Texas BAH
Texas Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Rates for 2025
Understanding BAH in Texas
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a critical benefit for military personnel, designed to cover housing expenses when government quarters are unavailable. In 2025, BAH rates have been adjusted to accommodate fluctuating rental markets across Texas cities, ensuring service members receive adequate financial support for their housing needs.
BAH is determined by three key factors:
- Location – Each duty station has its own BAH rate based on rental market surveys.
- Rank/Pay Grade – Higher-ranking service members receive higher allowances.
- Dependent Status – Those with dependents receive a higher BAH rate.
Knowing your BAH rate can help you make informed housing decisions, whether you choose to rent or buy a home.
BAH Rates by City in Texas (2025)
Austin, TX BAH 2025
Austin’s housing market has grown significantly, leading to increased BAH rates. Below are the updated rates for 2025:
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E1-E4 | $2,115 | $1,587 |
| E5 | $2,343 | $1,764 |
| E6 | $2,805 | $2,103 |
| E7 | $3,135 | $2,352 |
| E8 | $3,489 | $2,616 |
| E9 | $3,855 | $2,892 |
| O1 | $2,406 | $1,884 |
| O2 | $2,802 | $2,355 |
| O3 | $3,702 | $2,898 |
| O4 | $3,909 | $2,961 |
Houston, TX BAH 2025
Houston’s cost of living remains competitive, with BAH rates reflecting the city’s affordability.
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
| E1-E4 | $2,050 | $1,500 |
| E5 | $2,290 | $1,720 |
| E6 | $2,750 | $2,040 |
| E7 | $3,080 | $2,300 |
| O1 | $2,400 | $1,850 |
| O2 | $2,780 | $2,320 |
| O3 | $3,600 | $2,850 |
Dallas, TX BAH 2025
Dallas, being a major metropolitan area, has competitive rental markets, leading to steady BAH rates for military personnel.
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
| E1-E4 | $2,200 | $1,600 |
| E5 | $2,450 | $1,900 |
| E6 | $2,900 | $2,200 |
| E7 | $3,200 | $2,500 |
| O1 | $2,500 | $1,900 |
| O2 | $2,850 | $2,400 |
| O3 | $3,700 | $2,950 |
Killeen, TX BAH 2025
Home to Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Killeen’s BAH is lower than major metropolitan areas but still sufficient for military housing needs.
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
| E1-E4 | $1,800 | $1,400 |
| E5 | $2,100 | $1,700 |
| E6 | $2,400 | $2,000 |
| E7 | $2,800 | $2,300 |
| O1 | $2,100 | $1,700 |
| O2 | $2,400 | $2,000 |
| O3 | $3,200 | $2,700 |
San Antonio, TX BAH 2025
With multiple military bases, including Lackland AFB and Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio’s BAH rates reflect its military-friendly housing market.
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
| E1-E4 | $1,950 | $1,500 |
| E5 | $2,250 | $1,850 |
| E6 | $2,700 | $2,100 |
| E7 | $3,000 | $2,400 |
| O1 | $2,300 | $1,800 |
| O2 | $2,700 | $2,200 |
| O3 | $3,500 | $2,900 |
Using BAH to Buy or Rent
BAH can be used for:
Renting – Lease an apartment or house near your duty station.
Buying a home – A VA loan enables military personnel to purchase homes with zero down payment.
On-base housing – Available at some locations, depending on availability.
Finding Housing with BAH
Resources for housing in Texas:
VA Loans Texas – Get a VA loan pre-approval.
Military Housing Office – Official housing listings for military personnel.
Zillow – Browse local rental and purchase options.
Maximizing Your BAH in Texas
Understand Local Housing Costs – Compare rental vs. homeownership costs.
Consider VA Loans – Use your military benefits for home purchases.
Check for Military Discounts – Some landlords and realtors offer discounts for active-duty members.
Budget Accordingly – Ensure BAH covers rent/mortgage and utilities.
Explore Different Neighborhoods – Look for areas with strong military communities.
Location Matters: How BAH Rates are Determined
BAH rates are determined by surveying the cost of rental properties in each geographic location where military personnel are stationed. This means that BAH rates can vary significantly from one location to another. Generally, high-cost areas will have higher BAH rates, while low-cost areas will have lower rates.
To find the BAH rate for your specific location, you can visit the Defense Travel Management Office website and access the BAH calculator tool. This tool allows you to input your pay grade, location, and dependent status to determine your BAH rate accurately.
Calculate your BAH:
Types of BAH: Catering to Special Situations
In addition to the standard BAH, there are different types of BAH designed to compensate for special situations that service members may encounter. These include:
- BAH with Dependents: Service members with dependents typically receive a higher BAH rate to accommodate the additional housing expenses associated with supporting a family.
- BAH without Dependents: For service members without dependents, the BAH rate may be lower compared to those with dependents.
- Partial BAH: In some cases, service members may be eligible for partial BAH if they are living in government-provided housing but are still incurring some housing-related expenses.
- BAH Reserve Component: Reserve component service members on active duty for more than 30 days are eligible for BAH based on the location of their duty station.
FAQ: Answers to Common Questions
As service members navigate the intricacies of BAH, they may have questions about eligibility, calculation methods, and other related topics. The Defense Travel Management Office website offers a comprehensive FAQ section addressing these common queries, providing clarity and guidance for service members seeking information about BAH.
Conclusion: Leveraging BAH for Housing Stability
For service members and their families, BAH serves as a crucial lifeline, ensuring access to safe and affordable housing regardless of their duty station. By understanding how BAH works, leveraging online resources like the BAH calculator, and exploring the different types of BAH available, service members can make informed decisions about their housing options and achieve greater stability in their military careers.
As the Department of Defense continues to prioritize the well-being of service members, BAH remains a cornerstone of its commitment to supporting military families and ensuring their housing needs are met. By harnessing the benefits of BAH, service members can focus on their mission with confidence, knowing that their housing needs are taken care of wherever duty calls.
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