2026 BAH Rates in Montana – ZIP Code Housing Allowance
Montana’s 2026 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 2026, BAH rates in Montana increased slightly to reflect local rental shifts — particularly around Great Falls, Helena, and Bozeman. View broader trends on our 2026 BAH update dashboard or check out our Montana VA loan guide for housing and loan resources statewide.
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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 2026, 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.
