2026 New Jersey BAH Rates by Base, Rank, and Dependents
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2026 New Jersey BAH Rates

Rates and VA Loan Buying Power

2026 New Jersey BAH Rates and VA Loan Buying Power

Written by: NMLS#151017By (NMLS 151017)
Reviewed by: VA Loan Network Editorial TeamReviewed: VALN Editorial Team
Updated on
Primary sources:
DoD BAH Lookup

VA Home Loan Overview

New Jersey has 7 Military Housing Areas. E-5 with-dependents BAH ranges from $2,655 to $4,749 per month; E-6 with dependents ranges from $3,072 to $5,052. Buying-power assumptions are stated below the table.


Next step:
Check Your VA Loan Eligibility

Table 1. New Jersey Military Housing Areas at a glance
MHA E-5 w/dep E-6 w/dep E-6 buying power
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ $2,655 $3,291 ~$325,000
CAPE MAY, NJ $2,754 $3,072 ~$305,000
FORT MONMOUTH/EARLE NWS, NJ $3,549 $4,080 ~$405,000
PERTH AMBOY, NJ $3,393 $4,071 ~$405,000
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, NJ $4,749 $5,052 ~$500,000
TRENTON, NJ $3,465 $3,972 ~$395,000
JB MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ $2,823 $3,444 ~$340,000

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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.

680+
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
—
▸Down payment
$0
▸Funding fee (financed)
—
▸Estimated monthly payment
—
▸BAH surplus per month
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A VA loan specialist will personally review your BAH analysis and reach out within one business day.

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A real specialist (not a call center) will email or call with your exact rate quote, funding fee details, and homes in your price range near your duty station. No pressure, no spam.

New Jersey BAH Snapshot

  • MHA count: 7 Military Housing Areas
  • E-5 w/dep range: $2,655 to $4,749/mo
  • E-6 w/dep range: $3,072 to $5,052/mo
  • Buying power range: ~$265,000 to ~$500,000

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

  • NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, NJ: E-6 w/dep $5,052/mo, ~$500,000 buying power
  • FORT MONMOUTH/EARLE NWS, NJ: E-6 w/dep $4,080/mo, ~$405,000 buying power
  • PERTH AMBOY, NJ: E-6 w/dep $4,071/mo, ~$405,000 buying power
  • TRENTON, NJ: E-6 w/dep $3,972/mo, ~$395,000 buying power

Lowest BAH in Texas

  • CAPE MAY, NJ: E-6 w/dep $3,072/mo, ~$305,000 buying power
  • ATLANTIC CITY, NJ: E-6 w/dep $3,291/mo, ~$325,000 buying power
  • JB MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ: E-6 w/dep $3,444/mo, ~$340,000 buying power
  • TRENTON, NJ: E-6 w/dep $3,972/mo, ~$395,000 buying power

The Bottom Line Up Front

New Jersey BAH rates vary by more than $1,980 per month at E-6 with dependents. The highest rate is $5,052 (NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, NJ) and the lowest is $3,072 (CAPE MAY, NJ). That spread translates to a buying-power difference of roughly $195,000 at current VA loan terms.

How to Use New Jersey 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 New Jersey: 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 New Jersey: 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

New Jersey Housing Costs and BAH Impact

Your BAH rate depends on the Military Housing Area assigned to your duty station, and the same rank can produce different buying power across New Jersey.

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 New Jersey VA loan guide.

Explore More BAH Insights

New Jersey 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, New Jersey property tax at 1.99 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.31 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).

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (MHA NJ196): E-5 w/dep $2,655, E-6 w/dep $3,291, ~$325,000 buying power

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ BAH Rates

Table 2. 2026 BAH rates for ATLANTIC CITY, NJ
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $2,559 $2,004
E-2 $2,559 $2,004
E-3 $2,559 $2,004
E-4 $2,559 $2,004
E-5 $2,655 $2,298
E-6 $3,291 $2,469
E-7 $3,414 $2,562
E-8 $3,543 $2,784
E-9 $3,735 $2,976
W-1 $3,312 $2,538
W-2 $3,465 $2,781
W-3 $3,627 $2,997
W-4 $3,774 $3,318
W-5 $3,954 $3,441
O-1E $3,435 $2,652
O-2E $3,603 $2,934
O-3E $3,801 $3,285
O-1 $2,736 $2,457
O-2 $3,285 $2,628
O-3 $3,624 $3,060
O-4 $4,014 $3,417
O-5 $4,296 $3,486
O-6 $4,332 $3,606
O-7 $4,365 $3,669

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,655): ~$265,000 home, PITI ~$2,219/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($3,291): ~$325,000 home, PITI ~$2,721/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($3,414): ~$340,000 home, PITI ~$2,847/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($3,624): ~$360,000 home, PITI ~$3,014/mo
CAPE MAY, NJ (MHA NJ198): E-5 w/dep $2,754, E-6 w/dep $3,072, ~$305,000 buying power

CAPE MAY, NJ BAH Rates

Table 3. 2026 BAH rates for CAPE MAY, NJ
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $2,523 $1,968
E-2 $2,523 $1,968
E-3 $2,523 $1,968
E-4 $2,523 $1,968
E-5 $2,754 $2,172
E-6 $3,072 $2,313
E-7 $3,114 $2,532
E-8 $3,159 $2,823
E-9 $3,312 $2,913
W-1 $3,093 $2,451
W-2 $3,132 $2,820
W-3 $3,189 $2,925
W-4 $3,360 $3,078
W-5 $3,570 $3,123
O-1E $3,117 $2,751
O-2E $3,177 $2,892
O-3E $3,390 $3,066
O-1 $2,799 $2,289
O-2 $3,069 $2,682
O-3 $3,186 $2,955
O-4 $3,639 $3,108
O-5 $3,969 $3,129
O-6 $4,002 $3,165
O-7 $4,032 $3,222

CAPE MAY, NJ Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,754): ~$275,000 home, PITI ~$2,303/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($3,072): ~$305,000 home, PITI ~$2,554/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($3,114): ~$310,000 home, PITI ~$2,596/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($3,186): ~$315,000 home, PITI ~$2,638/mo
FORT MONMOUTH/EARLE NWS, NJ (MHA NJ200): E-5 w/dep $3,549, E-6 w/dep $4,080, ~$405,000 buying power

FORT MONMOUTH/EARLE NWS, NJ BAH Rates

Table 4. 2026 BAH rates for FORT MONMOUTH/EARLE NWS, NJ
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $3,357 $2,523
E-2 $3,357 $2,523
E-3 $3,357 $2,523
E-4 $3,357 $2,523
E-5 $3,549 $2,940
E-6 $4,080 $3,180
E-7 $4,173 $3,363
E-8 $4,272 $3,657
E-9 $4,437 $3,816
W-1 $4,101 $3,300
W-2 $4,212 $3,654
W-3 $4,335 $3,834
W-4 $4,476 $4,098
W-5 $4,653 $4,194
O-1E $4,188 $3,546
O-2E $4,314 $3,780
O-3E $4,503 $4,074
O-1 $3,618 $3,159
O-2 $4,077 $3,486
O-3 $4,332 $3,888
O-4 $4,710 $4,173
O-5 $4,986 $4,224
O-6 $5,028 $4,314
O-7 $5,067 $4,392

FORT MONMOUTH/EARLE NWS, NJ Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($3,549): ~$350,000 home, PITI ~$2,931/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($4,080): ~$405,000 home, PITI ~$3,391/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($4,173): ~$415,000 home, PITI ~$3,475/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($4,332): ~$430,000 home, PITI ~$3,600/mo
PERTH AMBOY, NJ (MHA NJ201): E-5 w/dep $3,393, E-6 w/dep $4,071, ~$405,000 buying power

PERTH AMBOY, NJ BAH Rates

Table 5. 2026 BAH rates for PERTH AMBOY, NJ
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $3,339 $2,592
E-2 $3,339 $2,592
E-3 $3,339 $2,592
E-4 $3,339 $2,592
E-5 $3,393 $3,045
E-6 $4,071 $3,285
E-7 $4,134 $3,339
E-8 $4,200 $3,531
E-9 $4,350 $3,735
W-1 $4,092 $3,336
W-2 $4,161 $3,528
W-3 $4,242 $3,759
W-4 $4,392 $4,083
W-5 $4,578 $4,146
O-1E $4,143 $3,390
O-2E $4,227 $3,690
O-3E $4,422 $4,065
O-1 $3,477 $3,282
O-2 $4,065 $3,381
O-3 $4,239 $3,825
O-4 $4,638 $4,128
O-5 $4,926 $4,161
O-6 $4,968 $4,221
O-7 $5,007 $4,296

PERTH AMBOY, NJ Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($3,393): ~$335,000 home, PITI ~$2,805/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($4,071): ~$405,000 home, PITI ~$3,391/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($4,134): ~$410,000 home, PITI ~$3,433/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($4,239): ~$420,000 home, PITI ~$3,517/mo
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, NJ (MHA NJ202): E-5 w/dep $4,749, E-6 w/dep $5,052, ~$500,000 buying power

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, NJ BAH Rates

Table 6. 2026 BAH rates for NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, NJ
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $4,275 $3,207
E-2 $4,275 $3,207
E-3 $4,275 $3,207
E-4 $4,275 $3,207
E-5 $4,749 $3,561
E-6 $5,052 $3,861
E-7 $5,073 $4,299
E-8 $5,082 $4,815
E-9 $5,235 $4,896
W-1 $5,070 $4,113
W-2 $5,079 $4,812
W-3 $5,097 $4,908
W-4 $5,289 $5,046
W-5 $5,529 $5,067
O-1E $5,076 $4,746
O-2E $5,088 $4,878
O-3E $5,325 $5,043
O-1 $4,791 $3,801
O-2 $5,049 $4,593
O-3 $5,094 $4,938
O-4 $5,610 $5,055
O-5 $5,991 $5,070
O-6 $6,042 $5,073
O-7 $6,093 $5,163

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, NJ Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($4,749): ~$470,000 home, PITI ~$3,935/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($5,052): ~$500,000 home, PITI ~$4,187/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($5,073): ~$505,000 home, PITI ~$4,228/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($5,094): ~$505,000 home, PITI ~$4,228/mo
TRENTON, NJ (MHA NJ203): E-5 w/dep $3,465, E-6 w/dep $3,972, ~$395,000 buying power

TRENTON, NJ BAH Rates

Table 7. 2026 BAH rates for TRENTON, NJ
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $3,210 $2,409
E-2 $3,210 $2,409
E-3 $3,210 $2,409
E-4 $3,210 $2,409
E-5 $3,465 $2,760
E-6 $3,972 $2,982
E-7 $4,116 $3,219
E-8 $4,269 $3,570
E-9 $4,521 $3,720
W-1 $3,996 $3,129
W-2 $4,179 $3,567
W-3 $4,365 $3,738
W-4 $4,578 $4,002
W-5 $4,836 $4,149
O-1E $4,143 $3,462
O-2E $4,338 $3,687
O-3E $4,620 $3,966
O-1 $3,531 $2,952
O-2 $3,969 $3,384
O-3 $4,362 $3,786
O-4 $4,926 $4,119
O-5 $5,334 $4,203
O-6 $5,379 $4,344
O-7 $5,424 $4,422

TRENTON, NJ Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($3,465): ~$345,000 home, PITI ~$2,889/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($3,972): ~$395,000 home, PITI ~$3,307/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($4,116): ~$410,000 home, PITI ~$3,433/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($4,362): ~$430,000 home, PITI ~$3,600/mo
JB MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ (MHA NJ204): E-5 w/dep $2,823, E-6 w/dep $3,444, ~$340,000 buying power

JB MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ BAH Rates

Table 8. 2026 BAH rates for JB MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $2,715 $2,085
E-2 $2,715 $2,085
E-3 $2,715 $2,085
E-4 $2,715 $2,085
E-5 $2,823 $2,421
E-6 $3,444 $2,610
E-7 $3,486 $2,715
E-8 $3,525 $2,952
E-9 $3,642 $3,135
W-1 $3,465 $2,691
W-2 $3,501 $2,949
W-3 $3,555 $3,159
W-4 $3,678 $3,450
W-5 $3,831 $3,492
O-1E $3,489 $2,820
O-2E $3,543 $3,096
O-3E $3,702 $3,438
O-1 $2,904 $2,604
O-2 $3,438 $2,793
O-3 $3,552 $3,219
O-4 $3,882 $3,477
O-5 $4,122 $3,495
O-6 $4,155 $3,531
O-7 $4,188 $3,594

JB MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,823): ~$280,000 home, PITI ~$2,345/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($3,444): ~$340,000 home, PITI ~$2,847/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($3,486): ~$345,000 home, PITI ~$2,889/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($3,552): ~$350,000 home, PITI ~$2,931/mo

VA Loans Near New Jersey Military Bases

New Jersey BAH rates for an E-6 with dependents range from $3,072/month (CAPE MAY, NJ) to $5,052/month (NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, NJ). That translates to estimated buying power from ~$305,000 to ~$500,000 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 New Jersey?

New Jersey has 7 Military Housing Areas. The Secretary of Defense determines the costs of adequate housing in each area. 37 USC 403(b)(2)

Which New Jersey MHA has the highest BAH?

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, NJ has the highest E-6 with-dependents rate at $5,052 per month, translating to roughly $500,000 in buying power.

Which New Jersey MHA has the lowest BAH?

CAPE MAY, NJ has the lowest E-6 with-dependents rate at $3,072 per month, translating to roughly $305,000 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, New Jersey property tax at 1.99 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.31 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, New Jersey property tax at 1.99 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.31 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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