Rates and VA Loan Buying Power
2026 Maryland BAH Rates and VA Loan Buying Power
DoD BAH Lookup
DFAS Pay and Entitlements
VA Home Loan Overview
CFPB Loan Estimate Guide
Maryland BAH rates matter because tax free BAH can directly shape VA loan buying power once it is verified on your LES. In higher cost markets like Indian Head, Joint Base Andrews, Annapolis, and Fort Meade, the right assumptions can materially change the payment range a lender will use before you ever reach the tables.
Next step:
Check VA Loan Eligibility Using Your BAH and LES
Maryland BAH Snapshot
Maryland is one of the higher cost BAH states in your sample. Indian Head leads at $3,249 for an E 5 with dependents, while Patuxent River sits at $2,268. That spread can materially change buying power by zip, rank, and dependency status.
How BAH Counts for VA Loans
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 actually workable.
PCS and Rate Protection
With valid PCS orders, lenders can often use gaining station BAH when you are moving into Maryland. 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 Maryland housing assumptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Maryland BAH to qualify for a VA loan?
Can PCS orders change which Maryland BAH a lender uses?
Why does the Maryland BAH table not match my loan estimate exactly?
How to Use Maryland BAH Rates for a VA Loan
- Pick the Right Table: Start with the Maryland 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, HOA dues, repairs, and normal 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
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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
What is the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)?
BAH is a monthly, tax-free housing stipend provided to active-duty military personnel who live off base. It’s designed to help cover rent and housing costs near military installations such as Fort Meade, JBA, and Aberdeen Proving Ground.
How BAH Rates Are Calculated
- Location: ZIP codes like 20755 (Fort Meade), 20762 (Joint Base Andrews), and 21005 (Aberdeen) are priced using local housing market data.
- Rank: Service members at higher ranks receive more substantial housing allowances.
- Dependents: Those with dependents receive a larger BAH amount to accommodate family housing needs.
How to Read the BAH Charts
- Find your duty station’s ZIP code or MHA (Military Housing Area)
- Match your rank/pay grade (e.g., E-6, O-3)
- Select “with” or “without dependents” to view your rate
How to Use Your BAH to Buy a Home
Many service members stationed in Maryland decide to use their BAH toward homeownership through a VA loan. With strong long-term demand in cities like Odenton, Waldorf, and Laurel, putting your housing allowance toward a mortgage may be smarter than renting.
Benefits of VA loans in Maryland include:
With Maryland’s real estate market continuing to appreciate, using BAH to buy instead of rent may help you build equity while still serving.
Maryland Housing Costs & BAH Impact
Maryland’s housing market ranges from suburban affordability in areas like Harford County and Charles County to high-cost zones near Washington, D.C. and Annapolis. In 2026, BAH rates rose sharply in commuter ZIPs near Fort Meade, Joint Base Andrews, and NSA. Military families stationed in Maryland often find that BAH covers most or all of their rent — particularly in outer counties or shared housing setups.
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUNDS, MD BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MD127
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,199 | $1,848 |
| E02 | $2,199 | $1,848 |
| E03 | $2,199 | $1,848 |
| E04 | $2,199 | $1,848 |
| E05 | $2,379 | $1,953 |
| E06 | $2,622 | $2,037 |
| E07 | $2,736 | $2,205 |
| E08 | $2,856 | $2,433 |
| E09 | $3,021 | $2,496 |
| W01 | $2,640 | $2,148 |
| W02 | $2,787 | $2,430 |
| W03 | $2,937 | $2,505 |
| W04 | $3,057 | $2,643 |
| W05 | $3,201 | $2,763 |
| O01E | $2,754 | $2,376 |
| O02E | $2,916 | $2,481 |
| O03E | $3,075 | $2,613 |
| O01 | $2,415 | $2,019 |
| O02 | $2,619 | $2,322 |
| O03 | $2,934 | $2,532 |
| O04 | $3,249 | $2,736 |
| O05 | $3,471 | $2,805 |
| O06 | $3,501 | $2,919 |
| O07 | $3,528 | $2,973 |
BAH for ABERDEEN PROVING GROUNDS, MD includes the following zip codes: 21001, 21005, 21009, 21010, 21014, 21015, 21017, 21018, 21028, 21034, 21040, 21047, 21050, 21078, 21084, 21085, 21130, 21132, 21154, 21160, 21161, 21901, 21902, 21903, 21904, 21911, 21912, 21913, 21914, 21915, 21916, 21917, 21918, 21919, 21920, 21921, 21922, 21930
ANNAPOLIS, MD BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MD128
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,709 | $2,256 |
| E02 | $2,709 | $2,256 |
| E03 | $2,709 | $2,256 |
| E04 | $2,709 | $2,256 |
| E05 | $2,859 | $2,550 |
| E06 | $3,168 | $2,571 |
| E07 | $3,210 | $2,715 |
| E08 | $3,255 | $2,925 |
| E09 | $3,399 | $3,009 |
| W01 | $3,186 | $2,670 |
| W02 | $3,231 | $2,922 |
| W03 | $3,288 | $3,024 |
| W04 | $3,444 | $3,171 |
| W05 | $3,633 | $3,219 |
| O01E | $3,213 | $2,856 |
| O02E | $3,279 | $2,991 |
| O03E | $3,471 | $3,159 |
| O01 | $2,904 | $2,556 |
| O02 | $3,165 | $2,814 |
| O03 | $3,285 | $3,054 |
| O04 | $3,699 | $3,204 |
| O05 | $3,993 | $3,225 |
| O06 | $4,029 | $3,267 |
| O07 | $4,062 | $3,327 |
BAH for ANNAPOLIS, MD includes the following zip codes: 20711, 20733, 20751, 20758, 20764, 20765, 20776, 20778, 20779, 21012, 21032, 21035, 21037, 21056, 21060, 21062, 21106, 21122, 21123, 21140, 21146, 21225, 21226, 21401, 21402, 21403, 21404, 21405, 21409, 21411, 21412
» MORE: Check your VA home loan eligibility with today’s top lenders
BALTIMORE, MD BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MD129
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,352 | $1,824 |
| E02 | $2,352 | $1,824 |
| E03 | $2,352 | $1,824 |
| E04 | $2,352 | $1,824 |
| E05 | $2,544 | $2,037 |
| E06 | $2,802 | $2,175 |
| E07 | $2,877 | $2,358 |
| E08 | $2,955 | $2,601 |
| E09 | $3,102 | $2,667 |
| W01 | $2,817 | $2,295 |
| W02 | $2,910 | $2,598 |
| W03 | $3,012 | $2,679 |
| W04 | $3,141 | $2,811 |
| W05 | $3,300 | $2,895 |
| O01E | $2,886 | $2,541 |
| O02E | $2,997 | $2,652 |
| O03E | $3,162 | $2,790 |
| O01 | $2,580 | $2,157 |
| O02 | $2,799 | $2,484 |
| O03 | $3,009 | $2,703 |
| O04 | $3,351 | $2,874 |
| O05 | $3,594 | $2,916 |
| O06 | $3,627 | $2,991 |
| O07 | $3,654 | $3,045 |
BAH for BALTIMORE, MD includes the following zip codes: 20588, 20723, 20759, 20777, 21013, 21020, 21022, 21023, 21027, 21029, 21030, 21031, 21036, 21041, 21042, 21043, 21044, 21045, 21046, 21048, 21051, 21052, 21053, 21057, 21065, 21071, 21074, 21082, 21087, 21088, 21092, 21093, 21094, 21102, 21104, 21105, 21111, 21117, 21120, 21128, 21131, 21133, 21136, 21139, 21150, 21152, 21153, 21155, 21156, 21157, 21158, 21162, 21163, 21201, 21202, 21203, 21204, 21205, 21206, 21207, 21208, 21209, 21210, 21211, 21212, 21213, 21214, 21215, 21216, 21217, 21218, 21219, 21220, 21221, 21222, 21223, 21224, 21227, 21228, 21229, 21230, 21231, 21233, 21234, 21235, 21236, 21237, 21239, 21241, 21244, 21250, 21251, 21252, 21263, 21264, 21270, 21273, 21275, 21278, 21279, 21281, 21282, 21284, 21285, 21286, 21287, 21289, 21290, 21297, 21298, 21723, 21737, 21738, 21757, 21759, 21765, 21776, 21784, 21787, 21791, 21794, 21797
» MORE: See how your military service can get you into a home for $0 down
FORT DETRICK, MD BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MD130
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,373 | $2,010 |
| E02 | $2,373 | $2,010 |
| E03 | $2,373 | $2,010 |
| E04 | $2,373 | $2,010 |
| E05 | $2,505 | $2,154 |
| E06 | $2,952 | $2,250 |
| E07 | $3,045 | $2,376 |
| E08 | $3,144 | $2,598 |
| E09 | $3,303 | $2,727 |
| W01 | $2,973 | $2,340 |
| W02 | $3,087 | $2,595 |
| W03 | $3,210 | $2,745 |
| W04 | $3,342 | $2,970 |
| W05 | $3,504 | $3,066 |
| O01E | $3,060 | $2,502 |
| O02E | $3,192 | $2,697 |
| O03E | $3,366 | $2,946 |
| O01 | $2,565 | $2,238 |
| O02 | $2,949 | $2,466 |
| O03 | $3,207 | $2,790 |
| O04 | $3,558 | $3,045 |
| O05 | $3,810 | $3,099 |
| O06 | $3,843 | $3,189 |
| O07 | $3,873 | $3,249 |
BAH for FORT DETRICK, MD includes the following zip codes: 21701, 21702, 21703, 21704, 21705, 21709, 21710, 21714, 21716, 21717, 21718, 21719, 21727, 21754, 21755, 21758, 21762, 21769, 21770, 21771, 21773, 21774, 21775, 21777, 21778, 21780, 21788, 21790, 21792, 21793, 21798
» MORE: Check official requirements for a VA loan
FORT G. G. MEADE, MD BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MD133
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,682 | $2,166 |
| E02 | $2,682 | $2,166 |
| E03 | $2,682 | $2,166 |
| E04 | $2,682 | $2,166 |
| E05 | $2,826 | $2,406 |
| E06 | $3,174 | $2,550 |
| E07 | $3,234 | $2,685 |
| E08 | $3,297 | $2,901 |
| E09 | $3,432 | $2,997 |
| W01 | $3,192 | $2,646 |
| W02 | $3,261 | $2,898 |
| W03 | $3,339 | $3,009 |
| W04 | $3,468 | $3,180 |
| W05 | $3,624 | $3,246 |
| O01E | $3,240 | $2,823 |
| O02E | $3,327 | $2,973 |
| O03E | $3,489 | $3,165 |
| O01 | $2,874 | $2,538 |
| O02 | $3,171 | $2,781 |
| O03 | $3,336 | $3,045 |
| O04 | $3,678 | $3,228 |
| O05 | $3,918 | $3,261 |
| O06 | $3,954 | $3,321 |
| O07 | $3,987 | $3,381 |
BAH for FORT G. G. MEADE, MD includes the following zip codes: 20701, 20715, 20724, 20755, 20763, 20794, 21054, 21061, 21075, 21076, 21077, 21090, 21108, 21113, 21114, 21144, 21240
INDIAN HEAD NAVORDSTA, MD BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MD134
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $3,066 | $2,376 |
| E02 | $3,066 | $2,376 |
| E03 | $3,066 | $2,376 |
| E04 | $3,066 | $2,376 |
| E05 | $3,126 | $2,787 |
| E06 | $3,231 | $3,006 |
| E07 | $3,333 | $3,063 |
| E08 | $3,444 | $3,153 |
| E09 | $3,615 | $3,171 |
| W01 | $3,246 | $3,060 |
| W02 | $3,381 | $3,150 |
| W03 | $3,519 | $3,177 |
| W04 | $3,654 | $3,246 |
| W05 | $3,816 | $3,357 |
| O01E | $3,348 | $3,123 |
| O02E | $3,501 | $3,165 |
| O03E | $3,675 | $3,219 |
| O01 | $3,147 | $3,003 |
| O02 | $3,228 | $3,111 |
| O03 | $3,516 | $3,186 |
| O04 | $3,870 | $3,333 |
| O05 | $4,119 | $3,396 |
| O06 | $4,158 | $3,501 |
| O07 | $4,191 | $3,567 |
BAH for INDIAN HEAD NAVORDSTA, MD includes the following zip codes: 20601, 20602, 20603, 20604, 20607, 20611, 20612, 20616, 20617, 20622, 20625, 20632, 20637, 20640, 20643, 20645, 20646, 20658, 20661, 20662, 20664, 20675, 20677, 20682, 20693, 20695
PATUXENT RIVER, MD BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MD135
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,214 | $1,845 |
| E02 | $2,214 | $1,845 |
| E03 | $2,214 | $1,845 |
| E04 | $2,214 | $1,845 |
| E05 | $2,358 | $1,686 |
| E06 | $2,478 | $2,076 |
| E07 | $2,535 | $2,217 |
| E08 | $2,595 | $2,388 |
| E09 | $2,718 | $2,412 |
| W01 | $2,493 | $2,175 |
| W02 | $2,559 | $2,385 |
| W03 | $2,637 | $2,418 |
| W04 | $2,751 | $2,484 |
| W05 | $2,889 | $2,547 |
| O01E | $2,538 | $2,355 |
| O02E | $2,628 | $2,406 |
| O03E | $2,769 | $2,466 |
| O01 | $2,211 | $1,812 |
| O02 | $2,616 | $2,097 |
| O03 | $2,730 | $2,448 |
| O04 | $2,856 | $2,655 |
| O05 | $2,943 | $2,673 |
| O06 | $2,967 | $2,709 |
| O07 | $2,991 | $2,760 |
BAH for PATUXENT RIVER, MD includes the following zip codes: 20606, 20608, 20609, 20610, 20615, 20618, 20619, 20620, 20621, 20624, 20626, 20627, 20628, 20629, 20630, 20634, 20635, 20636, 20639, 20650, 20653, 20656, 20657, 20659, 20660, 20667, 20670, 20674, 20676, 20678, 20680, 20684, 20685, 20686, 20687, 20688, 20689, 20690, 20692, 20714, 20732, 20736, 20754
EASTERN SHORE, MD BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MD432
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,926 | $1,554 |
| E02 | $1,926 | $1,554 |
| E03 | $1,926 | $1,554 |
| E04 | $1,926 | $1,554 |
| E05 | $2,019 | $1,728 |
| E06 | $2,229 | $1,836 |
| E07 | $2,271 | $1,926 |
| E08 | $2,319 | $2,067 |
| E09 | $2,415 | $2,118 |
| W01 | $2,244 | $1,908 |
| W02 | $2,292 | $2,064 |
| W03 | $2,352 | $2,127 |
| W04 | $2,442 | $2,232 |
| W05 | $2,556 | $2,280 |
| O01E | $2,274 | $2,016 |
| O02E | $2,343 | $2,106 |
| O03E | $2,457 | $2,217 |
| O01 | $2,052 | $1,830 |
| O02 | $2,226 | $1,992 |
| O03 | $2,349 | $2,148 |
| O04 | $2,592 | $2,265 |
| O05 | $2,760 | $2,289 |
| O06 | $2,784 | $2,331 |
| O07 | $2,805 | $2,373 |
BAH for EASTERN SHORE, MD includes the following zip codes: 21801, 21802, 21803, 21804, 21810, 21811, 21813, 21814, 21817, 21821, 21822, 21824, 21826, 21829, 21830, 21836, 21837, 21838, 21840, 21841, 21842, 21843, 21849, 21850, 21851, 21852, 21853, 21856, 21857, 21861, 21862, 21863, 21864, 21865, 21866, 21867, 21871, 21872, 21874, 21875, 21890, 23301, 23302, 23303, 23306, 23307, 23308, 23310, 23313, 23316, 23336, 23337, 23341, 23345, 23347, 23350, 23354, 23356, 23357, 23358, 23359, 23389, 23395, 23396, 23398, 23399, 23401, 23404, 23405, 23407, 23408, 23409, 23410, 23412, 23413, 23414, 23415, 23416, 23417, 23418, 23419, 23420, 23421, 23422, 23423, 23426, 23427, 23429, 23440, 23441, 23442, 23443, 23480, 23482, 23483, 23486, 23488
OXFORD, MD BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MD458
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,175 | $1,632 |
| E02 | $2,175 | $1,632 |
| E03 | $2,175 | $1,632 |
| E04 | $2,175 | $1,632 |
| E05 | $2,373 | $1,824 |
| E06 | $2,712 | $2,034 |
| E07 | $2,766 | $2,181 |
| E08 | $2,820 | $2,445 |
| E09 | $2,958 | $2,541 |
| W01 | $2,733 | $2,115 |
| W02 | $2,790 | $2,442 |
| W03 | $2,859 | $2,553 |
| W04 | $2,997 | $2,718 |
| W05 | $3,168 | $2,778 |
| O01E | $2,769 | $2,370 |
| O02E | $2,850 | $2,517 |
| O03E | $3,021 | $2,706 |
| O01 | $2,421 | $1,971 |
| O02 | $2,709 | $2,310 |
| O03 | $2,856 | $2,589 |
| O04 | $3,228 | $2,760 |
| O05 | $3,489 | $2,787 |
| O06 | $3,522 | $2,838 |
| O07 | $3,549 | $2,889 |
BAH for OXFORD, MD includes the following zip codes: 21601, 21607, 21609, 21610, 21612, 21613, 21617, 21619, 21620, 21622, 21623, 21624, 21625, 21626, 21627, 21628, 21629, 21631, 21632, 21634, 21635, 21636, 21638, 21639, 21640, 21641, 21643, 21644, 21645, 21647, 21648, 21649, 21650, 21651, 21652, 21653, 21654, 21655, 21656, 21657, 21658, 21659, 21660, 21661, 21662, 21663, 21664, 21665, 21666, 21667, 21668, 21669, 21670, 21671, 21672, 21673, 21675, 21676, 21677, 21678, 21679, 21690, 21835, 21869
