates by City
Official 2026 tables by city and MHA -
How BAH Affects VA Loan Buying Power
How allowance converts to qualifying income and price -
Military Housing Allowance (MHA) vs. BAH
Terminology and usage across DoD and lenders -
How Dual Military Couples Combine BAH for a VA Loan
Categories, documentation, and joint approvals -
Using BAH After Active Duty for a VA Loan
Eligibility paths, timing, documentation after separation -
Top 10 Military Cities with the Highest BAH
Markets with strong allowances and typical housing costs -
BAH Reserve and Transient Rates for 2026
Reserve component and partial month quick reference -
BAH vs PITI Mortgage Coverage
Define coverage and calculate safe payment buffers -
BAH VA Loan Buy or Rent PCS
Choose ownership or leasing around PCS timelines -
BAH Gross Up VA Loan Buying Power
How lenders adjust non taxable income and DTI impact
Louisiana Housing Costs & BAH Impact
Louisiana’s rental market varies widely, with lower costs in areas like Leesville and Monroe, and higher prices in New Orleans and Bossier City. In 2026, BAH rates rose slightly to match housing demand near Fort Johnson, Barksdale AFB, and NAS JRB New Orleans. In most regions, BAH covers the full cost of rent — with some areas even allowing service members to save or invest the remainder.
ALEXANDRIA, LA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: LA113
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,182 | $939 |
| E02 | $1,182 | $939 |
| E03 | $1,182 | $939 |
| E04 | $1,182 | $939 |
| E05 | $1,194 | $1,080 |
| E06 | $1,536 | $1,170 |
| E07 | $1,644 | $1,233 |
| E08 | $1,758 | $1,320 |
| E09 | $1,932 | $1,449 |
| W01 | $1,557 | $1,194 |
| W02 | $1,692 | $1,269 |
| W03 | $1,836 | $1,452 |
| W04 | $1,971 | $1,557 |
| W05 | $2,133 | $1,671 |
| O01E | $1,662 | $1,248 |
| O02E | $1,815 | $1,362 |
| O03E | $1,992 | $1,530 |
| O01 | $1,242 | $1,167 |
| O02 | $1,533 | $1,236 |
| O03 | $1,833 | $1,455 |
| O04 | $2,190 | $1,647 |
| O05 | $2,439 | $1,830 |
| O06 | $2,460 | $1,845 |
| O07 | $2,478 | $1,860 |
BAH for ALEXANDRIA, LA includes the following zip codes: 71301, 71302, 71303, 71306, 71307, 71309, 71315, 71325, 71328, 71330, 71346, 71348, 71359, 71360, 71361, 71365, 71405, 71409, 71424, 71427, 71430, 71431, 71433, 71438, 71447, 71448, 71455, 71466, 71472, 71477, 71485
BATON ROUGE, LA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: LA114
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,728 | $1,368 |
| E02 | $1,728 | $1,368 |
| E03 | $1,728 | $1,368 |
| E04 | $1,728 | $1,368 |
| E05 | $1,839 | $1,521 |
| E06 | $2,118 | $1,620 |
| E07 | $2,142 | $1,728 |
| E08 | $2,163 | $1,899 |
| E09 | $2,271 | $1,974 |
| W01 | $2,136 | $1,701 |
| W02 | $2,151 | $1,896 |
| W03 | $2,187 | $1,986 |
| W04 | $2,304 | $2,115 |
| W05 | $2,454 | $2,145 |
| O01E | $2,145 | $1,836 |
| O02E | $2,178 | $1,956 |
| O03E | $2,325 | $2,109 |
| O01 | $1,881 | $1,611 |
| O02 | $2,115 | $1,806 |
| O03 | $2,184 | $2,013 |
| O04 | $2,502 | $2,133 |
| O05 | $2,730 | $2,148 |
| O06 | $2,754 | $2,163 |
| O07 | $2,775 | $2,202 |
BAH for BATON ROUGE, LA includes the following zip codes: 70346, 70449, 70462, 70704, 70706, 70707, 70710, 70711, 70714, 70718, 70719, 70725, 70726, 70727, 70728, 70729, 70733, 70734, 70737, 70738, 70739, 70744, 70754, 70767, 70769, 70770, 70774, 70778, 70785, 70786, 70791, 70801, 70802, 70803, 70804, 70805, 70806, 70807, 70808, 70809, 70810, 70811, 70812, 70813, 70814, 70815, 70816, 70817, 70818, 70819, 70820, 70821, 70822, 70823, 70825, 70826, 70827, 70831, 70833, 70835, 70836, 70837, 70873, 70874, 70879, 70884, 70891, 70892, 70893, 70894, 70895, 70896, 70898
FORT JOHNSON, LA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: LA115
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,131 | $885 |
| E02 | $1,131 | $885 |
| E03 | $1,131 | $885 |
| E04 | $1,131 | $885 |
| E05 | $1,203 | $987 |
| E06 | $1,668 | $1,251 |
| E07 | $1,722 | $1,293 |
| E08 | $1,773 | $1,329 |
| E09 | $1,866 | $1,434 |
| W01 | $1,689 | $1,266 |
| W02 | $1,743 | $1,308 |
| W03 | $1,809 | $1,452 |
| W04 | $1,893 | $1,677 |
| W05 | $1,998 | $1,731 |
| O01E | $1,725 | $1,293 |
| O02E | $1,800 | $1,404 |
| O03E | $1,905 | $1,662 |
| O01 | $1,266 | $1,095 |
| O02 | $1,665 | $1,296 |
| O03 | $1,806 | $1,500 |
| O04 | $2,031 | $1,716 |
| O05 | $2,187 | $1,740 |
| O06 | $2,205 | $1,788 |
| O07 | $2,217 | $1,818 |
BAH for FORT JOHNSON, LA includes the following zip codes: 70634, 70637, 70639, 70652, 70653, 70656, 70657, 70659, 70660, 70662, 71002, 71031, 71066, 71403, 71411, 71414, 71416, 71428, 71434, 71439, 71443, 71446, 71450, 71452, 71456, 71457, 71458, 71459, 71461, 71468, 71469, 71474, 71475, 71496, 71497
NEW ORLEANS, LA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: LA116
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,725 | $1,293 |
| E02 | $1,725 | $1,293 |
| E03 | $1,725 | $1,293 |
| E04 | $1,725 | $1,293 |
| E05 | $1,854 | $1,476 |
| E06 | $2,301 | $1,725 |
| E07 | $2,367 | $1,776 |
| E08 | $2,433 | $1,947 |
| E09 | $2,568 | $2,076 |
| W01 | $2,322 | $1,743 |
| W02 | $2,394 | $1,944 |
| W03 | $2,481 | $2,094 |
| W04 | $2,604 | $2,313 |
| W05 | $2,757 | $2,382 |
| O01E | $2,373 | $1,851 |
| O02E | $2,469 | $2,046 |
| O03E | $2,625 | $2,295 |
| O01 | $1,914 | $1,593 |
| O02 | $2,298 | $1,815 |
| O03 | $2,478 | $2,139 |
| O04 | $2,808 | $2,364 |
| O05 | $3,042 | $2,397 |
| O06 | $3,069 | $2,460 |
| O07 | $3,093 | $2,505 |
BAH for NEW ORLEANS, LA includes the following zip codes: 39520, 39522, 39529, 39572, 39576, 70001, 70002, 70003, 70004, 70005, 70006, 70009, 70010, 70011, 70032, 70033, 70036, 70037, 70038, 70040, 70041, 70043, 70044, 70050, 70053, 70054, 70055, 70056, 70058, 70059, 70060, 70062, 70063, 70064, 70065, 70067, 70072, 70073, 70075, 70081, 70082, 70083, 70085, 70091, 70092, 70093, 70094, 70096, 70097, 70112, 70113, 70114, 70115, 70116, 70117, 70118, 70119, 70121, 70122, 70123, 70124, 70125, 70126, 70127, 70128, 70129, 70130, 70131, 70139, 70141, 70142, 70143, 70145, 70146, 70148, 70150, 70151, 70152, 70153, 70154, 70156, 70157, 70158, 70159, 70160, 70161, 70162, 70163, 70164, 70165, 70166, 70167, 70170, 70172, 70174, 70175, 70176, 70177, 70178, 70179, 70181, 70182, 70183, 70184, 70185, 70186, 70187, 70189, 70190, 70195, 70358, 70420, 70431, 70433, 70434, 70435, 70437, 70445, 70447, 70448, 70452, 70457, 70458, 70459, 70460, 70461, 70463, 70464, 70469, 70470, 70471
SHREVEPORT/BARKSDALE AFB, LA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: LA117
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,545 | $1,161 |
| E02 | $1,545 | $1,161 |
| E03 | $1,545 | $1,161 |
| E04 | $1,545 | $1,161 |
| E05 | $1,674 | $1,320 |
| E06 | $1,920 | $1,437 |
| E07 | $1,977 | $1,545 |
| E08 | $2,037 | $1,728 |
| E09 | $2,163 | $1,791 |
| W01 | $1,938 | $1,512 |
| W02 | $2,004 | $1,725 |
| W03 | $2,082 | $1,803 |
| W04 | $2,199 | $1,926 |
| W05 | $2,343 | $1,992 |
| O01E | $1,983 | $1,671 |
| O02E | $2,070 | $1,776 |
| O03E | $2,217 | $1,911 |
| O01 | $1,710 | $1,410 |
| O02 | $1,917 | $1,635 |
| O03 | $2,079 | $1,827 |
| O04 | $2,391 | $1,974 |
| O05 | $2,610 | $2,004 |
| O06 | $2,631 | $2,061 |
| O07 | $2,652 | $2,097 |
BAH for SHREVEPORT/BARKSDALE AFB, LA includes the following zip codes: 71004, 71006, 71007, 71009, 71029, 71033, 71037, 71043, 71044, 71047, 71051, 71060, 71061, 71064, 71067, 71069, 71082, 71101, 71102, 71103, 71104, 71105, 71106, 71107, 71108, 71109, 71110, 71111, 71112, 71113, 71115, 71118, 71119, 71120, 71129, 71130, 71133, 71134, 71135, 71136, 71137, 71138, 71148, 71149, 71150, 71151, 71152, 71153, 71154, 71156, 71161, 71162, 71163, 71164, 71165, 71166, 71171, 71172
LAFAYETTE, LA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: LA118
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,530 | $1,155 |
| E02 | $1,530 | $1,155 |
| E03 | $1,530 | $1,155 |
| E04 | $1,530 | $1,155 |
| E05 | $1,656 | $1,311 |
| E06 | $1,785 | $1,410 |
| E07 | $1,896 | $1,533 |
| E08 | $2,019 | $1,689 |
| E09 | $2,178 | $1,713 |
| W01 | $1,800 | $1,497 |
| W02 | $1,947 | $1,686 |
| W03 | $2,100 | $1,722 |
| W04 | $2,211 | $1,803 |
| W05 | $2,346 | $1,923 |
| O01E | $1,914 | $1,653 |
| O02E | $2,079 | $1,707 |
| O03E | $2,229 | $1,773 |
| O01 | $1,680 | $1,401 |
| O02 | $1,782 | $1,620 |
| O03 | $2,094 | $1,734 |
| O04 | $2,391 | $1,899 |
| O05 | $2,598 | $1,965 |
| O06 | $2,619 | $2,082 |
| O07 | $2,640 | $2,118 |
BAH for LAFAYETTE, LA includes the following zip codes: 70380, 70501, 70502, 70503, 70504, 70505, 70506, 70507, 70508, 70509, 70513, 70517, 70518, 70519, 70520, 70521, 70529, 70544, 70552, 70558, 70560, 70562, 70563, 70569, 70582, 70583, 70592, 70593, 70596, 70598
LAKE CHARLES, LA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: LA370
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,254 | $1,026 |
| E02 | $1,254 | $1,026 |
| E03 | $1,254 | $1,026 |
| E04 | $1,254 | $1,026 |
| E05 | $1,311 | $1,128 |
| E06 | $1,584 | $1,197 |
| E07 | $1,677 | $1,257 |
| E08 | $1,779 | $1,371 |
| E09 | $1,920 | $1,443 |
| W01 | $1,602 | $1,248 |
| W02 | $1,719 | $1,368 |
| W03 | $1,845 | $1,455 |
| W04 | $1,950 | $1,599 |
| W05 | $2,082 | $1,701 |
| O01E | $1,692 | $1,308 |
| O02E | $1,827 | $1,428 |
| O03E | $1,968 | $1,575 |
| O01 | $1,353 | $1,194 |
| O02 | $1,581 | $1,296 |
| O03 | $1,842 | $1,482 |
| O04 | $2,124 | $1,677 |
| O05 | $2,322 | $1,743 |
| O06 | $2,340 | $1,827 |
| O07 | $2,358 | $1,857 |
BAH for LAKE CHARLES, LA includes the following zip codes: 70601, 70602, 70605, 70606, 70607, 70609, 70611, 70612, 70615, 70616, 70629, 70630, 70633, 70646, 70647, 70661, 70663, 70664, 70665, 70668, 70669
MONROE, LA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: LA371
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,104 | $906 |
| E02 | $1,104 | $906 |
| E03 | $1,104 | $906 |
| E04 | $1,104 | $906 |
| E05 | $1,119 | $1,017 |
| E06 | $1,554 | $1,167 |
| E07 | $1,602 | $1,203 |
| E08 | $1,650 | $1,239 |
| E09 | $1,728 | $1,335 |
| W01 | $1,575 | $1,182 |
| W02 | $1,623 | $1,218 |
| W03 | $1,683 | $1,353 |
| W04 | $1,749 | $1,563 |
| W05 | $1,833 | $1,611 |
| O01E | $1,605 | $1,209 |
| O02E | $1,674 | $1,308 |
| O03E | $1,761 | $1,548 |
| O01 | $1,176 | $1,086 |
| O02 | $1,551 | $1,206 |
| O03 | $1,680 | $1,398 |
| O04 | $1,860 | $1,596 |
| O05 | $1,983 | $1,620 |
| O06 | $1,998 | $1,662 |
| O07 | $2,010 | $1,692 |
BAH for MONROE, LA includes the following zip codes: 71201, 71202, 71203, 71207, 71209, 71210, 71211, 71212, 71213, 71217, 71225, 71226, 71227, 71235, 71238, 71240, 71245, 71247, 71251, 71268, 71270, 71272, 71273, 71275, 71280, 71281, 71291, 71292, 71294
