2026 Louisiana BAH Rates by Base, Rank, and Dependents

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2026 Louisiana BAH Rates

Rates and VA Loan Buying Power

2026 Louisiana BAH Rates and VA Loan Buying Power

Written by: NMLS#151017Written by: (NMLS 151017)
Reviewed by: VA Loan Network Editorial Team, Editorial Team
Updated on

Louisiana has 9 Military Housing Areas. E-5 with-dependents BAH ranges from $1,194 to $1,905 per month; E-6 with dependents ranges from $1,626 to $2,373. Buying-power assumptions are stated below the table.


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Check Your VA Loan Eligibility

Table 1. Louisiana Military Housing Areas at a glance
MHA E-5 w/dep E-6 w/dep E-6 buying power
ALEXANDRIA, LA $1,290 $1,677 ~$175,000
BATON ROUGE, LA $1,875 $2,193 ~$230,000
FORT POLK, LA $1,218 $1,833 ~$190,000
NEW ORLEANS, LA $1,905 $2,373 ~$250,000
SHREVEPORT/BARKSDALE AFB, LA $1,845 $2,028 ~$215,000
LAFAYETTE, LA $1,584 $1,845 ~$195,000
ST MARY AND TERREBONNE, LA $1,620 $1,650 ~$175,000
LAKE CHARLES, LA $1,356 $1,626 ~$170,000
MONROE, LA $1,194 $1,629 ~$170,000

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Step 1 of 6 Your BAH
STEP 01 · YOUR BAH
What's your monthly BAH?

Find it on your LES, listed as "BAH" in entitlements. Or pick your state below to find a base.

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STEP 02 · DEPENDENTS
Do you have dependents?

Spouse, children, or other qualifying dependents. Affects lender qualification.

STEP 03 · CREDIT RANGE
Roughly, where's your credit?

No exact number needed. Many VA lenders go below 580, most banks won't tell you that.

680+
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STEP 04 · TIMELINE
When are you thinking of buying?
YOUR BUYING POWER
Your BAH buys you a home worth this much.
ESTIMATED HOME PRICE
$0

With $0 down and your VA benefit

▸Estimated VA rate
—
▸Down payment
$0
▸Funding fee (financed)
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▸Estimated monthly payment
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▸BAH surplus per month
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Louisiana BAH Snapshot

  • MHA count: 9 Military Housing Areas
  • E-5 w/dep range: $1,194 to $1,905/mo
  • E-6 w/dep range: $1,626 to $2,373/mo
  • Buying power range: ~$125,000 to ~$250,000

How BAH Counts for VA Loans

  • Tax-free income: BAH is excluded from gross income. 26 USC 134(a) Lenders may count it at 125 percent for the debt-to-income ratio, a 25 percent gross-up. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Debt-to-Income Ratio
  • LES verification: The lender must verify the BAH amount; allowances are documented on the LES. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH
  • Rate protection: The monthly BAH amount may not be reduced while the member retains uninterrupted eligibility within an area. 37 USC 403(b)(6)
  • Dependent status: The statute establishes separate rates for members with and without dependents. 37 USC 403(b)(5) With-dependents rates are higher at every grade in every MHA.

Highest BAH in Texas

  • NEW ORLEANS, LA: E-6 w/dep $2,373/mo, ~$250,000 buying power
  • BATON ROUGE, LA: E-6 w/dep $2,193/mo, ~$230,000 buying power
  • SHREVEPORT/BARKSDALE AFB, LA: E-6 w/dep $2,028/mo, ~$215,000 buying power
  • LAFAYETTE, LA: E-6 w/dep $1,845/mo, ~$195,000 buying power

Lowest BAH in Texas

  • LAKE CHARLES, LA: E-6 w/dep $1,626/mo, ~$170,000 buying power
  • MONROE, LA: E-6 w/dep $1,629/mo, ~$170,000 buying power
  • ST MARY AND TERREBONNE, LA: E-6 w/dep $1,650/mo, ~$175,000 buying power
  • ALEXANDRIA, LA: E-6 w/dep $1,677/mo, ~$175,000 buying power

The Bottom Line Up Front

Louisiana BAH rates vary by more than $747 per month at E-6 with dependents. The highest rate is $2,373 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) and the lowest is $1,626 (LAKE CHARLES, LA). That spread translates to a buying-power difference of roughly $80,000 at current VA loan terms.

How to Use Louisiana BAH Rates for a VA Loan

  • Verify your BAH on your LES. The lender must verify the BAH amount before counting it as income. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH
  • Confirm your MHA. Your BAH is set by the Military Housing Area assigned to your duty station, not your home address. 37 USC 403(b)(2)
  • Ask about the gross-up. Because BAH is tax free, lenders may count it at 125 percent for the debt-to-income ratio. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Debt-to-Income Ratio
  • Compare the buying-power estimates. Use the table above to see how your MHA and rank translate to an approximate home price, then get a personalized preapproval from a VA lender.

What to Do Based on Your Situation

  • PCS-ing to Louisiana: Your BAH changes to the gaining station’s MHA rate. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH Use the new rate with your orders to start a preapproval before you arrive.
  • Already stationed in Louisiana: Your BAH amount may not be reduced while you retain uninterrupted eligibility within the area, even if published rates drop. 37 USC 403(b)(6)
  • Separating from service: BAH stops when active-duty status ends. If you plan to buy before separation, verify the BAH amount on your current LES and close while you are still receiving it. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH

Louisiana Housing Costs and 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.

BAH is one piece of the income picture. When you apply for a VA loan, the lender evaluates your debt-to-income ratio and residual income alongside your housing allowance. Because BAH is excluded from gross income, lenders may count it at 125 percent for the debt-to-income ratio. 26 USC 134(a) VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Debt-to-Income Ratio

For a broader look at homebuying in this state, see the Louisiana VA loan guide.

Explore More BAH Insights

Louisiana BAH Rates by Military Housing Area

Each block below holds the full pay-grade table, buying power by rank, and, when available, ZIP codes. Buying power assumes 6.5 percent rate, 30-year term, 2.15 percent VA funding fee financed, zero down payment, Louisiana property tax at 0.54 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 1.21 percent of home value (2022 III/NAIC), and PITI capped at 83 percent of BAH with dependents (VALN assumption, not a VA or DoD rule).

ALEXANDRIA, LA (MHA LA113): E-5 w/dep $1,290, E-6 w/dep $1,677, ~$175,000 buying power

ALEXANDRIA, LA BAH Rates

Table 2. 2026 BAH rates for ALEXANDRIA, LA
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,254 $1,089
E-2 $1,254 $1,089
E-3 $1,254 $1,089
E-4 $1,254 $1,089
E-5 $1,290 $1,161
E-6 $1,677 $1,257
E-7 $1,779 $1,335
E-8 $1,884 $1,413
E-9 $2,040 $1,530
W-1 $1,698 $1,275
W-2 $1,821 $1,368
W-3 $1,953 $1,533
W-4 $2,073 $1,698
W-5 $2,220 $1,800
O-1E $1,794 $1,347
O-2E $1,935 $1,458
O-3E $2,097 $1,671
O-1 $1,344 $1,212
O-2 $1,674 $1,338
O-3 $1,950 $1,536
O-4 $2,268 $1,779
O-5 $2,496 $1,872
O-6 $2,514 $1,932
O-7 $2,529 $1,962

ALEXANDRIA, LA Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,290): ~$135,000 home, PITI ~$1,069/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,677): ~$175,000 home, PITI ~$1,385/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,779): ~$185,000 home, PITI ~$1,464/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($1,950): ~$205,000 home, PITI ~$1,623/mo
BATON ROUGE, LA (MHA LA114): E-5 w/dep $1,875, E-6 w/dep $2,193, ~$230,000 buying power

BATON ROUGE, LA BAH Rates

Table 3. 2026 BAH rates for BATON ROUGE, LA
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,761 $1,410
E-2 $1,761 $1,410
E-3 $1,761 $1,410
E-4 $1,761 $1,410
E-5 $1,875 $1,557
E-6 $2,193 $1,653
E-7 $2,214 $1,764
E-8 $2,223 $1,944
E-9 $2,289 $2,031
W-1 $2,211 $1,734
W-2 $2,220 $1,941
W-3 $2,232 $2,046
W-4 $2,322 $2,187
W-5 $2,472 $2,196
O-1E $2,217 $1,872
O-2E $2,226 $2,013
O-3E $2,346 $2,184
O-1 $1,920 $1,644
O-2 $2,190 $1,842
O-3 $2,229 $2,076
O-4 $2,517 $2,190
O-5 $2,748 $2,199
O-6 $2,769 $2,202
O-7 $2,787 $2,217

BATON ROUGE, LA Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,875): ~$195,000 home, PITI ~$1,543/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,193): ~$230,000 home, PITI ~$1,820/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,214): ~$230,000 home, PITI ~$1,820/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,229): ~$235,000 home, PITI ~$1,860/mo
FORT POLK, LA (MHA LA115): E-5 w/dep $1,218, E-6 w/dep $1,833, ~$190,000 buying power

FORT POLK, LA BAH Rates

Table 4. 2026 BAH rates for FORT POLK, LA
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,206 $1,026
E-2 $1,206 $1,026
E-3 $1,206 $1,026
E-4 $1,206 $1,026
E-5 $1,218 $1,128
E-6 $1,833 $1,374
E-7 $1,872 $1,404
E-8 $1,911 $1,434
E-9 $1,989 $1,527
W-1 $1,854 $1,392
W-2 $1,887 $1,416
W-3 $1,941 $1,551
W-4 $2,010 $1,839
W-5 $2,100 $1,881
O-1E $1,875 $1,410
O-2E $1,929 $1,488
O-3E $2,022 $1,827
O-1 $1,296 $1,191
O-2 $1,827 $1,407
O-3 $1,938 $1,611
O-4 $2,124 $1,866
O-5 $2,262 $1,884
O-6 $2,277 $1,917
O-7 $2,289 $1,947

FORT POLK, LA Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,218): ~$130,000 home, PITI ~$1,029/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,833): ~$190,000 home, PITI ~$1,504/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,872): ~$195,000 home, PITI ~$1,543/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($1,938): ~$205,000 home, PITI ~$1,623/mo
NEW ORLEANS, LA (MHA LA116): E-5 w/dep $1,905, E-6 w/dep $2,373, ~$250,000 buying power

NEW ORLEANS, LA BAH Rates

Table 5. 2026 BAH rates for NEW ORLEANS, LA
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,779 $1,473
E-2 $1,779 $1,473
E-3 $1,779 $1,473
E-4 $1,779 $1,473
E-5 $1,905 $1,581
E-6 $2,373 $1,779
E-7 $2,439 $1,830
E-8 $2,508 $2,004
E-9 $2,634 $2,139
W-1 $2,394 $1,797
W-2 $2,466 $2,001
W-3 $2,556 $2,157
W-4 $2,664 $2,385
W-5 $2,805 $2,454
O-1E $2,448 $1,902
O-2E $2,541 $2,109
O-3E $2,688 $2,367
O-1 $1,968 $1,650
O-2 $2,370 $1,866
O-3 $2,553 $2,202
O-4 $2,847 $2,436
O-5 $3,060 $2,472
O-6 $3,084 $2,532
O-7 $3,105 $2,574

NEW ORLEANS, LA Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,905): ~$200,000 home, PITI ~$1,583/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,373): ~$250,000 home, PITI ~$1,979/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,439): ~$255,000 home, PITI ~$2,018/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,553): ~$270,000 home, PITI ~$2,137/mo
SHREVEPORT/BARKSDALE AFB, LA (MHA LA117): E-5 w/dep $1,845, E-6 w/dep $2,028, ~$215,000 buying power

SHREVEPORT/BARKSDALE AFB, LA BAH Rates

Table 6. 2026 BAH rates for SHREVEPORT/BARKSDALE AFB, LA
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,701 $1,281
E-2 $1,701 $1,281
E-3 $1,701 $1,281
E-4 $1,701 $1,281
E-5 $1,845 $1,452
E-6 $2,028 $1,566
E-7 $2,112 $1,704
E-8 $2,208 $1,887
E-9 $2,352 $1,932
W-1 $2,043 $1,662
W-2 $2,151 $1,884
W-3 $2,271 $1,941
W-4 $2,382 $2,040
W-5 $2,520 $2,133
O-1E $2,127 $1,842
O-2E $2,250 $1,920
O-3E $2,403 $2,016
O-1 $1,875 $1,551
O-2 $2,025 $1,800
O-3 $2,268 $1,956
O-4 $2,562 $2,112
O-5 $2,778 $2,163
O-6 $2,799 $2,247
O-7 $2,817 $2,283

SHREVEPORT/BARKSDALE AFB, LA Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,845): ~$195,000 home, PITI ~$1,543/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,028): ~$215,000 home, PITI ~$1,702/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,112): ~$220,000 home, PITI ~$1,741/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,268): ~$240,000 home, PITI ~$1,900/mo
LAFAYETTE, LA (MHA LA118): E-5 w/dep $1,584, E-6 w/dep $1,845, ~$195,000 buying power

LAFAYETTE, LA BAH Rates

Table 7. 2026 BAH rates for LAFAYETTE, LA
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,449 $1,140
E-2 $1,449 $1,140
E-3 $1,449 $1,140
E-4 $1,449 $1,140
E-5 $1,584 $1,245
E-6 $1,845 $1,380
E-7 $1,914 $1,452
E-8 $1,992 $1,641
E-9 $2,112 $1,710
W-1 $1,860 $1,413
W-2 $1,944 $1,638
W-3 $2,043 $1,722
W-4 $2,139 $1,854
W-5 $2,262 $1,929
O-1E $1,926 $1,581
O-2E $2,025 $1,695
O-3E $2,157 $1,833
O-1 $1,623 $1,311
O-2 $1,842 $1,542
O-3 $2,040 $1,746
O-4 $2,298 $1,911
O-5 $2,484 $1,950
O-6 $2,502 $2,019
O-7 $2,517 $2,052

LAFAYETTE, LA Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,584): ~$165,000 home, PITI ~$1,306/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,845): ~$195,000 home, PITI ~$1,543/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,914): ~$200,000 home, PITI ~$1,583/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,040): ~$215,000 home, PITI ~$1,702/mo
ST MARY AND TERREBONNE, LA (MHA LA326): E-5 w/dep $1,620, E-6 w/dep $1,650, ~$175,000 buying power

ST MARY AND TERREBONNE, LA BAH Rates

Table 8. 2026 BAH rates for ST MARY AND TERREBONNE, LA
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,527 $1,233
E-2 $1,527 $1,233
E-3 $1,527 $1,233
E-4 $1,527 $1,233
E-5 $1,620 $1,356
E-6 $1,650 $1,437
E-7 $1,776 $1,527
E-8 $1,920 $1,635
E-9 $2,103 $1,641
W-1 $1,665 $1,509
W-2 $1,836 $1,632
W-3 $2,013 $1,644
W-4 $2,133 $1,671
W-5 $2,286 $1,809
O-1E $1,803 $1,617
O-2E $1,986 $1,638
O-3E $2,157 $1,650
O-1 $1,635 $1,431
O-2 $1,647 $1,593
O-3 $2,007 $1,647
O-4 $2,331 $1,779
O-5 $2,565 $1,923
O-6 $2,583 $1,992
O-7 $2,598 $2,022

ST MARY AND TERREBONNE, LA Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,620): ~$170,000 home, PITI ~$1,346/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,650): ~$175,000 home, PITI ~$1,385/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,776): ~$185,000 home, PITI ~$1,464/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,007): ~$210,000 home, PITI ~$1,662/mo
LAKE CHARLES, LA (MHA LA370): E-5 w/dep $1,356, E-6 w/dep $1,626, ~$170,000 buying power

LAKE CHARLES, LA BAH Rates

Table 9. 2026 BAH rates for LAKE CHARLES, LA
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,287 $1,188
E-2 $1,287 $1,188
E-3 $1,287 $1,188
E-4 $1,287 $1,188
E-5 $1,356 $1,197
E-6 $1,626 $1,218
E-7 $1,755 $1,317
E-8 $1,893 $1,419
E-9 $2,061 $1,545
W-1 $1,644 $1,278
W-2 $1,809 $1,413
W-3 $1,983 $1,548
W-4 $2,088 $1,650
W-5 $2,223 $1,785
O-1E $1,776 $1,353
O-2E $1,956 $1,473
O-3E $2,109 $1,617
O-1 $1,398 $1,215
O-2 $1,623 $1,338
O-3 $1,977 $1,551
O-4 $2,265 $1,755
O-5 $2,472 $1,854
O-6 $2,490 $1,962
O-7 $2,502 $1,992

LAKE CHARLES, LA Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,356): ~$140,000 home, PITI ~$1,108/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,626): ~$170,000 home, PITI ~$1,346/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,755): ~$185,000 home, PITI ~$1,464/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($1,977): ~$205,000 home, PITI ~$1,623/mo
MONROE, LA (MHA LA371): E-5 w/dep $1,194, E-6 w/dep $1,629, ~$170,000 buying power

MONROE, LA BAH Rates

Table 10. 2026 BAH rates for MONROE, LA
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,143 $921
E-2 $1,143 $921
E-3 $1,143 $921
E-4 $1,143 $921
E-5 $1,194 $1,023
E-6 $1,629 $1,221
E-7 $1,665 $1,248
E-8 $1,704 $1,284
E-9 $1,779 $1,410
W-1 $1,650 $1,239
W-2 $1,680 $1,281
W-3 $1,731 $1,428
W-4 $1,797 $1,632
W-5 $1,884 $1,671
O-1E $1,668 $1,254
O-2E $1,719 $1,383
O-3E $1,812 $1,623
O-1 $1,251 $1,089
O-2 $1,626 $1,251
O-3 $1,728 $1,470
O-4 $1,908 $1,659
O-5 $2,040 $1,674
O-6 $2,055 $1,707
O-7 $2,064 $1,734

MONROE, LA Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,194): ~$125,000 home, PITI ~$989/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,629): ~$170,000 home, PITI ~$1,346/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,665): ~$175,000 home, PITI ~$1,385/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($1,728): ~$180,000 home, PITI ~$1,425/mo

VA Loans Near Louisiana Military Bases

Louisiana BAH rates for an E-6 with dependents range from $1,626/month (LAKE CHARLES, LA) to $2,373/month (NEW ORLEANS, LA). That translates to estimated buying power from ~$170,000 to ~$250,000 at current VA loan terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use BAH to qualify for a VA loan?

Yes. BAH is included in effective income if properly verified. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH Because BAH is tax free, lenders may count it at 125 percent for the debt-to-income ratio, a 25 percent gross-up. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Debt-to-Income Ratio

Does BAH change when I PCS?

Your BAH rate is based on the MHA of your duty station. The BAH amount changes from one duty station to another. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH Rate protection means the monthly amount may not be reduced while the member retains uninterrupted eligibility within an area. 37 USC 403(b)(6)

What is the difference between with-dependents and without-dependents BAH?

The statute establishes separate rates for members with and without dependents. 37 USC 403(b)(5) With-dependents rates are higher at every grade in every MHA.

How many MHAs are in Louisiana?

Louisiana has 9 Military Housing Areas. The Secretary of Defense determines the costs of adequate housing in each area. 37 USC 403(b)(2)

Which Louisiana MHA has the highest BAH?

NEW ORLEANS, LA has the highest E-6 with-dependents rate at $2,373 per month, translating to roughly $250,000 in buying power.

Which Louisiana MHA has the lowest BAH?

LAKE CHARLES, LA has the lowest E-6 with-dependents rate at $1,626 per month, translating to roughly $170,000 in buying power.

How is buying power calculated?

Buying power assumes 6.5 percent rate, 30-year term, 2.15 percent VA funding fee financed, zero down payment, Louisiana property tax at 0.54 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 1.21 percent of home value (2022 III/NAIC), and PITI capped at 83 percent of BAH with dependents (VALN assumption, not a VA or DoD rule).

Is BAH the same as housing allowance on my LES?

Yes. Military allowances including BAH are documented on the LES. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH The amount matches the published DoD rate for your MHA, grade, and dependency status.

How We Researched This Page

BAH rates are from the 2026 DoD BAH rate tables. Buying power is derived using the documented assumptions: Buying power assumes 6.5 percent rate, 30-year term, 2.15 percent VA funding fee financed, zero down payment, Louisiana property tax at 0.54 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 1.21 percent of home value (2022 III/NAIC), and PITI capped at 83 percent of BAH with dependents (VALN assumption, not a VA or DoD rule). These figures are estimates for comparison, not loan quotes or approvals.

Resources Used