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 Your VA Loan Eligibility
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
- See also: 2026 Guide to VA Loans in
- Find your base in the tables below and check both with-dependents and without-dependents rates for your rank
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
- Ask your lender how they treat tax-free BAH on your LES before estimating your buying power
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
- Submit PCS orders to your lender early so they can qualify you using gaining-station BAH
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
- Gather your two most recent LES statements and any PCS orders before starting your application
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?
Jump To Your Base
- ALEXANDRIA, LA, E-6 w/dep: $1,536 → ~$175,000 buying power
- BATON ROUGE, LA, E-6 w/dep: $2,118 → ~$245,000 buying power
- FORT JOHNSON, LA, E-6 w/dep: $1,668 → ~$190,000 buying power
- NEW ORLEANS, LA, E-6 w/dep: $2,301 → ~$265,000 buying power
- SHREVEPORT/BARKSDALE AFB, LA, E-6 w/dep: $1,920 → ~$220,000 buying power
- LAFAYETTE, LA, E-6 w/dep: $1,785 → ~$205,000 buying power
- LAKE CHARLES, LA, E-6 w/dep: $1,584 → ~$180,000 buying power
- MONROE, LA, E-6 w/dep: $1,554 → ~$180,000 buying power
The Bottom Line Up Front
Louisiana BAH rates for 2026 range from $1,536 to $2,301 per month for an E-6 with dependents, depending on duty station. At the highest rate, that supports roughly $255,000 in VA loan buying power at current rates. Use the 8 rate tables below to find your specific station, then see what your BAH actually buys with a VA loan.
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.
Your BAH is one piece of the income picture. When you apply for a VA loan, lenders evaluate your debt-to-income ratio and residual income alongside your housing allowance. Because BAH is tax-free, most lenders can gross it up to reflect its true purchasing power, which directly affects pre-approval amounts. Understanding how your qualifying income is calculated helps you set a realistic price range before you start shopping.
For a broader look at homebuying options and benefits in this state, see our Louisiana VA loan guide.
What To Do Based On Your Situation
- PCS-ing to Louisiana soon: Use the gaining station BAH with your orders to get preapproved before you arrive. Many lenders can qualify you on the new rate before you move.
- Already stationed in Louisiana: Your BAH is already on your LES. Turn it into a PITI target and see what home price fits before you start shopping.
- Separating or retiring in Louisiana: BAH stops when you separate, so qualify based on your post-Military income. If you are buying before separation, coordinate timing carefully with your lender.
Buying power estimates assume 6.5% rate, $0 down, state average property tax and insurance rates, and 2.15% VA funding fee financed. Your actual buying power depends on credit, debts, and lender qualification.
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 |
ALEXANDRIA, LA, What Your BAH Can Buy
At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:
- E-5 w/dep ($1,194): ~$140,000 home · PITI ~$991/mo
- E-6 w/dep ($1,536): ~$175,000 home · PITI ~$1,274/mo
- E-7 w/dep ($1,644): ~$190,000 home · PITI ~$1,364/mo
- O-3 w/dep ($1,833): ~$210,000 home · PITI ~$1,521/mo
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 |
BATON ROUGE, LA, What Your BAH Can Buy
At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:
- E-5 w/dep ($1,839): ~$210,000 home · PITI ~$1,526/mo
- E-6 w/dep ($2,118): ~$245,000 home · PITI ~$1,757/mo
- E-7 w/dep ($2,142): ~$245,000 home · PITI ~$1,777/mo
- O-3 w/dep ($2,184): ~$250,000 home · PITI ~$1,812/mo
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 |
FORT JOHNSON, LA, What Your BAH Can Buy
At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:
- E-5 w/dep ($1,203): ~$140,000 home · PITI ~$998/mo
- E-6 w/dep ($1,668): ~$190,000 home · PITI ~$1,384/mo
- E-7 w/dep ($1,722): ~$200,000 home · PITI ~$1,429/mo
- O-3 w/dep ($1,806): ~$210,000 home · PITI ~$1,498/mo
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 |
NEW ORLEANS, LA, What Your BAH Can Buy
At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:
- E-5 w/dep ($1,854): ~$215,000 home · PITI ~$1,538/mo
- E-6 w/dep ($2,301): ~$265,000 home · PITI ~$1,909/mo
- E-7 w/dep ($2,367): ~$275,000 home · PITI ~$1,964/mo
- O-3 w/dep ($2,478): ~$285,000 home · PITI ~$2,056/mo
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 |
SHREVEPORT/BARKSDALE AFB, LA, What Your BAH Can Buy
At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:
- E-5 w/dep ($1,674): ~$195,000 home · PITI ~$1,389/mo
- E-6 w/dep ($1,920): ~$220,000 home · PITI ~$1,593/mo
- E-7 w/dep ($1,977): ~$230,000 home · PITI ~$1,640/mo
- O-3 w/dep ($2,079): ~$240,000 home · PITI ~$1,725/mo
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 |
LAFAYETTE, LA, What Your BAH Can Buy
At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:
- E-5 w/dep ($1,656): ~$190,000 home · PITI ~$1,374/mo
- E-6 w/dep ($1,785): ~$205,000 home · PITI ~$1,481/mo
- E-7 w/dep ($1,896): ~$220,000 home · PITI ~$1,573/mo
- O-3 w/dep ($2,094): ~$240,000 home · PITI ~$1,738/mo
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 |
LAKE CHARLES, LA, What Your BAH Can Buy
At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:
- E-5 w/dep ($1,311): ~$150,000 home · PITI ~$1,088/mo
- E-6 w/dep ($1,584): ~$180,000 home · PITI ~$1,314/mo
- E-7 w/dep ($1,677): ~$195,000 home · PITI ~$1,391/mo
- O-3 w/dep ($1,842): ~$210,000 home · PITI ~$1,528/mo
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 |
MONROE, LA, What Your BAH Can Buy
At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:
- E-5 w/dep ($1,119): ~$130,000 home · PITI ~$928/mo
- E-6 w/dep ($1,554): ~$180,000 home · PITI ~$1,289/mo
- E-7 w/dep ($1,602): ~$185,000 home · PITI ~$1,329/mo
- O-3 w/dep ($1,680): ~$195,000 home · PITI ~$1,394/mo
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
