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

Rates and VA Loan Buying Power

2026 Missouri 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

Missouri has 6 Military Housing Areas. E-5 with-dependents BAH ranges from $1,377 to $2,436 per month; E-6 with dependents ranges from $1,623 to $2,655. Buying-power assumptions are stated below the table.


Next step:
Check Your VA Loan Eligibility

Table 1. Missouri Military Housing Areas at a glance
MHA E-5 w/dep E-6 w/dep E-6 buying power
KANSAS CITY, MO $1,986 $2,175 ~$235,000
ST. LOUIS, MO $2,436 $2,655 ~$285,000
WHITEMAN AFB, MO $1,611 $1,929 ~$205,000
FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO $1,479 $1,722 ~$185,000
SPRINGFIELD, MO $1,389 $1,857 ~$200,000
COLUMBIA/JEFFERSON CITY, MO $1,377 $1,623 ~$175,000

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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.

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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
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▸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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Missouri BAH Snapshot

  • MHA count: 6 Military Housing Areas
  • E-5 w/dep range: $1,377 to $2,436/mo
  • E-6 w/dep range: $1,623 to $2,655/mo
  • Buying power range: ~$150,000 to ~$285,000

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

  • ST. LOUIS, MO: E-6 w/dep $2,655/mo, ~$285,000 buying power
  • KANSAS CITY, MO: E-6 w/dep $2,175/mo, ~$235,000 buying power
  • WHITEMAN AFB, MO: E-6 w/dep $1,929/mo, ~$205,000 buying power
  • SPRINGFIELD, MO: E-6 w/dep $1,857/mo, ~$200,000 buying power

Lowest BAH in Texas

  • COLUMBIA/JEFFERSON CITY, MO: E-6 w/dep $1,623/mo, ~$175,000 buying power
  • FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO: E-6 w/dep $1,722/mo, ~$185,000 buying power
  • SPRINGFIELD, MO: E-6 w/dep $1,857/mo, ~$200,000 buying power
  • WHITEMAN AFB, MO: E-6 w/dep $1,929/mo, ~$205,000 buying power

The Bottom Line Up Front

Missouri BAH rates vary by more than $1,032 per month at E-6 with dependents. The highest rate is $2,655 (ST. LOUIS, MO) and the lowest is $1,623 (COLUMBIA/JEFFERSON CITY, MO). That spread translates to a buying-power difference of roughly $110,000 at current VA loan terms.

How to Use Missouri 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 Missouri: 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 Missouri: 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

Missouri Housing Costs and BAH Impact

In suburban areas like Columbia and Springfield, housing costs are modest, while St. Louis and Kansas City have ZIPs with slightly higher rents. The 2026 BAH increases were driven by market growth in key ZIPs like 64086, 63114, and 65301.

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 Missouri VA loan guide.

Explore More BAH Insights

Missouri 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, Missouri property tax at 0.82 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.71 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).

KANSAS CITY, MO (MHA MO160): E-5 w/dep $1,986, E-6 w/dep $2,175, ~$235,000 buying power

KANSAS CITY, MO BAH Rates

Table 2. 2026 BAH rates for KANSAS CITY, MO
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,845 $1,419
E-2 $1,845 $1,419
E-3 $1,845 $1,419
E-4 $1,845 $1,419
E-5 $1,986 $1,596
E-6 $2,175 $1,713
E-7 $2,223 $1,848
E-8 $2,277 $2,031
E-9 $2,397 $2,076
W-1 $2,190 $1,806
W-2 $2,244 $2,028
W-3 $2,313 $2,085
W-4 $2,430 $2,178
W-5 $2,574 $2,232
O-1E $2,229 $1,983
O-2E $2,301 $2,064
O-3E $2,451 $2,163
O-1 $2,019 $1,701
O-2 $2,172 $1,944
O-3 $2,310 $2,103
O-4 $2,622 $2,217
O-5 $2,847 $2,241
O-6 $2,868 $2,289
O-7 $2,889 $2,328

KANSAS CITY, MO Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,986): ~$215,000 home, PITI ~$1,662/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,175): ~$235,000 home, PITI ~$1,817/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,223): ~$240,000 home, PITI ~$1,856/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,310): ~$250,000 home, PITI ~$1,933/mo
ST. LOUIS, MO (MHA MO161): E-5 w/dep $2,436, E-6 w/dep $2,655, ~$285,000 buying power

ST. LOUIS, MO BAH Rates

Table 3. 2026 BAH rates for ST. LOUIS, MO
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $2,268 $1,701
E-2 $2,268 $1,701
E-3 $2,268 $1,701
E-4 $2,268 $1,701
E-5 $2,436 $1,947
E-6 $2,655 $2,112
E-7 $2,691 $2,271
E-8 $2,733 $2,487
E-9 $2,841 $2,541
W-1 $2,673 $2,220
W-2 $2,709 $2,484
W-3 $2,763 $2,553
W-4 $2,871 $2,655
W-5 $3,006 $2,700
O-1E $2,694 $2,433
O-2E $2,751 $2,529
O-3E $2,892 $2,646
O-1 $2,472 $2,094
O-2 $2,652 $2,385
O-3 $2,760 $2,571
O-4 $3,048 $2,685
O-5 $3,261 $2,703
O-6 $3,285 $2,739
O-7 $3,309 $2,784

ST. LOUIS, MO Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,436): ~$260,000 home, PITI ~$2,010/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,655): ~$285,000 home, PITI ~$2,203/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,691): ~$290,000 home, PITI ~$2,242/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,760): ~$295,000 home, PITI ~$2,281/mo
WHITEMAN AFB, MO (MHA MO162): E-5 w/dep $1,611, E-6 w/dep $1,929, ~$205,000 buying power

WHITEMAN AFB, MO BAH Rates

Table 4. 2026 BAH rates for WHITEMAN AFB, MO
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,449 $1,110
E-2 $1,449 $1,110
E-3 $1,449 $1,110
E-4 $1,449 $1,110
E-5 $1,611 $1,215
E-6 $1,929 $1,446
E-7 $2,043 $1,533
E-8 $2,166 $1,680
E-9 $2,322 $1,767
W-1 $1,950 $1,464
W-2 $2,094 $1,677
W-3 $2,247 $1,782
W-4 $2,349 $1,953
W-5 $2,478 $2,070
O-1E $2,064 $1,608
O-2E $2,223 $1,749
O-3E $2,370 $1,923
O-1 $1,656 $1,281
O-2 $1,926 $1,560
O-3 $2,244 $1,812
O-4 $2,517 $2,046
O-5 $2,715 $2,112
O-6 $2,736 $2,226
O-7 $2,751 $2,262

WHITEMAN AFB, MO Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,611): ~$175,000 home, PITI ~$1,353/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,929): ~$205,000 home, PITI ~$1,585/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,043): ~$220,000 home, PITI ~$1,701/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,244): ~$240,000 home, PITI ~$1,856/mo
FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO (MHA MO163): E-5 w/dep $1,479, E-6 w/dep $1,722, ~$185,000 buying power

FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO BAH Rates

Table 5. 2026 BAH rates for FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,386 $1,287
E-2 $1,386 $1,287
E-3 $1,386 $1,287
E-4 $1,386 $1,287
E-5 $1,479 $1,290
E-6 $1,722 $1,296
E-7 $1,833 $1,386
E-8 $1,956 $1,533
E-9 $2,064 $1,596
W-1 $1,740 $1,368
W-2 $1,884 $1,530
W-3 $2,034 $1,608
W-4 $2,073 $1,743
W-5 $2,130 $1,860
O-1E $1,854 $1,476
O-2E $2,010 $1,581
O-3E $2,085 $1,713
O-1 $1,515 $1,293
O-2 $1,719 $1,452
O-3 $2,028 $1,629
O-4 $2,142 $1,833
O-5 $2,223 $1,899
O-6 $2,238 $2,013
O-7 $2,250 $2,043

FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,479): ~$160,000 home, PITI ~$1,237/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,722): ~$185,000 home, PITI ~$1,430/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,833): ~$195,000 home, PITI ~$1,508/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,028): ~$220,000 home, PITI ~$1,701/mo
SPRINGFIELD, MO (MHA MO164): E-5 w/dep $1,389, E-6 w/dep $1,857, ~$200,000 buying power

SPRINGFIELD, MO BAH Rates

Table 6. 2026 BAH rates for SPRINGFIELD, MO
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,293 $1,146
E-2 $1,293 $1,146
E-3 $1,293 $1,146
E-4 $1,293 $1,146
E-5 $1,389 $1,167
E-6 $1,857 $1,392
E-7 $1,908 $1,431
E-8 $1,962 $1,488
E-9 $2,103 $1,623
W-1 $1,878 $1,410
W-2 $1,932 $1,485
W-3 $2,001 $1,641
W-4 $2,142 $1,863
W-5 $2,319 $1,920
O-1E $1,914 $1,437
O-2E $1,989 $1,593
O-3E $2,169 $1,851
O-1 $1,452 $1,194
O-2 $1,851 $1,434
O-3 $1,998 $1,686
O-4 $2,376 $1,902
O-5 $2,649 $1,986
O-6 $2,670 $2,004
O-7 $2,685 $2,013

SPRINGFIELD, MO Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,389): ~$150,000 home, PITI ~$1,160/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,857): ~$200,000 home, PITI ~$1,546/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,908): ~$205,000 home, PITI ~$1,585/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($1,998): ~$215,000 home, PITI ~$1,662/mo
COLUMBIA/JEFFERSON CITY, MO (MHA MO165): E-5 w/dep $1,377, E-6 w/dep $1,623, ~$175,000 buying power

COLUMBIA/JEFFERSON CITY, MO BAH Rates

Table 7. 2026 BAH rates for COLUMBIA/JEFFERSON CITY, MO
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,284 $1,134
E-2 $1,284 $1,134
E-3 $1,284 $1,134
E-4 $1,284 $1,134
E-5 $1,377 $1,161
E-6 $1,623 $1,215
E-7 $1,803 $1,353
E-8 $2,001 $1,500
E-9 $2,199 $1,650
W-1 $1,644 $1,266
W-2 $1,884 $1,428
W-3 $2,127 $1,653
W-4 $2,226 $1,689
W-5 $2,352 $1,848
O-1E $1,839 $1,380
O-2E $2,091 $1,569
O-3E $2,247 $1,686
O-1 $1,413 $1,191
O-2 $1,620 $1,356
O-3 $2,118 $1,656
O-4 $2,391 $1,812
O-5 $2,583 $1,938
O-6 $2,604 $2,106
O-7 $2,619 $2,139

COLUMBIA/JEFFERSON CITY, MO Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,377): ~$150,000 home, PITI ~$1,160/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,623): ~$175,000 home, PITI ~$1,353/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,803): ~$195,000 home, PITI ~$1,508/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,118): ~$225,000 home, PITI ~$1,740/mo

VA Loans Near Missouri Military Bases

Missouri BAH rates for an E-6 with dependents range from $1,623/month (COLUMBIA/JEFFERSON CITY, MO) to $2,655/month (ST. LOUIS, MO). That translates to estimated buying power from ~$175,000 to ~$285,000 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 Missouri?

Missouri has 6 Military Housing Areas. The Secretary of Defense determines the costs of adequate housing in each area. 37 USC 403(b)(2)

Which Missouri MHA has the highest BAH?

ST. LOUIS, MO has the highest E-6 with-dependents rate at $2,655 per month, translating to roughly $285,000 in buying power.

Which Missouri MHA has the lowest BAH?

COLUMBIA/JEFFERSON CITY, MO has the lowest E-6 with-dependents rate at $1,623 per month, translating to roughly $175,000 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, Missouri property tax at 0.82 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.71 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, Missouri property tax at 0.82 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.71 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.

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