Rates and VA Loan Buying Power
2026 Wisconsin BAH Rates and VA Loan Buying Power
DoD BAH lookup
DFAS pay and entitlements
VA home loan overview
CFPB Loan Estimate guide
Wisconsin BAH rates can directly affect VA loan buying power because BAH is tax free and many lenders count it when it is verified on your LES. Before you rely on the tables, make sure the lender is using the right Wisconsin market, the right dependency status, and a payment target that fits your full file.
Next step:
Check VA Loan Eligibility Using Your BAH and LES
Wisconsin BAH Snapshot
Madison and Milwaukee run highest in your sample set, while Sparta and Fort McCoy plus Stevens Point sit much lower. That spread matters because buying power can shift quickly by zip, rank, and dependency status.
How Lenders Count BAH
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 improve DTI, but residual income and the full monthly payment still decide what is workable.
PCS and Rate Protection
With valid PCS orders, lenders can often use gaining station BAH when you are moving into Wisconsin. 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.
LES and Documents
Expect lenders to review two to three LES statements, plus PCS orders when relevant. Those documents help verify continuity, current entitlements, and whether the lender used the correct Wisconsin housing assumptions from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Wisconsin BAH to qualify for a VA loan?
Can PCS orders change which Wisconsin BAH a lender uses?
Why does the Wisconsin BAH table not match my loan estimate exactly?
How to Use Wisconsin BAH Rates for a VA Loan
- Pick the right table: Start with the Wisconsin 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.
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
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2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Rates by City
Official 2026 tables by city and MHA -
How BAH Affects VA Loan Buying Power
How allowance converts to qualifying income and price -
Military Housing Allowance (MHA) vs. BAH
Terminology and usage across DoD and lenders -
How Dual Military Couples Combine BAH for a VA Loan
Categories, documentation, and joint approvals -
Using BAH After Active Duty for a VA Loan
Eligibility paths, timing, documentation after separation -
Top 10 Military Cities with the Highest BAH
Markets with strong allowances and typical housing costs -
BAH Reserve and Transient Rates for 2026
Reserve component and partial month quick reference -
BAH vs PITI Mortgage Coverage
Define coverage and calculate safe payment buffers -
BAH VA Loan Buy or Rent PCS
Choose ownership or leasing around PCS timelines -
BAH Gross Up VA Loan Buying Power
How lenders adjust non taxable income and DTI impact
Wisconsin Housing Costs & BAH Impact
Wisconsin offers moderate housing prices across most regions. In cities like La Crosse, Madison, and Eau Claire, BAH typically covers full rent and utilities. Fort McCoy remains one of the more affordable military locations in the Midwest. In 2026, BAH increases reflected steady rent growth in Milwaukee, Madison, and surrounding suburbs. Overall, service members across the state enjoy strong value from their BAH. For more, see our guide on A Veterans Guide to VA Loans in Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin VA loan guide.
BAH for MADISON, WI includes the following zip codes: 53508, 53515, 53517, 53523, 53527, 53528, 53529, 53531, 53532, 53558, 53559, 53560, 53562, 53571, 53572, 53575, 53589, 53590, 53593, 53596, 53597, 53598, 53701, 53702, 53703, 53704, 53705, 53706, 53707, 53708, 53711, 53713, 53714, 53715, 53716, 53717, 53718, 53719, 53725, 53726, 53744, 53774, 53777, 53782, 53783, 53784, 53785, 53786, 53788, 53790, 53791, 53792, 53793, 53794. BAH for MILWAUKEE, WI includes the following zip codes: 53005, 53007, 53008, 53018, 53029, 53045, 53046, 53051, 53052, 53056, 53058, 53064, 53066, 53069, 53072, 53089, 53103, 53105, 53108, 53110, 53118, 53119, 53122, 53126, 53127, 53129, 53130, 53132, 53138, 53139, 53146, 53149, 53150, 53151, 53153, 53154, 53167, 53172, 53177, 53182, 53183, 53185, 53186, 53187, 53188, 53189, 53201, 53202, 53203, 53204, 53205, 53206, 53207, 53208, 53209, 53210, 53211, 53212, 53213, 53214, 53215, 53216, 53217, 53218, 53219, 53220, 53221, 53222, 53223, 53224, 53225, 53226, 53227, 53228, 53233, 53234, 53235, 53237, 53259, 53263, 53274, 53278, 53288, 53290, 53293, 53295, 53401, 53402, 53403, 53404, 53405, 53406, 53407, 53408. BAH for SPARTA/FORT MCCOY, WI includes the following zip codes: 54601, 54602, 54603, 54614, 54619, 54620, 54636, 54638, 54644, 54648, 54649, 54650, 54653, 54656, 54660, 54662, 54666, 54669, 54670. BAH for STEVENS POINT, WI includes the following zip codes: 54401, 54402, 54403, 54404, 54406, 54407, 54408, 54410, 54411, 54412, 54413, 54415, 54417, 54423, 54426, 54427, 54429, 54440, 54441, 54443, 54448, 54449, 54454, 54455, 54457, 54458, 54466, 54467, 54469, 54471, 54473, 54474, 54475, 54476, 54479, 54481, 54482, 54484, 54488, 54489, 54492, 54494, 54495, 54909, 54921.Madison, WI BAH Rates
Grade
With Dependents
Without Dependents
E01
$2,151
$1,614
O07
$3,645
$3,165
Milwaukee, WI BAH Rates
Grade
With Dependents
Without Dependents
E01
$2,178
$1,635
O07
$3,684
$2,946
Sparta/Fort McCoy, WI BAH Rates
Grade
With Dependents
Without Dependents
E01
$1,320
$1,134
O07
$2,097
$1,818
Stevens Point, WI BAH Rates
Grade
With Dependents
Without Dependents
E01
$1,206
$957
O07
$1,941
$1,656
2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Rates in Wisconsin
Madison, WI BAH Rates
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,394 | $1,797 |
| E02 | $2,394 | $1,797 |
| E03 | $2,394 | $1,797 |
| E04 | $2,394 | $1,797 |
| E05 | $2,655 | $1,995 |
| E06 | $2,889 | $2,166 |
| E07 | $3,084 | $2,406 |
| E08 | $3,297 | $2,706 |
| E09 | $3,525 | $2,769 |
| W01 | $2,910 | $2,313 |
| W02 | $3,171 | $2,703 |
| W03 | $3,435 | $2,778 |
| W04 | $3,558 | $2,931 |
| W05 | $3,711 | $3,132 |
| O01E | $3,123 | $2,652 |
| O02E | $3,396 | $2,754 |
| O03E | $3,582 | $2,880 |
| O01 | $2,691 | $2,133 |
| O02 | $2,886 | $2,571 |
| O03 | $3,426 | $2,799 |
| O04 | $3,759 | $3,096 |
| O05 | $3,993 | $3,216 |
| O06 | $4,026 | $3,414 |
| O07 | $4,056 | $3,474 |
BAH for MADISON, WI includes the following zip codes: 53508, 53515, 53517, 53523, 53527, 53528, 53529, 53531, 53532, 53558, 53559, 53560, 53562, 53571, 53572, 53575, 53589, 53590, 53593, 53596, 53597, 53598, 53701, 53702, 53703, 53704, 53705, 53706, 53707, 53708, 53711, 53713, 53714, 53715, 53716, 53717, 53718, 53719, 53725, 53726, 53744, 53774, 53777, 53782, 53783, 53784, 53785, 53786, 53788, 53790, 53791, 53792, 53793, 53794.
Milwaukee, WI BAH Rates
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,367 | $1,776 |
| E02 | $2,367 | $1,776 |
| E03 | $2,367 | $1,776 |
| E04 | $2,367 | $1,776 |
| E05 | $2,607 | $1,965 |
| E06 | $2,700 | $2,148 |
| E07 | $2,874 | $2,376 |
| E08 | $3,072 | $2,631 |
| E09 | $3,300 | $2,646 |
| W01 | $2,715 | $2,292 |
| W02 | $2,955 | $2,628 |
| W03 | $3,198 | $2,652 |
| W04 | $3,336 | $2,733 |
| W05 | $3,507 | $2,919 |
| O01E | $2,910 | $2,604 |
| O02E | $3,162 | $2,640 |
| O03E | $3,363 | $2,685 |
| O01 | $2,625 | $2,124 |
| O02 | $2,697 | $2,529 |
| O03 | $3,189 | $2,658 |
| O04 | $3,564 | $2,883 |
| O05 | $3,831 | $2,994 |
| O06 | $3,861 | $3,177 |
| O07 | $3,888 | $3,231 |
BAH for MILWAUKEE, WI includes the following zip codes: 53005, 53007, 53008, 53018, 53029, 53045, 53046, 53051, 53052, 53056, 53058, 53064, 53066, 53069, 53072, 53089, 53103, 53105, 53108, 53110, 53118, 53119, 53122, 53126, 53127, 53129, 53130, 53132, 53138, 53139, 53146, 53149, 53150, 53151, 53153, 53154, 53167, 53172, 53177, 53182, 53183, 53185, 53186, 53187, 53188, 53189, 53201, 53202, 53203, 53204, 53205, 53206, 53207, 53208, 53209, 53210, 53211, 53212, 53213, 53214, 53215, 53216, 53217, 53218, 53219, 53220, 53221, 53222, 53223, 53224, 53225, 53226, 53227, 53228, 53233, 53234, 53235, 53237, 53259, 53263, 53274, 53278, 53288, 53290, 53293, 53295, 53401, 53402, 53403, 53404, 53405, 53406, 53407, 53408.
Sparta/Fort McCoy, WI BAH Rates
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,380 | $1,173 |
| E02 | $1,380 | $1,173 |
| E03 | $1,380 | $1,173 |
| E04 | $1,380 | $1,173 |
| E05 | $1,395 | $1,290 |
| E06 | $1,845 | $1,383 |
| E07 | $1,875 | $1,407 |
| E08 | $1,905 | $1,488 |
| E09 | $1,971 | $1,620 |
| W01 | $1,866 | $1,401 |
| W02 | $1,887 | $1,485 |
| W03 | $1,926 | $1,638 |
| W04 | $1,989 | $1,848 |
| W05 | $2,073 | $1,881 |
| O01E | $1,878 | $1,413 |
| O02E | $1,917 | $1,590 |
| O03E | $2,001 | $1,839 |
| O01 | $1,455 | $1,362 |
| O02 | $1,842 | $1,410 |
| O03 | $1,923 | $1,680 |
| O04 | $2,094 | $1,866 |
| O05 | $2,223 | $1,884 |
| O06 | $2,238 | $1,902 |
| O07 | $2,250 | $1,932 |
BAH for SPARTA/FORT MCCOY, WI includes the following zip codes: 54601, 54602, 54603, 54614, 54619, 54620, 54636, 54638, 54644, 54648, 54649, 54650, 54653, 54656, 54660, 54662, 54666, 54669, 54670.
Stevens Point, WI BAH Rates
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $1,287 | $1,038 |
| E02 | $1,287 | $1,038 |
| E03 | $1,287 | $1,038 |
| E04 | $1,287 | $1,038 |
| E05 | $1,338 | $1,161 |
| E06 | $1,707 | $1,281 |
| E07 | $1,731 | $1,299 |
| E08 | $1,740 | $1,416 |
| E09 | $1,764 | $1,521 |
| W01 | $1,728 | $1,296 |
| W02 | $1,737 | $1,413 |
| W03 | $1,749 | $1,536 |
| W04 | $1,779 | $1,704 |
| W05 | $1,860 | $1,713 |
| O01E | $1,734 | $1,335 |
| O02E | $1,743 | $1,497 |
| O03E | $1,791 | $1,701 |
| O01 | $1,389 | $1,236 |
| O02 | $1,704 | $1,326 |
| O03 | $1,746 | $1,572 |
| O04 | $1,878 | $1,707 |
| O05 | $1,998 | $1,716 |
| O06 | $2,010 | $1,719 |
| O07 | $2,022 | $1,722 |
BAH for STEVENS POINT, WI includes the following zip codes: 54401, 54402, 54403, 54404, 54406, 54407, 54408, 54410, 54411, 54412, 54413, 54415, 54417, 54423, 54426, 54427, 54429, 54440, 54441, 54443, 54448, 54449, 54454, 54455, 54457, 54458, 54466, 54467, 54469, 54471, 54473, 54474, 54475, 54476, 54479, 54481, 54482, 54484, 54488, 54489, 54492, 54494, 54495, 54909, 54921.
