Pennsylvania BAH Rates 2026: Carlisle & NAS JRB
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2026 Pennsylvania BAH Rates

Rates and VA Loan Buying Power

2026 Pennsylvania BAH Rates and VA Loan Buying Power

Written by: , Co-Founder & Army VeteranWritten by: , Army Veteran
Reviewed by: Kenneth Schwartz, Loan OfficerNMLS#1001095Reviewed: Kenneth Schwartz (NMLS 1001095)
Updated on

Pennsylvania BAH rates can materially affect VA loan buying power because BAH is tax free and many lenders count it when it is verified on your LES. Before you dive into the tables, make sure the lender is using the right Pennsylvania market, the right dependency status, and a payment target that fits your full file.


Next step:
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Pennsylvania BAH Snapshot

  • Willow Grove runs highest in your sample set at $2,934 for an E 5 with dependents, while State College and Tobyhanna area markets sit lower
  • Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Carlisle all land in different bands, so buying power can shift fast by zip, rank, and dependency status
  • Find your base in the tables below and check both with-dependents and without-dependents rates for your rank

How BAH Counts for VA Loans

  • Many VA lenders count BAH as qualifying income when it appears on your LES
  • Because it is tax free, some lenders also gross it up
  • That can help DTI, but residual income and the full monthly housing payment still decide what is workable
  • Review the rate tables below and confirm the numbers with your lender before making decisions

PCS and Rate Protection

  • With valid PCS orders, lenders can often use gaining station BAH when you are moving into Pennsylvania
  • Separate from that, individual rate protection can preserve a higher allowance while you stay at the same duty station with the same rank and dependency status
  • Submit PCS orders to your lender early so they can qualify you using gaining-station BAH

LES and Documents

  • Expect underwriters to review two to three LES statements, plus PCS orders when you are buying before a move
  • Those documents help verify continuity, current entitlements, and whether the lender used the correct Pennsylvania housing assumptions
  • Gather your two most recent LES statements and any PCS orders before starting your application

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Pennsylvania BAH to qualify for a VA loan?
Yes. Many lenders count BAH as qualifying income when it appears on your LES. Because it is tax free, some lenders may also gross it up, which can improve ratios and increase VA loan buying power.
Can PCS orders change which Pennsylvania BAH a lender uses?
Often yes. With valid orders, a lender may qualify you using the gaining station BAH for Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Carlisle, Willow Grove, or another Pennsylvania market, which can materially change the payment range you can support.
Why does the Pennsylvania BAH table not match my loan estimate exactly?
The table is only a planning reference. Lenders also factor in credit, debts, taxes, insurance, residual income, and whether your documented BAH on the LES was grossed up, so the final estimate can differ from the chart.

Jump To Your Base

The Bottom Line Up Front

Pennsylvania BAH rates for 2026 range from $1,680 to $3,399 per month for an E-6 with dependents, depending on duty station. At the highest rate, that supports roughly $375,000 in VA loan buying power at current rates. Use the 8 rate tables below to find your specific station, then see what your BAH actually buys with a VA loan.

How to Use Pennsylvania BAH Rates for a VA Loan

  • Pick the right table: Start with the Pennsylvania market that matches your duty station or likely purchase area, then match your rank and dependency status before estimating any payment.
  • Turn BAH into PITI target plus cushion: Use BAH as the first pass for principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, then leave room for utilities, HOA dues, repairs, and ordinary monthly variance.
  • Verify lender treatment using LES and gross up: Ask how the lender is counting tax free BAH from your LES, whether it is grossed up, and how that changes your real qualifying range.
  • Use same assumptions when shopping lenders: Keep purchase price, taxes, insurance, credit band, and occupancy plan the same so you can judge lender treatment instead of comparing mismatched scenarios.

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Pennsylvania Housing Costs & BAH Impact

Pennsylvania’s housing market is relatively balanced, with affordable rent in central areas like Carlisle or Harrisburg, and higher prices near major metros like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. In 2026, BAH increases were most notable in ZIPs around the southeastern corridor and western Pennsylvania suburbs. In most regions, BAH will fully cover rent for junior and mid-level enlisted service members. For more, see our guide on Complete Guide to VA Loans in Pennsylvania.

Your BAH is one piece of the income picture. When you apply for a VA loan, lenders evaluate your debt-to-income ratio and residual income alongside your housing allowance. Because BAH is tax-free, most lenders can gross it up to reflect its true purchasing power, which directly affects pre-approval amounts. Understanding how your qualifying income is calculated helps you set a realistic price range before you start shopping.

For a broader look at homebuying options and benefits in this state, see our Pennsylvania VA loan guide.

What To Do Based On Your Situation

  • PCS-ing to Pennsylvania soon: Use the gaining station BAH with your orders to get preapproved before you arrive. Many lenders can qualify you on the new rate before you move.
  • Already stationed in Pennsylvania: Your BAH is already on your LES. Turn it into a PITI target and see what home price fits before you start shopping.
  • Separating or retiring in Pennsylvania: BAH stops when you separate, so qualify based on your post-military income. If you are buying before separation, coordinate timing carefully with your lender.

Buying power estimates assume 6.5% rate, $0 down, state average property tax and insurance rates, and 2.15% VA funding fee financed. Your actual buying power depends on credit, debts, and lender qualification.

Carlisle Barracks, PA BAH Rates

Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E01 $1,902 $1,431
E02 $1,902 $1,431
E03 $1,902 $1,431
E04 $1,902 $1,431
E05 $2,076 $1,617
E06 $2,376 $1,779
E07 $2,442 $1,908
E08 $2,514 $2,142
E09 $2,643 $2,223
W01 $2,394 $1,854
W02 $2,469 $2,139
W03 $2,562 $2,235
W04 $2,673 $2,385
W05 $2,811 $2,457
O01E $2,451 $2,073
O02E $2,547 $2,205
O03E $2,694 $2,367
O01 $2,121 $1,725
O02 $2,373 $2,022
O03 $2,559 $2,265
O04 $2,853 $2,439
O05 $3,069 $2,475
O06 $3,093 $2,538
O07 $3,114 $2,580

Carlisle Barracks, PA — What Your BAH Can Buy

At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,076): ~$220,000 home · PITI ~$1,723/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,376): ~$250,000 home · PITI ~$1,972/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,442): ~$260,000 home · PITI ~$2,026/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,559): ~$270,000 home · PITI ~$2,123/mo

BAH for CARLISLE BARRACKS, PA includes the following zip codes: 17001, 17003, 17005, 17006, 17007, 17010, 17011, 17013, 17015, 17016, 17018, 17019, 17020, 17022, 17023, 17024, 17025, 17026, 17027, 17028, 17030, 17032, 17033, 17034, 17036, 17037, 17038, 17039, 17040, 17041, 17042, 17043, 17045, 17046, 17047, 17048, 17050, 17053, 17055, 17057, 17061, 17062, 17064, 17065, 17067, 17068, 17069, 17070, 17071, 17072, 17073, 17074, 17077, 17078, 17080, 17081, 17083, 17085, 17087, 17088, 17089, 17090, 17093, 17097, 17098, 17101, 17102, 17103, 17104, 17105, 17106, 17107, 17108, 17109, 17110, 17111, 17112, 17113, 17120, 17121, 17122, 17123, 17124, 17125, 17126, 17127, 17128, 17129, 17130, 17140, 17177, 17201, 17202, 17210, 17214, 17217, 17219, 17220, 17221, 17222, 17224, 17225, 17231, 17232, 17235, 17236, 17237, 17240, 17241, 17244, 17246, 17247, 17250, 17251, 17252, 17254, 17256, 17257, 17261, 17262, 17263, 17265, 17266, 17268, 17271, 17272, 17301, 17302, 17303, 17304, 17306, 17307, 17309, 17310, 17311, 17312, 17313, 17314, 17315, 17316, 17317, 17318, 17319, 17320, 17321, 17322, 17323, 17324, 17325, 17327, 17329, 17331, 17332, 17333, 17334, 17335, 17337, 17339, 17340, 17342, 17343, 17344, 17345, 17347, 17349, 17350, 17352, 17353, 17355, 17356, 17358, 17360, 17361, 17362, 17363, 17364, 17365, 17366, 17368, 17370, 17371, 17372, 17375, 17401, 17402, 17403, 17404, 17405, 17406, 17407, 17408, 17501, 17502, 17503, 17504, 17505, 17506, 17507, 17508, 17509, 17512, 17516, 17517, 17518, 17519, 17520, 17521, 17522, 17527, 17528, 17529, 17532, 17533, 17534, 17535, 17536, 17537, 17538, 17540, 17543, 17545, 17547, 17549, 17550, 17551, 17552, 17554, 17555, 17557, 17560, 17562, 17563, 17564, 17565, 17566, 17567, 17568, 17569, 17570, 17572, 17573, 17575, 17576, 17578, 17579, 17580, 17581, 17582, 17584, 17585, 17601, 17602, 17603, 17604, 17605, 17606, 17607, 17608, 17611, 17622, 17699, 17978, 19501.

Philadelphia, PA/Camden, NJ BAH Rates

Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E01 $2,331 $1,800
E02 $2,331 $1,800
E03 $2,331 $1,800
E04 $2,331 $1,800
E05 $2,559 $1,989
E06 $2,838 $2,127
E07 $2,880 $2,337
E08 $2,925 $2,619
E09 $3,060 $2,694
W01 $2,856 $2,259
W02 $2,898 $2,616
W03 $2,958 $2,706
W04 $3,102 $2,841
W05 $3,279 $2,889
O01E $2,883 $2,556
O02E $2,949 $2,676
O03E $3,126 $2,829
O01 $2,601 $2,097
O02 $2,835 $2,487
O03 $2,955 $2,733
O04 $3,339 $2,874
O05 $3,612 $2,895
O06 $3,645 $2,937
O07 $3,675 $2,991

Philadelphia, PA/Camden, NJ — What Your BAH Can Buy

At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,559): ~$270,000 home · PITI ~$2,123/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,838): ~$300,000 home · PITI ~$2,355/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,880): ~$305,000 home · PITI ~$2,390/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,955): ~$315,000 home · PITI ~$2,452/mo

BAH for PHILADELPHIA, PA/CAMDEN, NJ includes the following zip codes: 8001, 8002, 8003, 8004, 8007, 8009, 8010, 8012, 8014, 8018, 8020, 8021, 8023, 8025, 8026, 8027, 8028, 8029, 8030, 8031, 8032, 8033, 8034, 8035, 8038, 8039, 8043, 8045, 8049, 8051, 8056, 8059, 8061, 8062, 8063, 8066, 8067, 8069, 8070, 8071, 8072, 8074, 8078, 8079, 8080, 8081, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8089, 8090, 8091, 8093, 8094, 8095, 8096, 8097, 8098, 8099, 8101, 8102, 8103, 8104, 8105, 8106, 8107, 8108, 8109, 8110, 8312, 8318, 8322, 8328, 8343, 8344, 8347, 19008, 19010, 19013, 19014, 19015, 19016, 19017, 19018, 19019, 19022, 19023, 19026, 19028, 19029, 19032, 19033, 19036, 19037, 19039, 19043, 19050, 19052, 19060, 19061, 19063, 19064, 19065, 19070, 19073, 19074, 19076, 19078, 19079, 19081, 19082, 19083, 19085, 19086, 19091, 19092, 19093, 19094, 19098, 19099, 19101, 19102, 19103, 19104, 19105, 19106, 19107, 19108, 19109, 19110, 19111, 19112, 19113, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19118, 19119, 19120, 19121, 19122, 19123, 19124, 19125, 19126, 19127, 19128, 19129, 19130, 19131, 19132, 19133, 19134, 19135, 19136, 19137, 19138, 19139, 19140, 19141, 19142, 19143, 19144, 19145, 19146, 19147, 19148, 19149, 19150, 19151, 19152, 19153, 19154, 19155, 19160, 19161, 19162, 19170, 19171, 19172, 19173, 19175, 19176, 19177, 19178, 19179, 19181, 19182, 19183, 19184, 19185, 19187, 19188, 19190, 19191, 19192, 19193, 19194, 19195, 19196, 19197, 19244, 19255, 19317, 19319, 19331, 19339, 19340, 19342, 19373, 19701, 19702, 19703, 19706, 19707, 19708, 19709, 19710, 19711, 19712, 19713, 19714, 19715, 19716, 19717, 19718, 19720, 19721, 19725, 19726, 19730, 19731, 19732, 19733, 19734, 19735, 19736, 19801, 19802, 19803, 19804, 19805, 19806, 19807, 19808, 19809, 19810, 19850, 19880, 19884, 19885, 19886, 19890, 19891, 19892, 19893, 19894, 19895, 19896, 19897, 19898, 19899.

What Is a Reconsideration of Value?

Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E01 $2,730 $2,049
E02 $2,730 $2,049
E03 $2,730 $2,049
E04 $2,730 $2,049
E05 $2,934 $2,337
E06 $3,399 $2,550
E07 $3,423 $2,736
E08 $3,432 $3,030
E09 $3,495 $3,165
W01 $3,420 $2,670
W02 $3,429 $3,027
W03 $3,441 $3,183
W04 $3,525 $3,396
W05 $3,669 $3,405
O01E $3,426 $2,931
O02E $3,435 $3,135
O03E $3,549 $3,393
O01 $2,997 $2,523
O02 $3,393 $2,871
O03 $3,438 $3,228
O04 $3,714 $3,399
O05 $3,939 $3,408
O06 $3,969 $3,411
O07 $3,999 $3,447

Willow Grove, PA — What Your BAH Can Buy

At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,934): ~$310,000 home · PITI ~$2,435/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($3,399): ~$360,000 home · PITI ~$2,821/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($3,423): ~$365,000 home · PITI ~$2,841/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($3,438): ~$365,000 home · PITI ~$2,853/mo

BAH for WILLOW GROVE, PA includes the following zip codes: 18039, 18041, 18054, 18070, 18073, 18074, 18076, 18077, 18081, 18084, 18901, 18902, 18910, 18911, 18912, 18913, 18914, 18915, 18916, 18917, 18918, 18920, 18921, 18922, 18923, 18925, 18927, 18928, 18929, 18930, 18931, 18932, 18933, 18934, 18935, 18936, 18938, 18940, 18942, 18943, 18944, 18946, 18947, 18949, 18950, 18951, 18953, 18954, 18955, 18956, 18957, 18958, 18960, 18962, 18963, 18964, 18966, 18968, 18969, 18970, 18971, 18972, 18974, 18976, 18977, 18979, 18980, 18981, 18991, 19001, 19002, 19003, 19004, 19006, 19007, 19009, 19012, 19020, 19021, 19025, 19027, 19030, 19031, 19034, 19035, 19038, 19040, 19041, 19044, 19046, 19047, 19048, 19049, 19053, 19054, 19055, 19056, 19057, 19058, 19066, 19067, 19072, 19075, 19087, 19090, 19095, 19096, 19301, 19310, 19311, 19312, 19316, 19318, 19320, 19330, 19333, 19335, 19341, 19343, 19344, 19345, 19346, 19347, 19348, 19350, 19351, 19352, 19353, 19354, 19355, 19357, 19358, 19360, 19362, 19363, 19365, 19366, 19367, 19369, 19372, 19374, 19375, 19376, 19380, 19381, 19382, 19383, 19390, 19395, 19397, 19398, 19399, 19401, 19403, 19404, 19405, 19406, 19407, 19408, 19409, 19415, 19421, 19422, 19423, 19424, 19425, 19426, 19428, 19429, 19430, 19432, 19435, 19436, 19437, 19438, 19440, 19441, 19442, 19443, 19444, 19446, 19450, 19451, 19453, 19454, 19455, 19456, 19457, 19460, 19462, 19464, 19465, 19468, 19470, 19472, 19473, 19474, 19475, 19477, 19478, 19480, 19481, 19482, 19484, 19486, 19490, 19492, 19493, 19494, 19495, 19496, 19520, 19525.

 Pittsburgh, PA BAH Rates

Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E01 $1,986 $1,491
E02 $1,986 $1,491
E03 $1,986 $1,491
E04 $1,986 $1,491
E05 $2,184 $1,668
E06 $2,580 $1,932
E07 $2,601 $1,992
E08 $2,610 $2,265
E09 $2,694 $2,379
W01 $2,598 $1,950
W02 $2,607 $2,262
W03 $2,619 $2,394
W04 $2,736 $2,574
W05 $2,916 $2,586
O01E $2,604 $2,181
O02E $2,613 $2,352
O03E $2,760 $2,571
O01 $2,238 $1,782
O02 $2,577 $2,121
O03 $2,616 $2,433
O04 $2,976 $2,577
O05 $3,252 $2,589
O06 $3,282 $2,592
O07 $3,306 $2,616

BAH for PITTSBURGH, PA includes the following zip codes: [15001, 15003, 15004, …]

State College, PA BAH Rates

Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E01 $1,656 $1,329
E02 $1,656 $1,329
E03 $1,656 $1,329
E04 $1,656 $1,329
E05 $1,791 $1,443
E06 $2,274 $1,707
E07 $2,388 $1,791
E08 $2,508 $1,893
E09 $2,679 $2,034
W01 $2,295 $1,722
W02 $2,436 $1,890
W03 $2,583 $2,052
W04 $2,715 $2,298
W05 $2,877 $2,412
O01E $2,406 $1,806
O02E $2,562 $2,001
O03E $2,739 $2,268
O01 $1,854 $1,515
O02 $2,271 $1,794
O03 $2,580 $2,097
O04 $2,928 $2,388
O05 $3,180 $2,454
O06 $3,207 $2,562
O07 $3,228 $2,607

State College, PA — What Your BAH Can Buy

At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,791): ~$190,000 home · PITI ~$1,486/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,274): ~$240,000 home · PITI ~$1,887/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,388): ~$255,000 home · PITI ~$1,982/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,580): ~$275,000 home · PITI ~$2,141/mo

BAH for STATE COLLEGE, PA includes the following zip codes: [16677, 16801, 16802, …]

Erie, PA BAH Rates

Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E01 $1,452 $1,143
E02 $1,452 $1,143
E03 $1,452 $1,143
E04 $1,452 $1,143
E05 $1,464 $1,329
E06 $1,680 $1,437
E07 $1,746 $1,467
E08 $1,824 $1,515
E09 $1,929 $1,569
W01 $1,695 $1,464
W02 $1,779 $1,512
W03 $1,875 $1,578
W04 $1,950 $1,689
W05 $2,049 $1,764
O01E $1,758 $1,473
O02E $1,857 $1,554
O03E $1,965 $1,668
O01 $1,500 $1,434
O02 $1,677 $1,470
O03 $1,872 $1,596
O04 $2,076 $1,743
O05 $2,226 $1,782
O06 $2,241 $1,851
O07 $2,253 $1,881

Erie, PA — What Your BAH Can Buy

At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,464): ~$155,000 home · PITI ~$1,215/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,680): ~$180,000 home · PITI ~$1,394/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,746): ~$185,000 home · PITI ~$1,449/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($1,872): ~$200,000 home · PITI ~$1,553/mo

BAH for ERIE, PA includes the following zip codes: [16401, 16407, 16410, …]

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA BAH Rates

Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E01 $1,677 $1,272
E02 $1,677 $1,272
E03 $1,677 $1,272
E04 $1,677 $1,272
E05 $1,740 $1,488
E06 $1,887 $1,614
E07 $1,956 $1,674
E08 $2,034 $1,776
E09 $2,181 $1,806
W01 $1,902 $1,668
W02 $1,986 $1,773
W03 $2,088 $1,815
W04 $2,214 $1,893
W05 $2,376 $1,971
O01E $1,965 $1,737
O02E $2,070 $1,800
O03E $2,241 $1,875
O01 $1,767 $1,611
O02 $1,884 $1,722
O03 $2,085 $1,827
O04 $2,427 $1,953
O05 $2,676 $2,007
O06 $2,697 $2,064
O07 $2,712 $2,097

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA — What Your BAH Can Buy

At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:

  • E-5 w/dep ($1,740): ~$185,000 home · PITI ~$1,444/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($1,887): ~$200,000 home · PITI ~$1,566/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($1,956): ~$205,000 home · PITI ~$1,623/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,085): ~$220,000 home · PITI ~$1,730/mo

BAH for WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON, PA includes the following zip codes: [18058, 18201, 18202, …]

Allentown/Bethlehem, PA BAH Rates

Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E01 $2,259 $1,749
E02 $2,259 $1,749
E03 $2,259 $1,749
E04 $2,259 $1,749
E05 $2,373 $2,001
E06 $2,841 $2,151
E07 $2,865 $2,262
E08 $2,874 $2,472
E09 $2,955 $2,607
W01 $2,862 $2,232
W02 $2,871 $2,469
W03 $2,883 $2,625
W04 $2,991 $2,838
W05 $3,156 $2,850
O01E $2,868 $2,370
O02E $2,877 $2,577
O03E $3,015 $2,835
O01 $2,436 $2,142
O02 $2,835 $2,340
O03 $2,880 $2,670
O04 $3,207 $2,841
O05 $3,465 $2,853
O06 $3,492 $2,856
O07 $3,516 $2,883

Allentown/Bethlehem, PA — What Your BAH Can Buy

At current VA loan rates (~6.5%), here is what common ranks can target:

  • E-5 w/dep ($2,373): ~$250,000 home · PITI ~$1,969/mo
  • E-6 w/dep ($2,841): ~$300,000 home · PITI ~$2,358/mo
  • E-7 w/dep ($2,865): ~$305,000 home · PITI ~$2,377/mo
  • O-3 w/dep ($2,880): ~$305,000 home · PITI ~$2,390/mo

BAH for ALLENTOWN/BETHLEHEM, PA includes the following zip codes: [18001, 18002, 18003, …]

 

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