Rates and VA Loan Buying Power
2026 Massachusetts BAH Rates and VA Loan Buying Power
DoD BAH lookup
DFAS pay and entitlements
VA home loan overview
CFPB Loan Estimate guide
Massachusetts BAH rates can materially change VA loan buying power because BAH is tax free and many lenders count it when it is verified on your LES. Before you dive into the tables, make sure the lender is using the right housing area, the right dependency status, and a payment target that fits the full file.
Next step:
Check VA Loan Eligibility Using Your BAH and LES
Massachusetts BAH Snapshot
Boston runs highest in your sample set at $4,791 for an E 5 with dependents, while Hampden County is far lower at $2,268. Hanscom AFB, Nantucket, and Cape Cod Plymouth also sit well above many other markets.
How BAH Counts for VA Loans
Many VA lenders count BAH as qualifying income when it appears on your LES. Because it is tax free, some lenders also gross it up. That can improve DTI, but residual income and the full monthly payment still drive the approval decision.
PCS and Rate Protection
With valid PCS orders, lenders can often use gaining station BAH when you are moving into Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts housing assumptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Massachusetts BAH to qualify for a VA loan?
Can PCS orders change which Massachusetts BAH a lender uses?
Why does the Massachusetts BAH table not match my loan estimate exactly?
How to Use Massachusetts BAH Rates for a VA Loan
- Pick the right table: Start with the Massachusetts 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
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 2026, BAH increases reflect rising rental trends across Greater Boston, while remaining steady in western areas like Springfield and Pittsfield.
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, 2026, 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
