2026 Maine BAH Rates by Base, Rank, and Dependents
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2026 Maine BAH Rates

Rates and VA Loan Buying Power

2026 Maine 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
Primary sources:
DoD BAH Lookup

VA Home Loan Overview

Maine has 4 Military Housing Areas. E-5 with-dependents BAH ranges from $1,893 to $3,252 per month; E-6 with dependents ranges from $2,052 to $3,576. Buying-power assumptions are stated below the table.


Next step:
Check Your VA Loan Eligibility

Table 1. Maine Military Housing Areas at a glance
MHA E-5 w/dep E-6 w/dep E-6 buying power
BRUNSWICK, ME $2,205 $2,556 ~$280,000
PORTLAND, ME $3,252 $3,576 ~$395,000
COASTAL MAINE, ME $2,193 $2,697 ~$300,000
BANGOR, ME $1,893 $2,052 ~$225,000

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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+
Strong VA rates · Most lenders
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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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A VA loan specialist will personally review your BAH analysis and reach out within one business day.

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A real specialist (not a call center) will email or call with your exact rate quote, funding fee details, and homes in your price range near your duty station. No pressure, no spam.

Maine BAH Snapshot

  • MHA count: 4 Military Housing Areas
  • E-5 w/dep range: $1,893 to $3,252/mo
  • E-6 w/dep range: $2,052 to $3,576/mo
  • Buying power range: ~$210,000 to ~$395,000

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

  • PORTLAND, ME: E-6 w/dep $3,576/mo, ~$395,000 buying power
  • COASTAL MAINE, ME: E-6 w/dep $2,697/mo, ~$300,000 buying power
  • BRUNSWICK, ME: E-6 w/dep $2,556/mo, ~$280,000 buying power
  • BANGOR, ME: E-6 w/dep $2,052/mo, ~$225,000 buying power

Lowest BAH in Texas

  • BANGOR, ME: E-6 w/dep $2,052/mo, ~$225,000 buying power
  • BRUNSWICK, ME: E-6 w/dep $2,556/mo, ~$280,000 buying power
  • COASTAL MAINE, ME: E-6 w/dep $2,697/mo, ~$300,000 buying power
  • PORTLAND, ME: E-6 w/dep $3,576/mo, ~$395,000 buying power

The Bottom Line Up Front

Maine BAH rates vary by more than $1,524 per month at E-6 with dependents. The highest rate is $3,576 (PORTLAND, ME) and the lowest is $2,052 (BANGOR, ME). That spread translates to a buying-power difference of roughly $170,000 at current VA loan terms.

How to Use Maine 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 Maine: 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 Maine: 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

Maine Housing Costs and BAH Impact

Maine’s housing market is relatively stable, with rent prices that remain moderate in most areas. BAH near Kittery and Brunswick is slightly higher due to proximity to coastal cities and naval infrastructure, while Bangor remains more affordable. In 2026, rate adjustments reflect modest increases across the state, helping Military families cover rent without dipping into their base pay.

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 Maine VA loan guide.

Explore More BAH Insights

Maine 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, Maine property tax at 0.93 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.35 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).

BRUNSWICK, ME (MHA ME136): E-5 w/dep $2,205, E-6 w/dep $2,556, ~$280,000 buying power

BRUNSWICK, ME BAH Rates

Table 2. 2026 BAH rates for BRUNSWICK, ME
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $2,124 $1,632
E-2 $2,124 $1,632
E-3 $2,124 $1,632
E-4 $2,124 $1,632
E-5 $2,205 $1,893
E-6 $2,556 $2,040
E-7 $2,997 $2,247
E-8 $3,477 $2,607
E-9 $3,801 $2,850
W-1 $2,583 $2,109
W-2 $3,192 $2,394
W-3 $3,783 $2,853
W-4 $3,807 $2,862
W-5 $3,843 $3,105
O-1E $3,090 $2,319
O-2E $3,696 $2,772
O-3E $3,813 $2,859
O-1 $2,253 $2,037
O-2 $2,553 $2,250
O-3 $3,762 $2,856
O-4 $3,846 $3,036
O-5 $3,894 $3,312
O-6 $3,927 $3,762
O-7 $3,957 $3,828

BRUNSWICK, ME Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,205): ~$245,000 home, PITI ~$1,843/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,556): ~$280,000 home, PITI ~$2,107/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,997): ~$330,000 home, PITI ~$2,483/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($3,762): ~$415,000 home, PITI ~$3,122/mo
PORTLAND, ME (MHA ME139): E-5 w/dep $3,252, E-6 w/dep $3,576, ~$395,000 buying power

PORTLAND, ME BAH Rates

Table 3. 2026 BAH rates for PORTLAND, ME
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $3,087 $2,316
E-2 $3,087 $2,316
E-3 $3,087 $2,316
E-4 $3,087 $2,316
E-5 $3,252 $2,703
E-6 $3,576 $2,934
E-7 $3,825 $3,090
E-8 $4,098 $3,321
E-9 $4,425 $3,411
W-1 $3,597 $3,039
W-2 $3,936 $3,318
W-3 $4,272 $3,423
W-4 $4,482 $3,630
W-5 $4,740 $3,888
O-1E $3,876 $3,249
O-2E $4,221 $3,390
O-3E $4,524 $3,567
O-1 $3,297 $2,916
O-2 $3,573 $3,201
O-3 $4,260 $3,456
O-4 $4,830 $3,843
O-5 $5,235 $3,996
O-6 $5,280 $4,251
O-7 $5,322 $4,329

PORTLAND, ME Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($3,252): ~$360,000 home, PITI ~$2,708/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($3,576): ~$395,000 home, PITI ~$2,972/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($3,825): ~$420,000 home, PITI ~$3,160/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($4,260): ~$470,000 home, PITI ~$3,536/mo
COASTAL MAINE, ME (MHA ME141): E-5 w/dep $2,193, E-6 w/dep $2,697, ~$300,000 buying power

COASTAL MAINE, ME BAH Rates

Table 4. 2026 BAH rates for COASTAL MAINE, ME
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $2,052 $1,539
E-2 $2,052 $1,539
E-3 $2,052 $1,539
E-4 $2,052 $1,539
E-5 $2,193 $1,770
E-6 $2,697 $2,022
E-7 $2,760 $2,070
E-8 $2,826 $2,298
E-9 $2,919 $2,445
W-1 $2,718 $2,040
W-2 $2,787 $2,295
W-3 $2,871 $2,463
W-4 $2,937 $2,709
W-5 $3,027 $2,775
O-1E $2,769 $2,190
O-2E $2,856 $2,412
O-3E $2,952 $2,691
O-1 $2,259 $1,908
O-2 $2,694 $2,148
O-3 $2,868 $2,514
O-4 $3,051 $2,757
O-5 $3,183 $2,790
O-6 $3,207 $2,850
O-7 $3,228 $2,898

COASTAL MAINE, ME Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,193): ~$240,000 home, PITI ~$1,806/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,697): ~$300,000 home, PITI ~$2,257/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,760): ~$305,000 home, PITI ~$2,295/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,868): ~$315,000 home, PITI ~$2,370/mo
BANGOR, ME (MHA ME390): E-5 w/dep $1,893, E-6 w/dep $2,052, ~$225,000 buying power

BANGOR, ME BAH Rates

Table 5. 2026 BAH rates for BANGOR, ME
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,728 $1,296
E-2 $1,728 $1,296
E-3 $1,728 $1,296
E-4 $1,728 $1,296
E-5 $1,893 $1,443
E-6 $2,052 $1,575
E-7 $2,217 $1,731
E-8 $2,403 $1,932
E-9 $2,568 $1,968
W-1 $2,067 $1,680
W-2 $2,292 $1,929
W-3 $2,523 $1,974
W-4 $2,586 $2,082
W-5 $2,667 $2,259
O-1E $2,250 $1,890
O-2E $2,487 $1,959
O-3E $2,598 $2,040
O-1 $1,920 $1,557
O-2 $2,049 $1,842
O-3 $2,514 $1,989
O-4 $2,688 $2,226
O-5 $2,814 $2,328
O-6 $2,835 $2,502
O-7 $2,853 $2,544

BANGOR, ME Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,893): ~$210,000 home, PITI ~$1,580/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,052): ~$225,000 home, PITI ~$1,693/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,217): ~$245,000 home, PITI ~$1,843/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,514): ~$275,000 home, PITI ~$2,069/mo

VA Loans Near Maine Military Bases

Maine BAH rates for an E-6 with dependents range from $2,052/month (BANGOR, ME) to $3,576/month (PORTLAND, ME). That translates to estimated buying power from ~$225,000 to ~$395,000 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 Maine?

Maine has 4 Military Housing Areas. The Secretary of Defense determines the costs of adequate housing in each area. 37 USC 403(b)(2)

Which Maine MHA has the highest BAH?

PORTLAND, ME has the highest E-6 with-dependents rate at $3,576 per month, translating to roughly $395,000 in buying power.

Which Maine MHA has the lowest BAH?

BANGOR, ME has the lowest E-6 with-dependents rate at $2,052 per month, translating to roughly $225,000 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, Maine property tax at 0.93 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.35 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, Maine property tax at 0.93 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.35 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