2025 BAH Rates in Montana – ZIP Code Housing Allowance
Montana’s 2025 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates are now active. This monthly, tax-exempt housing benefit supports active-duty military members who live off base, with rates based on ZIP code, pay grade, and dependent status. Whether you’re stationed at Malmstrom AFB, Fort Harrison, or serving in Billings or Missoula, you’ll find your updated rates below.
In 2025, BAH rates in Montana increased slightly to reflect local rental shifts — particularly around Great Falls, Helena, and Bozeman. View broader trends on our 2025 BAH update dashboard or check out our Montana VA loan guide for housing and loan resources statewide.
Use your Montana BAH toward $0 down homeownership
View BAH Rates in:
What is the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)?
BAH is a monthly housing stipend provided to military members who live off post or base. It is designed to help offset the cost of renting in the local market. In Montana, it applies to service members at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Fort Harrison, and across cities like Billings, Helena, and Kalispell.
How BAH Rates Are Determined
- Location: ZIP codes like 59402 (Malmstrom AFB), 59636 (Fort Harrison), and 59102 (Billings) reflect the rental costs in their regions.
- Rank: Higher ranks receive more BAH to account for larger housing needs.
- Dependents: BAH increases for those with dependents to support family accommodations.
How to Read Your BAH Rate
- Find your duty station’s ZIP code or Military Housing Area (MHA)
- Select your grade (e.g., E-5, O-3)
- Compare rates for “with” vs. “without” dependents
How to Use Your BAH to Buy a Home
Instead of renting, many Montana-based service members apply their BAH toward a mortgage using the VA home loan. In towns like Great Falls, Butte, or Helena, your monthly allowance may be enough to cover a full mortgage payment — often with no down payment required.
Advantages of using a VA loan in Montana:
- Zero down payment for eligible VA buyers
- No PMI (private mortgage insurance) ever required
- Flexible credit requirements with room for manual underwriting
- Lower-than-average interest rates with VA-backed loans
Montana’s steady housing prices and open land make BAH-backed homeownership a long-term win.
Montana Housing Costs & BAH Impact
Montana’s rental market varies by region — with affordable housing near Great Falls and Helena, and higher demand areas around Bozeman and Missoula. In 2025, BAH increases aligned with these shifts, helping service members maintain housing coverage. In most cases, BAH is enough to fully cover rent, especially near Malmstrom AFB and Fort Harrison, where housing is more accessible.
Malmstrom SFB/Great Falls, MT BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MT175
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,389 | $1,095 |
| E02 | $1,389 | $1,095 |
| E03 | $1,389 | $1,095 |
| E04 | $1,389 | $1,095 |
| E05 | $1,482 | $1,218 |
| E06 | $1,683 | $1,299 |
| E07 | $1,863 | $1,398 |
| E08 | $2,058 | $1,545 |
| E09 | $2,247 | $1,686 |
| W01 | $1,701 | $1,371 |
| W02 | $1,944 | $1,524 |
| W03 | $2,184 | $1,689 |
| W04 | $2,274 | $1,719 |
| W05 | $2,385 | $1,905 |
| O01E | $1,896 | $1,479 |
| O02E | $2,151 | $1,614 |
| O03E | $2,289 | $1,716 |
| O01 | $1,512 | $1,293 |
| O02 | $1,680 | $1,455 |
| O03 | $2,178 | $1,692 |
| O04 | $2,421 | $1,872 |
| O05 | $2,586 | $1,983 |
| O06 | $2,607 | $2,166 |
| O07 | $2,625 | $2,205 |
BAH for Malmstrom SFB/Great Falls, MT includes the following zip codes: 59401, 59402, 59403, 59404, 59405, 59406, 59412, 59414, 59421, 59443, 59463, 59465, 59472, 59477, 59480, 59483, 59485, 59487.
Helena, MT BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: MT347
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,656 | $1,383 |
| E02 | $1,656 | $1,383 |
| E03 | $1,656 | $1,383 |
| E04 | $1,656 | $1,383 |
| E05 | $1,785 | $1,467 |
| E06 | $2,394 | $1,797 |
| E07 | $2,499 | $1,875 |
| E08 | $2,607 | $1,956 |
| E09 | $2,754 | $2,091 |
| W01 | $2,415 | $1,812 |
| W02 | $2,544 | $1,908 |
| W03 | $2,679 | $2,112 |
| W04 | $2,784 | $2,415 |
| W05 | $2,913 | $2,523 |
| O01E | $2,514 | $1,887 |
| O02E | $2,661 | $2,049 |
| O03E | $2,802 | $2,388 |
| O01 | $1,863 | $1,524 |
| O02 | $2,388 | $1,878 |
| O03 | $2,676 | $2,175 |
| O04 | $2,955 | $2,499 |
| O05 | $3,150 | $2,559 |
| O06 | $3,177 | $2,661 |
| O07 | $3,204 | $2,709 |
BAH for Helena, MT includes the following zip codes: 59410, 59601, 59602, 59604, 59620, 59623, 59624, 59625, 59626, 59633, 59635, 59636, 59639, 59640, 59648.
2025 BAH FAQs for Montana
How much did BAH increase in Montana for 2025?
On average, BAH in Montana increased by 3.7%, with slightly higher gains in Bozeman and Missoula ZIPs.
Where is BAH highest in Montana?
BAH tends to be highest in Bozeman (59715) and parts of Missoula, due to rising rental costs in those areas.
What is the BAH for an E-5 with dependents at Malmstrom AFB?
In 2025, an E-5 with dependents at Malmstrom receives approximately $1,878/month in BAH.
Does BAH fully cover rent in Montana?
Yes — in most locations, BAH is enough to cover rent, especially near Great Falls, Helena, and Kalispell.
Is BAH taxed in Montana?
No. BAH is tax-free income and is excluded from both state and federal income reporting.
Can BAH be used to qualify for a VA loan?
Absolutely. Lenders consider BAH part of your monthly income when applying for a mortgage.
Which ZIP is used for Fort Harrison?
BAH for Fort Harrison is typically calculated using ZIP code 59636 in the Helena region.
When are BAH rates updated?
Rates are reviewed annually by the Department of Defense and updated each January.
