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

Rates and VA Loan Buying Power

2026 New York 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 York has 11 Military Housing Areas. E-5 with-dependents BAH ranges from $1,665 to $5,070 per month; E-6 with dependents ranges from $1,893 to $5,367. Buying-power assumptions are stated below the table.


Next step:
Check Your VA Loan Eligibility

Table 1. New York Military Housing Areas at a glance
MHA E-5 w/dep E-6 w/dep E-6 buying power
BALLSTON SPA/ALBANY, NY $2,634 $2,862 ~$295,000
BUFFALO, NY $2,214 $2,553 ~$265,000
WEST POINT, NY $3,468 $4,119 ~$425,000
LONG ISLAND, NY $4,425 $4,773 ~$495,000
NEW YORK CITY, NY $5,070 $5,097 ~$525,000
ROCHESTER, NY $2,214 $2,517 ~$260,000
ROME/GRIFFISS AFB, NY $2,109 $2,739 ~$285,000
SYRACUSE, NY $2,049 $2,385 ~$245,000
FORT DRUM/WATERTOWN, NY $1,665 $1,893 ~$195,000
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY $4,479 $5,367 ~$555,000
STATEN ISLAND, NY $3,735 $4,215 ~$435,000

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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)
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▸Estimated monthly payment
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▸BAH surplus per month
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New York BAH Snapshot

  • MHA count: 11 Military Housing Areas
  • E-5 w/dep range: $1,665 to $5,070/mo
  • E-6 w/dep range: $1,893 to $5,367/mo
  • Buying power range: ~$170,000 to ~$555,000

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

  • WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY: E-6 w/dep $5,367/mo, ~$555,000 buying power
  • NEW YORK CITY, NY: E-6 w/dep $5,097/mo, ~$525,000 buying power
  • LONG ISLAND, NY: E-6 w/dep $4,773/mo, ~$495,000 buying power
  • STATEN ISLAND, NY: E-6 w/dep $4,215/mo, ~$435,000 buying power

Lowest BAH in Texas

  • FORT DRUM/WATERTOWN, NY: E-6 w/dep $1,893/mo, ~$195,000 buying power
  • SYRACUSE, NY: E-6 w/dep $2,385/mo, ~$245,000 buying power
  • ROCHESTER, NY: E-6 w/dep $2,517/mo, ~$260,000 buying power
  • BUFFALO, NY: E-6 w/dep $2,553/mo, ~$265,000 buying power

The Bottom Line Up Front

New York BAH rates vary by more than $3,474 per month at E-6 with dependents. The highest rate is $5,367 (WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY) and the lowest is $1,893 (FORT DRUM/WATERTOWN, NY). That spread translates to a buying-power difference of roughly $360,000 at current VA loan terms.

How to Use New York 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 York: 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 York: 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 York 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 York.

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 York VA loan guide.

Explore More BAH Insights

New York 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 York property tax at 1.51 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.39 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).

BALLSTON SPA/ALBANY, NY (MHA NY215): E-5 w/dep $2,634, E-6 w/dep $2,862, ~$295,000 buying power

BALLSTON SPA/ALBANY, NY BAH Rates

Table 2. 2026 BAH rates for BALLSTON SPA/ALBANY, NY
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $2,388 $1,974
E-2 $2,388 $1,974
E-3 $2,388 $1,974
E-4 $2,388 $1,974
E-5 $2,634 $2,073
E-6 $2,862 $2,166
E-7 $2,997 $2,397
E-8 $3,144 $2,685
E-9 $3,327 $2,745
W-1 $2,880 $2,310
W-2 $3,057 $2,682
W-3 $3,240 $2,754
W-4 $3,357 $2,886
W-5 $3,504 $3,030
O-1E $3,021 $2,631
O-2E $3,213 $2,730
O-3E $3,381 $2,850
O-1 $2,670 $2,139
O-2 $2,859 $2,556
O-3 $3,234 $2,775
O-4 $3,549 $3,000
O-5 $3,777 $3,081
O-6 $3,807 $3,219
O-7 $3,834 $3,276

BALLSTON SPA/ALBANY, NY Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,634): ~$270,000 home, PITI ~$2,171/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,862): ~$295,000 home, PITI ~$2,372/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,997): ~$310,000 home, PITI ~$2,492/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($3,234): ~$335,000 home, PITI ~$2,693/mo
BUFFALO, NY (MHA NY216): E-5 w/dep $2,214, E-6 w/dep $2,553, ~$265,000 buying power

BUFFALO, NY BAH Rates

Table 3. 2026 BAH rates for BUFFALO, NY
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $2,055 $1,623
E-2 $2,055 $1,623
E-3 $2,055 $1,623
E-4 $2,055 $1,623
E-5 $2,214 $1,791
E-6 $2,553 $1,914
E-7 $2,631 $2,058
E-8 $2,718 $2,289
E-9 $2,862 $2,382
W-1 $2,571 $2,010
W-2 $2,667 $2,286
W-3 $2,775 $2,394
W-4 $2,895 $2,565
W-5 $3,045 $2,652
O-1E $2,646 $2,211
O-2E $2,757 $2,361
O-3E $2,919 $2,544
O-1 $2,262 $1,890
O-2 $2,550 $2,166
O-3 $2,772 $2,427
O-4 $3,093 $2,631
O-5 $3,324 $2,676
O-6 $3,351 $2,754
O-7 $3,372 $2,802

BUFFALO, NY Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,214): ~$230,000 home, PITI ~$1,849/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,553): ~$265,000 home, PITI ~$2,131/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,631): ~$270,000 home, PITI ~$2,171/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,772): ~$285,000 home, PITI ~$2,291/mo
WEST POINT, NY (MHA NY217): E-5 w/dep $3,468, E-6 w/dep $4,119, ~$425,000 buying power

WEST POINT, NY BAH Rates

Table 4. 2026 BAH rates for WEST POINT, NY
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $3,258 $2,514
E-2 $3,258 $2,514
E-3 $3,258 $2,514
E-4 $3,258 $2,514
E-5 $3,468 $2,859
E-6 $4,119 $3,090
E-7 $4,215 $3,264
E-8 $4,317 $3,600
E-9 $4,521 $3,795
W-1 $4,140 $3,195
W-2 $4,257 $3,597
W-3 $4,383 $3,819
W-4 $4,572 $4,137
W-5 $4,806 $4,236
O-1E $4,230 $3,465
O-2E $4,362 $3,753
O-3E $4,608 $4,113
O-1 $3,549 $3,045
O-2 $4,113 $3,402
O-3 $4,380 $3,882
O-4 $4,884 $4,215
O-5 $5,253 $4,269
O-6 $5,298 $4,362
O-7 $5,340 $4,440

WEST POINT, NY Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($3,468): ~$360,000 home, PITI ~$2,894/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($4,119): ~$425,000 home, PITI ~$3,417/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($4,215): ~$435,000 home, PITI ~$3,497/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($4,380): ~$450,000 home, PITI ~$3,618/mo
LONG ISLAND, NY (MHA NY218): E-5 w/dep $4,425, E-6 w/dep $4,773, ~$495,000 buying power

LONG ISLAND, NY BAH Rates

Table 5. 2026 BAH rates for LONG ISLAND, NY
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $4,122 $3,189
E-2 $4,122 $3,189
E-3 $4,122 $3,189
E-4 $4,122 $3,189
E-5 $4,425 $3,600
E-6 $4,773 $3,852
E-7 $4,878 $4,134
E-8 $4,992 $4,500
E-9 $5,187 $4,596
W-1 $4,791 $4,023
W-2 $4,923 $4,497
W-3 $5,064 $4,611
W-4 $5,229 $4,791
W-5 $5,436 $4,902
O-1E $4,896 $4,422
O-2E $5,043 $4,575
O-3E $5,262 $4,764
O-1 $4,473 $3,816
O-2 $4,770 $4,326
O-3 $5,061 $4,644
O-4 $5,502 $4,878
O-5 $5,823 $4,938
O-6 $5,874 $5,043
O-7 $5,922 $5,136

LONG ISLAND, NY Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($4,425): ~$455,000 home, PITI ~$3,658/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($4,773): ~$495,000 home, PITI ~$3,980/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($4,878): ~$505,000 home, PITI ~$4,060/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($5,061): ~$520,000 home, PITI ~$4,181/mo
NEW YORK CITY, NY (MHA NY219): E-5 w/dep $5,070, E-6 w/dep $5,097, ~$525,000 buying power

NEW YORK CITY, NY BAH Rates

Table 6. 2026 BAH rates for NEW YORK CITY, NY
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $5,067 $4,833
E-2 $5,067 $4,833
E-3 $5,067 $4,833
E-4 $5,067 $4,833
E-5 $5,070 $4,980
E-6 $5,097 $5,070
E-7 $5,238 $5,088
E-8 $5,418 $5,100
E-9 $5,790 $5,106
W-1 $5,100 $5,085
W-2 $5,313 $5,097
W-3 $5,535 $5,109
W-4 $5,883 $5,118
W-5 $6,306 $5,280
O-1E $5,271 $5,094
O-2E $5,502 $5,103
O-3E $5,949 $5,115
O-1 $5,073 $5,067
O-2 $5,094 $5,091
O-3 $5,529 $5,112
O-4 $6,459 $5,247
O-5 $7,128 $5,346
O-6 $7,194 $5,514
O-7 $7,254 $5,616

NEW YORK CITY, NY Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($5,070): ~$525,000 home, PITI ~$4,221/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($5,097): ~$525,000 home, PITI ~$4,221/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($5,238): ~$540,000 home, PITI ~$4,342/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($5,529): ~$570,000 home, PITI ~$4,583/mo
ROCHESTER, NY (MHA NY221): E-5 w/dep $2,214, E-6 w/dep $2,517, ~$260,000 buying power

ROCHESTER, NY BAH Rates

Table 7. 2026 BAH rates for ROCHESTER, NY
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,941 $1,455
E-2 $1,941 $1,455
E-3 $1,941 $1,455
E-4 $1,941 $1,455
E-5 $2,214 $1,662
E-6 $2,517 $1,887
E-7 $2,604 $1,953
E-8 $2,697 $2,280
E-9 $2,832 $2,364
W-1 $2,535 $1,902
W-2 $2,643 $2,277
W-3 $2,760 $2,376
W-4 $2,859 $2,532
W-5 $2,988 $2,625
O-1E $2,619 $2,211
O-2E $2,739 $2,343
O-3E $2,880 $2,508
O-1 $2,259 $1,695
O-2 $2,514 $2,127
O-3 $2,757 $2,403
O-4 $3,027 $2,601
O-5 $3,222 $2,652
O-6 $3,249 $2,736
O-7 $3,270 $2,784

ROCHESTER, NY Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,214): ~$230,000 home, PITI ~$1,849/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,517): ~$260,000 home, PITI ~$2,090/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,604): ~$270,000 home, PITI ~$2,171/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,757): ~$285,000 home, PITI ~$2,291/mo
ROME/GRIFFISS AFB, NY (MHA NY222): E-5 w/dep $2,109, E-6 w/dep $2,739, ~$285,000 buying power

ROME/GRIFFISS AFB, NY BAH Rates

Table 8. 2026 BAH rates for ROME/GRIFFISS AFB, NY
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,929 $1,446
E-2 $1,929 $1,446
E-3 $1,929 $1,446
E-4 $1,929 $1,446
E-5 $2,109 $1,614
E-6 $2,739 $2,055
E-7 $2,790 $2,094
E-8 $2,844 $2,238
E-9 $2,937 $2,424
W-1 $2,760 $2,070
W-2 $2,811 $2,235
W-3 $2,883 $2,448
W-4 $2,958 $2,745
W-5 $3,060 $2,802
O-1E $2,796 $2,106
O-2E $2,868 $2,382
O-3E $2,976 $2,733
O-1 $2,190 $1,749
O-2 $2,730 $2,097
O-3 $2,880 $2,508
O-4 $3,090 $2,784
O-5 $3,243 $2,811
O-6 $3,267 $2,859
O-7 $3,291 $2,907

ROME/GRIFFISS AFB, NY Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,109): ~$220,000 home, PITI ~$1,769/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,739): ~$285,000 home, PITI ~$2,291/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,790): ~$290,000 home, PITI ~$2,332/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,880): ~$295,000 home, PITI ~$2,372/mo
SYRACUSE, NY (MHA NY223): E-5 w/dep $2,049, E-6 w/dep $2,385, ~$245,000 buying power

SYRACUSE, NY BAH Rates

Table 9. 2026 BAH rates for SYRACUSE, NY
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,872 $1,452
E-2 $1,872 $1,452
E-3 $1,872 $1,452
E-4 $1,872 $1,452
E-5 $2,049 $1,599
E-6 $2,385 $1,788
E-7 $2,541 $1,905
E-8 $2,709 $2,121
E-9 $2,880 $2,214
W-1 $2,406 $1,818
W-2 $2,610 $2,118
W-3 $2,817 $2,229
W-4 $2,901 $2,418
W-5 $3,009 $2,577
O-1E $2,571 $2,046
O-2E $2,787 $2,193
O-3E $2,919 $2,376
O-1 $2,097 $1,689
O-2 $2,382 $1,995
O-3 $2,811 $2,262
O-4 $3,039 $2,547
O-5 $3,198 $2,640
O-6 $3,225 $2,796
O-7 $3,246 $2,844

SYRACUSE, NY Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,049): ~$210,000 home, PITI ~$1,688/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,385): ~$245,000 home, PITI ~$1,970/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,541): ~$260,000 home, PITI ~$2,090/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,811): ~$290,000 home, PITI ~$2,332/mo
FORT DRUM/WATERTOWN, NY (MHA NY225): E-5 w/dep $1,665, E-6 w/dep $1,893, ~$195,000 buying power

FORT DRUM/WATERTOWN, NY BAH Rates

Table 10. 2026 BAH rates for FORT DRUM/WATERTOWN, NY
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $1,569 $1,356
E-2 $1,569 $1,356
E-3 $1,569 $1,356
E-4 $1,569 $1,356
E-5 $1,665 $1,422
E-6 $1,893 $1,476
E-7 $2,103 $1,578
E-8 $2,331 $1,749
E-9 $2,526 $1,896
W-1 $1,914 $1,548
W-2 $2,196 $1,713
W-3 $2,478 $1,899
W-4 $2,544 $1,938
W-5 $2,631 $2,154
O-1E $2,145 $1,662
O-2E $2,436 $1,827
O-3E $2,559 $1,920
O-1 $1,701 $1,470
O-2 $1,890 $1,638
O-3 $2,469 $1,902
O-4 $2,655 $2,115
O-5 $2,784 $2,244
O-6 $2,805 $2,457
O-7 $2,823 $2,496

FORT DRUM/WATERTOWN, NY Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,665): ~$170,000 home, PITI ~$1,367/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,893): ~$195,000 home, PITI ~$1,568/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,103): ~$215,000 home, PITI ~$1,729/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,469): ~$255,000 home, PITI ~$2,050/mo
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY (MHA NY349): E-5 w/dep $4,479, E-6 w/dep $5,367, ~$555,000 buying power

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY BAH Rates

Table 11. 2026 BAH rates for WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $4,182 $3,138
E-2 $4,182 $3,138
E-3 $4,182 $3,138
E-4 $4,182 $3,138
E-5 $4,479 $3,606
E-6 $5,367 $4,026
E-7 $5,832 $4,374
E-8 $6,333 $4,749
E-9 $6,882 $5,163
W-1 $5,400 $4,086
W-2 $6,036 $4,653
W-3 $6,654 $5,166
W-4 $6,963 $5,478
W-5 $7,338 $5,946
O-1E $5,931 $4,476
O-2E $6,564 $4,923
O-3E $7,023 $5,361
O-1 $4,587 $3,885
O-2 $5,355 $4,383
O-3 $6,633 $5,169
O-4 $7,470 $5,874
O-5 $8,064 $6,162
O-6 $8,136 $6,633
O-7 $8,208 $6,759

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($4,479): ~$460,000 home, PITI ~$3,698/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($5,367): ~$555,000 home, PITI ~$4,462/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($5,832): ~$600,000 home, PITI ~$4,824/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($6,633): ~$685,000 home, PITI ~$5,507/mo
STATEN ISLAND, NY (MHA NY413): E-5 w/dep $3,735, E-6 w/dep $4,215, ~$435,000 buying power

STATEN ISLAND, NY BAH Rates

Table 12. 2026 BAH rates for STATEN ISLAND, NY
Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E-1 $3,549 $2,883
E-2 $3,549 $2,883
E-3 $3,549 $2,883
E-4 $3,549 $2,883
E-5 $3,735 $3,192
E-6 $4,215 $3,378
E-7 $4,341 $3,555
E-8 $4,473 $3,834
E-9 $4,692 $3,975
W-1 $4,236 $3,495
W-2 $4,395 $3,831
W-3 $4,560 $3,993
W-4 $4,743 $4,239
W-5 $4,968 $4,368
O-1E $4,362 $3,732
O-2E $4,533 $3,942
O-3E $4,776 $4,209
O-1 $3,798 $3,360
O-2 $4,209 $3,675
O-3 $4,554 $4,038
O-4 $5,043 $4,341
O-5 $5,394 $4,416
O-6 $5,442 $4,539
O-7 $5,484 $4,620

STATEN ISLAND, NY Buying Power

  • E-5 w/dep ($3,735): ~$385,000 home, PITI ~$3,095/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($4,215): ~$435,000 home, PITI ~$3,497/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($4,341): ~$450,000 home, PITI ~$3,618/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($4,554): ~$470,000 home, PITI ~$3,779/mo

VA Loans Near New York Military Bases

New York BAH rates for an E-6 with dependents range from $1,893/month (FORT DRUM/WATERTOWN, NY) to $5,367/month (WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY). That translates to estimated buying power from ~$195,000 to ~$555,000 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 York?

New York has 11 Military Housing Areas. The Secretary of Defense determines the costs of adequate housing in each area. 37 USC 403(b)(2)

Which New York MHA has the highest BAH?

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY has the highest E-6 with-dependents rate at $5,367 per month, translating to roughly $555,000 in buying power.

Which New York MHA has the lowest BAH?

FORT DRUM/WATERTOWN, NY has the lowest E-6 with-dependents rate at $1,893 per month, translating to roughly $195,000 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 York property tax at 1.51 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.39 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 York property tax at 1.51 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.39 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.

Resources Used