2025 BAH Rates in Massachusetts – ZIP Code Housing Allowance
The 2025 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates in Massachusetts are now official. These monthly, tax-free housing payments are designed to help active-duty military members afford off-base housing in high-cost states like Massachusetts. Whether you’re stationed at Hanscom AFB, USCG Base Boston, or out on Cape Cod, you can find your ZIP-specific housing allowance below.
In 2025, Massachusetts saw notable BAH increases in Boston-area ZIPs like 02136 and 01731, as well as steady growth in housing costs on the Cape and in Western MA. Visit our national BAH update hub or check out our Massachusetts VA loan guide for more local insight.
Use your BAH to get pre-approved with $0 down
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What is the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)?
BAH is a tax-free monthly allowance provided to service members living off base. It’s intended to help cover housing costs and is adjusted annually based on local rental prices. In Massachusetts, this applies to duty stations like Hanscom AFB, USCG Boston, and small Coast Guard posts along the coast.
How BAH Rates Are Calculated
- Location: ZIP codes like 01731 (Hanscom), 02136 (Boston), and 02542 (Cape Cod) have distinct rate calculations based on housing costs in that area.
- Rank: The higher your pay grade, the more BAH you typically receive.
- Dependents: Service members with dependents qualify for higher BAH to reflect family housing needs.
How to Read the BAH Charts
- Find your assigned ZIP or MHA region
- Select your pay grade (e.g., E-5, O-3)
- Compare rates for “with” or “without dependents”
How to Use Your BAH to Buy a Home
Instead of putting your BAH toward rent, many service members in Massachusetts use it to buy a home with a VA loan. Even in high-cost areas like Lexington or Quincy, your allowance can help cover mortgage payments, especially when paired with benefits like zero down and no PMI.
VA loan perks for Massachusetts buyers include:
- No down payment required in most scenarios
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI) — ever
- Flexible credit score standards with manual underwriting allowed
- Access to below-market VA rates from approved lenders
Whether you’re stationed in the city or planning to retire in the Berkshires, using your BAH for homeownership may help you build wealth faster.
Massachusetts Housing Costs & BAH Impact
Massachusetts is one of the more expensive states for off-base housing, especially near Boston, Cambridge, and coastal towns. BAH helps close the affordability gap for military families, particularly around Hanscom AFB and in the Cape Cod region. In 2025, BAH increases reflect rising rental trends across Greater Boston, while remaining steady in western areas like Springfield and Pittsfield.
View Massachusetts BAH Rate FAQs
NANTUCKET, MA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MA119
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $3,900 | $2,925 |
| E02 | $3,900 | $2,925 |
| E03 | $3,900 | $2,925 |
| E04 | $3,900 | $2,925 |
| E05 | $4,185 | $3,354 |
| E06 | $4,860 | $3,645 |
| E07 | $4,968 | $3,912 |
| E08 | $5,079 | $4,320 |
| E09 | $5,295 | $4,524 |
| W01 | $4,881 | $3,807 |
| W02 | $5,016 | $4,317 |
| W03 | $5,154 | $4,545 |
| W04 | $5,349 | $4,881 |
| W05 | $5,583 | $4,992 |
| O01E | $4,983 | $4,182 |
| O02E | $5,136 | $4,479 |
| O03E | $5,382 | $4,854 |
| O01 | $4,269 | $3,612 |
| O02 | $4,851 | $4,092 |
| O03 | $5,151 | $4,614 |
| O04 | $5,664 | $4,968 |
| O05 | $6,027 | $5,031 |
| O06 | $6,084 | $5,136 |
| O07 | $6,135 | $5,235 |
BAH for NANTUCKET, MA includes the following zip codes: 2554, 2564, 2584
BOSTON, MA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MA120
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $4,194 | $3,147 |
| E02 | $4,194 | $3,147 |
| E03 | $4,194 | $3,147 |
| E04 | $4,194 | $3,147 |
| E05 | $4,632 | $3,489 |
| E06 | $4,770 | $3,807 |
| E07 | $4,851 | $4,215 |
| E08 | $4,941 | $4,665 |
| E09 | $5,241 | $4,692 |
| W01 | $4,785 | $4,044 |
| W02 | $4,890 | $4,662 |
| W03 | $5,004 | $4,701 |
| W04 | $5,331 | $4,779 |
| W05 | $5,724 | $4,872 |
| O01E | $4,863 | $4,629 |
| O02E | $4,989 | $4,686 |
| O03E | $5,391 | $4,758 |
| O01 | $4,656 | $3,753 |
| O02 | $4,767 | $4,488 |
| O03 | $5,001 | $4,713 |
| O04 | $5,868 | $4,851 |
| O05 | $6,489 | $4,899 |
| O06 | $6,552 | $4,986 |
| O07 | $6,609 | $5,079 |
BAH for BOSTON, MA includes the following zip codes: 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, 1721, 1745, 1746, 1748, 1760, 1770, 1772, 1776, 1778, 1784, 1801, 1813, 1815, 1822, 1864, 1867, 1880, 1889, 1890, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1910, 1915, 1923, 1937, 1940, 1945, 1949, 1960, 1970, 2021, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2030, 2032, 2035, 2043, 2045, 2048, 2052, 2053, 2054, 2056, 2061, 2062, 2066, 2067, 2071, 2072, 2081, 2090, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2119, 2120, 2121, 2122, 2123, 2124, 2125, 2126, 2127, 2128, 2129, 2130, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2136, 2137, 2138, 2139, 2140, 2141, 2142, 2143, 2144, 2145, 2148, 2149, 2150, 2151, 2152, 2153, 2155, 2156, 2163, 2169, 2170, 2171, 2176, 2180, 2184, 2185, 2186, 2187, 2188, 2189, 2190, 2191, 2196, 2199, 2201, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206, 2210, 2211, 2212, 2215, 2217, 2222, 2238, 2241, 2269, 2283, 2284, 2293, 2297, 2298, 2301, 2302, 2322, 2339, 2343, 2351, 2356, 2368, 2370, 2420, 2421, 2445, 2446, 2447, 2451, 2452, 2453, 2454, 2455, 2456, 2457, 2458, 2459, 2460, 2461, 2462, 2464, 2465, 2466, 2467, 2468, 2471, 2472, 2474, 2475, 2476, 2477, 2478, 2479, 2481, 2482, 2492, 2493, 2494, 2495
» MORE: Check your VA home loan eligibility with today’s top lenders
WORCESTER, MA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MA122
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,739 | $2,334 |
| E02 | $2,739 | $2,334 |
| E03 | $2,739 | $2,334 |
| E04 | $2,739 | $2,334 |
| E05 | $2,862 | $2,508 |
| E06 | $3,351 | $2,619 |
| E07 | $3,426 | $2,739 |
| E08 | $3,498 | $2,964 |
| E09 | $3,717 | $3,105 |
| W01 | $3,372 | $2,706 |
| W02 | $3,456 | $2,961 |
| W03 | $3,549 | $3,123 |
| W04 | $3,783 | $3,366 |
| W05 | $4,062 | $3,441 |
| O01E | $3,432 | $2,859 |
| O02E | $3,534 | $3,075 |
| O03E | $3,822 | $3,345 |
| O01 | $2,925 | $2,610 |
| O02 | $3,348 | $2,826 |
| O03 | $3,546 | $3,174 |
| O04 | $4,164 | $3,420 |
| O05 | $4,605 | $3,459 |
| O06 | $4,647 | $3,528 |
| O07 | $4,686 | $3,594 |
BAH for WORCESTER, MA includes the following zip codes: 1005, 1031, 1037, 1068, 1074, 1083, 1092, 1094, 1441, 1501, 1505, 1506, 1507, 1508, 1509, 1515, 1516, 1518, 1519, 1520, 1522, 1524, 1525, 1526, 1527, 1531, 1532, 1534, 1535, 1536, 1537, 1538, 1540, 1542, 1543, 1545, 1546, 1550, 1560, 1562, 1566, 1568, 1569, 1570, 1571, 1581, 1583, 1585, 1586, 1588, 1590, 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, 1606, 1607, 1608, 1609, 1610, 1611, 1612, 1613, 1614, 1615, 1653, 1655, 1747, 1756, 1757
» MORE: Check your VA home loan eligibility with today’s top lenders
FITCHBURG, MA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MA123
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,961 | $2,376 |
| E02 | $2,961 | $2,376 |
| E03 | $2,961 | $2,376 |
| E04 | $2,961 | $2,376 |
| E05 | $3,060 | $2,688 |
| E06 | $3,441 | $2,862 |
| E07 | $3,624 | $2,961 |
| E08 | $3,822 | $3,141 |
| E09 | $4,083 | $3,249 |
| W01 | $3,462 | $2,937 |
| W02 | $3,705 | $3,138 |
| W03 | $3,948 | $3,264 |
| W04 | $4,134 | $3,480 |
| W05 | $4,359 | $3,669 |
| O01E | $3,657 | $3,057 |
| O02E | $3,915 | $3,225 |
| O03E | $4,167 | $3,432 |
| O01 | $3,114 | $2,856 |
| O02 | $3,438 | $3,030 |
| O03 | $3,942 | $3,303 |
| O04 | $4,437 | $3,633 |
| O05 | $4,785 | $3,747 |
| O06 | $4,827 | $3,930 |
| O07 | $4,869 | $4,005 |
BAH for FITCHBURG, MA includes the following zip codes: 1331, 1366, 1368, 1420, 1430, 1431, 1432, 1434, 1436, 1438, 1440, 1450, 1451, 1452, 1453, 1460, 1462, 1463, 1464, 1467, 1468, 1469, 1470, 1471, 1472, 1473, 1474, 1475, 1503, 1510, 1523, 1541, 1561, 1564, 1718, 1719, 1720, 1740, 1749, 1752, 1754, 1775
» MORE: Check official requirements for a VA loan
CAPE COD-PLYMOUTH, MA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MA124
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $3,462 | $2,829 |
| E02 | $3,462 | $2,829 |
| E03 | $3,462 | $2,829 |
| E04 | $3,462 | $2,829 |
| E05 | $3,672 | $3,099 |
| E06 | $3,786 | $3,267 |
| E07 | $3,930 | $3,468 |
| E08 | $4,089 | $3,702 |
| E09 | $4,311 | $3,723 |
| W01 | $3,801 | $3,396 |
| W02 | $3,996 | $3,699 |
| W03 | $4,194 | $3,729 |
| W04 | $4,356 | $3,813 |
| W05 | $4,551 | $3,966 |
| O01E | $3,957 | $3,669 |
| O02E | $4,167 | $3,717 |
| O03E | $4,383 | $3,774 |
| O01 | $3,696 | $3,246 |
| O02 | $3,783 | $3,606 |
| O03 | $4,188 | $3,741 |
| O04 | $4,617 | $3,936 |
| O05 | $4,920 | $4,026 |
| O06 | $4,965 | $4,176 |
| O07 | $5,007 | $4,254 |
BAH for CAPE COD-PLYMOUTH, MA includes the following zip codes: 2018, 2020, 2040, 2041, 2044, 2047, 2050, 2051, 2055, 2059, 2060, 2065, 2303, 2304, 2305, 2324, 2325, 2327, 2330, 2331, 2332, 2333, 2334, 2337, 2338, 2341, 2344, 2345, 2346, 2347, 2348, 2349, 2350, 2355, 2357, 2358, 2359, 2360, 2361, 2362, 2364, 2366, 2367, 2375, 2379, 2381, 2382, 2532, 2534, 2536, 2537, 2538, 2540, 2541, 2542, 2543, 2553, 2556, 2558, 2559, 2561, 2562, 2563, 2571, 2574, 2576, 2601, 2630, 2631, 2632, 2633, 2634, 2635, 2637, 2638, 2639, 2641, 2642, 2643, 2644, 2645, 2646, 2647, 2648, 2649, 2650, 2651, 2652, 2653, 2655, 2657, 2659, 2660, 2661, 2662, 2663, 2664, 2666, 2667, 2668, 2669, 2670, 2671, 2672, 2673, 2675, 2713, 2738, 2739, 2770
» MORE: Check official requirements for a VA loan
ESSEX CO, MA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MA125
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $3,108 | $2,454 |
| E02 | $3,108 | $2,454 |
| E03 | $3,108 | $2,454 |
| E04 | $3,108 | $2,454 |
| E05 | $3,306 | $2,748 |
| E06 | $3,630 | $2,925 |
| E07 | $3,831 | $3,114 |
| E08 | $4,050 | $3,375 |
| E09 | $4,377 | $3,465 |
| W01 | $3,651 | $3,048 |
| W02 | $3,921 | $3,372 |
| W03 | $4,191 | $3,477 |
| W04 | $4,449 | $3,672 |
| W05 | $4,755 | $3,882 |
| O01E | $3,870 | $3,303 |
| O02E | $4,152 | $3,444 |
| O03E | $4,494 | $3,621 |
| O01 | $3,351 | $2,907 |
| O02 | $3,627 | $3,243 |
| O03 | $4,182 | $3,510 |
| O04 | $4,866 | $3,843 |
| O05 | $5,349 | $4,011 |
| O06 | $5,400 | $4,173 |
| O07 | $5,445 | $4,251 |
BAH for ESSEX CO, MA includes the following zip codes: 1810, 1812, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833, 1834, 1835, 1840, 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, 1860, 1885, 1899, 1913, 1921, 1922, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1936, 1938, 1944, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1971, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 5501
HAMPDEN COUNTY, MA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MA126
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,202 | $1,692 |
| E02 | $2,202 | $1,692 |
| E03 | $2,202 | $1,692 |
| E04 | $2,202 | $1,692 |
| E05 | $2,313 | $1,947 |
| E06 | $2,763 | $2,097 |
| E07 | $2,982 | $2,238 |
| E08 | $3,210 | $2,409 |
| E09 | $3,453 | $2,589 |
| W01 | $2,787 | $2,178 |
| W02 | $3,075 | $2,406 |
| W03 | $3,360 | $2,592 |
| W04 | $3,489 | $2,811 |
| W05 | $3,645 | $3,033 |
| O01E | $3,021 | $2,310 |
| O02E | $3,321 | $2,508 |
| O03E | $3,510 | $2,757 |
| O01 | $2,373 | $2,088 |
| O02 | $2,760 | $2,280 |
| O03 | $3,351 | $2,601 |
| O04 | $3,696 | $2,994 |
| O05 | $3,933 | $3,126 |
| O06 | $3,969 | $3,342 |
| O07 | $4,002 | $3,405 |
BAH for HAMPDEN COUNTY, MA includes the following zip codes: 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1041, 1050, 1053, 1056, 1057, 1059, 1060, 1061, 1062, 1063, 1066, 1069, 1070, 1071, 1073, 1075, 1077, 1079, 1080, 1081, 1082, 1084, 1085, 1086, 1088, 1089, 1090, 1095, 1096, 1097, 1098, 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 1111, 1115, 1116, 1118, 1119, 1128, 1129, 1138, 1139, 1144, 1151, 1152, 1199, 1201, 1202, 1203, 1220, 1222, 1223, 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227, 1229, 1230, 1235, 1236, 1237, 1238, 1240, 1242, 1243, 1244, 1245, 1247, 1252, 1253, 1254, 1255, 1256, 1257, 1258, 1259, 1260, 1262, 1263, 1264, 1266, 1267, 1270, 1343, 1521
MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MA151
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $3,666 | $2,751 |
| E02 | $3,666 | $2,751 |
| E03 | $3,666 | $2,751 |
| E04 | $3,666 | $2,751 |
| E05 | $3,987 | $3,099 |
| E06 | $4,599 | $3,450 |
| E07 | $4,758 | $3,678 |
| E08 | $4,926 | $4,113 |
| E09 | $5,133 | $4,293 |
| W01 | $4,623 | $3,558 |
| W02 | $4,827 | $4,110 |
| W03 | $5,034 | $4,314 |
| W04 | $5,172 | $4,635 |
| W05 | $5,340 | $4,797 |
| O01E | $4,785 | $3,984 |
| O02E | $5,007 | $4,254 |
| O03E | $5,196 | $4,593 |
| O01 | $4,065 | $3,339 |
| O02 | $4,593 | $3,882 |
| O03 | $5,028 | $4,377 |
| O04 | $5,394 | $4,764 |
| O05 | $5,652 | $4,860 |
| O06 | $5,703 | $5,016 |
| O07 | $5,754 | $5,112 |
BAH for MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA includes the following zip codes: 2535, 2539, 2552, 2557, 2568, 2575
» MORE: Check official requirements for a VA loan
HANSCOM AFB, MA BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MA377
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $3,858 | $2,970 |
| E02 | $3,858 | $2,970 |
| E03 | $3,858 | $2,970 |
| E04 | $3,858 | $2,970 |
| E05 | $3,999 | $3,456 |
| E06 | $4,398 | $3,726 |
| E07 | $4,506 | $3,861 |
| E08 | $4,617 | $4,083 |
| E09 | $4,875 | $4,197 |
| W01 | $4,416 | $3,819 |
| W02 | $4,551 | $4,080 |
| W03 | $4,692 | $4,212 |
| W04 | $4,944 | $4,419 |
| W05 | $5,247 | $4,530 |
| O01E | $4,521 | $3,996 |
| O02E | $4,674 | $4,170 |
| O03E | $4,989 | $4,389 |
| O01 | $4,053 | $3,711 |
| O02 | $4,395 | $3,957 |
| O03 | $4,689 | $4,251 |
| O04 | $5,355 | $4,506 |
| O05 | $5,832 | $4,569 |
| O06 | $5,886 | $4,674 |
| O07 | $5,937 | $4,761 |
BAH for HANSCOM AFB, MA includes the following zip codes: 1730, 1731, 1741, 1742, 1773, 1803, 1805, 1821, 1824, 1826, 1827, 1850, 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854, 1862, 1863, 1865, 1866, 1876, 1879, 1886, 1887, 1888
2025 BAH FAQs for Massachusetts
How much did BAH increase in Massachusetts for 2025?
BAH rates rose by an average of 5.7% in 2025, with the biggest changes in Boston-area ZIPs and Cape Cod.
Where is BAH highest in Massachusetts?
The highest BAH is in ZIPs near Boston (02136) and Cambridge, where rent remains among the highest in New England.
What is the BAH for an E-5 with dependents at Hanscom AFB?
In 2025, an E-5 with dependents stationed at Hanscom AFB receives approximately $3,201/month in BAH.
Is BAH enough to rent in Massachusetts?
In many areas, yes — especially with roommate setups or in towns outside the Boston core. In very high-cost ZIPs, BAH may partially cover rent.
Is BAH taxed in Massachusetts?
No. BAH is federally and state tax-exempt, meaning it does not count as income on your tax return.
Can BAH be used to get approved for a VA loan?
Yes. BAH is counted as stable, recurring income and helps qualify you for a VA mortgage.
What ZIPs are used for Cape Cod BAH?
The ZIP 02542 (Otis ANG Base) is commonly used for military BAH calculations on Cape Cod.
When are BAH rates updated?
The Department of Defense adjusts BAH rates annually, with new figures released each January.
