2025 Military Housing Allowance (BAH) Rate Updates | reAlpha Mortgage

Welcome to your go-to 2025 BAH Update Hub. Whether stationed stateside or overseas, preparing for a PCS, or planning a home purchase with your VA loan, this page informs you on Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).

What Is BAH?

BAH is a monthly, tax-free stipend offered to active-duty military personnel to offset housing costs when living off base. It adjusts annually to reflect the real-time rental market and utility costs around military installations.

2025 BAH Overview

Average National Increase: +5.4%

Top Gaining Markets:

San Diego, CA
Fort Liberty, NC
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
Honolulu, HI
Norfolk, VA

Rate Protection: Locked-in rates for those who stay at the same duty station

Key Facts About BAH

Based on the duty station ZIP code, not where you live
Components: Median rent + utilities (water, sewer, electricity, trash)
Eligibility: Active-duty, off-base, Title 10 orders over 30 days
Dual-Military Households: Each member gets BAH, but only one at the with-dependents rate

BAH as a Homeownership Tool

You can use your BAH toward:

Monthly rent
VA home loan mortgage payments
Shared housing expenses

VA Loan Benefits Include:

$0 down payment
No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Competitive interest rates

Pro Tip: Use your excess BAH (if rent/mortgage is lower) to cover maintenance, save for upgrades, or pay down your loan faster.

Renting vs. Buying in 2025


Renting Advantages	Buying Advantages
Flexibility for PCS	Build equity over time
Low upfront cost	Stabilize monthly housing cost
Minimal maintenance	Leverage VA loan power

Find the Perfect Mortgage for Your Dream Home with reAlpha Mortgage.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance - all in one place.

Check if you qualify

Helpful Tools

reAlpha Mortgage offers personalized consultations to help you maximize your BAH and buy smarter with exclusive buyer rebates. NMLS #1743790 | Equal Housing Lender

reAlpha helps military families find homes and earn up to 75% commission rebate - a powerful edge in today’s market.

FAQs

What if my BAH decreased in 2025?

If you haven’t moved or changed ranks, you’re protected under BAH Rate Protection.

Can I use BAH to buy a home?

Yes, your BAH is counted as qualifying income for VA loans.

Does BAH cover utilities and HOA fees?

BAH includes an estimate of utilities but not HOA fees or mortgage interest.

Can dual-military couples both receive BAH?

Yes, but only one can receive the higher with-dependent rate.

Am I eligible for BAH?

If you're on active duty for 30+ days, living off base, and not in government housing, you likely qualify.

Final Notes

Your 2025 BAH isn’t just a housing allowance - it’s the key to building wealth. And with reAlpha Mortgage, you can stretch it further. Unlock up to 75% of your buyer agent’s commission back - that’s real cash for closing costs, inspections, or your next move. Start with 25% when you work with a reAlpha agent, stack mortgage for 50%, and add Title to unlock the full 75% rebate.

Ready to buy smart and save big? Explore your rebate now with reAlpha Mortgage.

Disclosures:

reAlpha Mortgage, LLC | NMLS #1743790 | Equal Housing Lender
BAH rates are set by the Department of Defense and may vary annually.
All housing information is for educational purposes and not financial or legal advice.
reAlpha is a real estate platform that helps buyers save up to 75% of the buyer agent’s commission through stacked rebate options. reAlpha is not a lender or broker and does not issue credit decisions.
Verify your BAH eligibility and VA loan status with VA.gov or your military housing office.

Find the Perfect Mortgage for Your Dream Home with reAlpha Mortgage.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance - all in one place.

Check if you qualify