Military BAH Calculator
Updated on 7 Nov 2026 · Checked by Aotob
To take home the same in a civilian job you’d need about $85,032 a year.
That’s $7,309 more than your $77,723 in pay and allowances, because BAH and BAS are tax-free.
Matching civilian salary
$85,032
BAH and BAS are not taxed, so a civilian job has to pay more than your base pay plus allowances to leave you as well off. This leaves out state tax, TRICARE, the retirement plan and other benefits, which add more.
Show the working
Base pay 46,800 − federal tax and FICA = 41,760
+ BAH and BAS 30,923 = 72,683 take-home
Civilian salary with that take-home (2026 federal, married filing jointly) = 85,032
A year
| Item | Military | Civilian match |
|---|---|---|
| Taxable pay | 46,800 | 85,032 |
| Tax-free allowances | 30,923 | 0 |
| Take-home | 72,683 | 72,683 |
Questions people ask
How do I find my BAH rate?
Use the Defense Travel Management Office BAH calculator with your duty station ZIP code, pay grade and whether you have dependents. Rates change every January.
Why is BAH worth more than its face value?
BAH and BAS aren’t taxed, so each dollar is worth what a civilian would have to earn before federal tax, Social Security and Medicare.
What is BAS in 2026?
$476.95 a month for enlisted members and $328.48 for officers.
Updated 7 Nov 2026Source: DFAS: BAS rates 2026 and DTMO BAH ratesChecked by AotobFederal tax only; leaves out state tax and benefits such as TRICARE.Report an issue