2026 BAH Rates in South Carolina – Military Housing by ZIP Code
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates in South Carolina are now available. These monthly, tax-free payments are designed to help service members cover off-base housing expenses across the state. Whether you’re stationed at Joint Base Charleston, Fort Jackson, MCAS Beaufort, or serving near Columbia, your BAH is based on ZIP code, rank, and dependent status.
BAH increases for 2026 reflect rental market growth in Charleston, Columbia, and other coastal ZIPs. For national comparisons, visit our BAH rate update tool, or explore financing tips in the South Carolina VA loan guide.
Convert Your BAH to VA Buying Power
Enter your BAH and key financials. We’ll estimate a comfortable VA home price and the resulting monthly payment.
Explore More BAH Insights
What Is BAH and Who Receives It in South Carolina?
BAH is a tax-free monthly allowance paid to military members who live off base. In South Carolina, this includes service members assigned to Joint Base Charleston, MCAS Beaufort, Fort Jackson (Columbia), and regional recruiters located in cities like Myrtle Beach, Summerville, and Greenville.
How South Carolina BAH Rates Are Determined
- Location: ZIPs like 29404 (Charleston AFB), 29904 (MCAS Beaufort), and 29207 (Fort Jackson) are evaluated annually for local rent data.
- Pay Grade: Your rank directly affects your housing allowance — higher ranks receive more.
- Dependents: If you have dependents, your BAH is higher to account for family housing needs.
How to Use the 2026 BAH Charts
- Locate your base or ZIP code
- Select your pay grade (e.g., E-4, O-3)
- Compare rates for with and without dependents
How to Use Your BAH to Buy a Home in South Carolina
Many military families in South Carolina use their BAH toward a VA home loan instead of renting. In areas like Goose Creek, Irmo, or Beaufort, home prices are often low enough that your BAH can fully cover a mortgage payment — especially since VA loans don’t require a down payment.
VA Loan Benefits in South Carolina:
- No down payment required for most eligible borrowers
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Flexible credit standards and manual underwriting options
- Access to low VA interest rates
Using your BAH to buy in South Carolina offers long-term financial stability — especially with home values steadily rising across the state.
South Carolina Housing Costs & BAH Impact
South Carolina remains one of the more affordable military housing markets in the Southeast. In Columbia, Sumter, and most coastal towns, BAH covers rent and utilities for most enlisted service members. In 2026, rate increases were most noticeable in Charleston and Beaufort due to rising housing demand. Overall, BAH stretches well in both rural and urban areas of the state.
BAH for Beaufort/Parris Island, SC includes the following zip codes: 29902, 29904, 29905, 29906, 29907, 29909, 29910, 29914, 29915, 29920, 29925, 29926, 29927, 29928, 29931, 29935, 29940, 29941, 29945.
Grade
With Dependents
Without Dependents
E01
$1,764
$1,416
E02
$1,764
$1,416
E03
$1,764
$1,416
E04
$1,764
$1,416
E05
$1,821
$1,602
E06
$2,112
$1,707
E07
$2,172
$1,761
E08
$2,241
$1,884
E09
$2,334
$1,965
W01
$2,127
$1,755
W02
$2,202
$1,881
W03
$2,286
$1,974
W04
$2,352
$2,124
W05
$2,430
$2,187
O01E
$2,187
$1,821
O02E
$2,271
$1,947
O03E
$2,358
$2,106
O01
$1,860
$1,704
O02
$2,109
$1,803
O03
$2,280
$2,004
O04
$2,451
$2,172
O05
$2,574
$2,208
O06
$2,592
$2,271
O07
$2,610
$2,298
