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California BAH Rates 2025

Updated | Garrett FitzGerald
California BAH

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a crucial financial component for military personnel, providing them with housing compensation based on their location, rank, and dependency status.

In particular, California’s BAH (ca’s bah) rates are noteworthy, with specific allocations for military bases in the state. These rates have seen increases for the upcoming year, offering higher financial benefits for service members, especially when compared to other military bases.

Introduction to BAH

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a crucial benefit provided to military personnel to help cover housing costs. BAH rates are determined by the Department of Defense and vary based on location, pay grade, and dependency status. In California, BAH rates are particularly important due to the state’s high housing costs. This article will provide an overview of BAH rates, housing options, and other relevant information for military personnel and their families.

2025 BAH Rates and Post-9/11 GI Bill MHA for California

Find California BAH Rates (Basic Allowance for Housing) by city, pay grade, and dependency status. BAH rates are assigned to military personnel according to their rank, which influences their housing options. For Post 911 GI Bill BAH Rates, please visit our BAH Rates page here.

BAH Rates Overview

BAH rates are updated annually based on housing market changes. The national average BAH rate increased by 5.4% in 2025, with California duty stations receiving individual increases. The Department of Defense determines BAH rates by location, pay grade, and dependency status. For example, Los Angeles AFB, CA, has a higher BAH rate than other locations in the state. San Diego, CA, also has a high BAH rate due to its expensive housing market. Military personnel can use a BAH calculator to determine their eligible BAH rate and explore how it can help with housing costs.

BAH Rate Calculator


 

Barstow / Fort Irwin, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E118421458
E218421458
E318421458
E418421458
E519441635
E623191743
E724301842
E825412025
E926792130
W123401818
W224752022
W326162145
W427062340
W528142454
O1e24451941
O2e25982106
O3e27182313
O119951734
O223161914
O326132184
O428472430
O530092493
O630362598
O730572646

Schools in Barstow

The officer rates for BAH in Barstow / Fort Irwin, CA, are determined based on rank and can be utilized for renting or purchasing homes.

Beale AFB, BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E127872217
E227872217
E327872217
E427872217
E529882454
E631532604
E731712796
E831803027
E932313063
W131682727
W231773024
W331893072
W432583144
W533783156
O1e31742985
O2e31833054
O3e32763141
O130182583
O231502925
O331863087
O434143147
O535913159
O636243162
O736513201

 

BAH payments can decrease in scenarios such as a move to a lower pay grade or changes in dependency status.

Bridgeport, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E119501506
E219501506
E319501506
E419501506
E520131749
E627332049
E727752082
E828172160
E929342376
W127542067
W227932157
W328472400
W429672739
W531172784
O1e27782088
O2e28382328
O3e29882727
O121031884
O227242085
O328442472
O431682769
O533962790
O634262826
O734532877

Soldiers/troops without dependents receive lower BAH rates compared to those with dependents.

Camp Pendleton, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E135942757
E235942757
E335942757
E435942757
E539213084
E643533300
E744283606
E845034011
E946684134
W143743483
W244584008
W345544152
W447134365
W549084443
O1e44343918
O2e45394107
O3e47404347
O139783261
O243503813
O345514197
O449744425
O552774464
O653254533
O753704620

China Lake, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E114251161
E214251161
E314251161
E414251161
E514281329
E617281428
E718691446
E820191515
E922051653
W117461443
W219291482
W321151656
W422381755
W523881902
O1e18931452
O2e20911569
O3e22591719
O114641425
O217251449
O321121659
O424391872
O526672001
O626912097
O727092133

BAH is an important source of income for financing a home, and it can significantly impact the affordability of monthly mortgage payments. However, if you are selecting a higher-priced home, you may need additional money to cover the costs.

Edwards AFB & Palmdale, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E121121848
E221121848
E321121848
E421121848
E522142100
E625892292
E727122409
E828442670
E930002811
W126102358
W227662667
W329282829
W430273057
W531503093
O1e27332565
O2e29072778
O3e30453048
O122652238
O225862517
O329252877
O431893078
O533723096
O634023120
O734293177

 

BAH can cover not just mortgage payments but also other financial obligations like utilities and HOA dues, helping to manage total expenses.

El Centro, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E119201530
E219201530
E319201530
E419201530
E519951731
E621361845
E723041920
E824872028
E926672058
W121511908
W223792025
W326102064
W426882169
W527872346
O1e23341992
O2e25772049
O3e27032124
O120191842
O221331974
O326012079
O428172313
O529642418
O629912592
O730122637

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) can be counted as an income source for VA loan applications.

Fresno, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E119201530
E219201530
E319201530
E419201530
E519951731
E621361845
E723041920
E824872028
E926672058
W121511908
W223792025
W326102064
W426882169
W527872346
O1e23341992
O2e25772049
O3e27032124
O120191842
O221331974
O326012079
O428172313
O529642418
O629912592
O730122637

BAH assists service members who are not living in government housing by providing them with a housing allowance that can be used for rent or mortgage payments, thereby ensuring housing stability and offering potential investment opportunities.

Schools in Fullerton, California

Humboldt County, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E116171398
E216171398
E316171398
E416171398
E516471512
E622141662
E724031803
E826011950
E928172112
W122351677
W224841863
W327302115
W428532256
W530032445
O1e24361827
O2e26972022
O3e28742208
O117191581
O222081806
O327212118
O430542412
O532852523
O633122712
O733392760

 

These statistics provide a clear understanding of the BAH rates for different locations and pay grades, helping military personnel to better plan their housing budgets.

Lemoore NAS, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E119261590
E219261590
E319261590
E419261590
E520851695
E622981776
E723191929
E823312133
E924062187
W123161881
W223252130
W323522196
W424302295
W525322319
O1e23222082
O2e23432175
O3e24422289
O121181761
O222952037
O323492217
O425622307
O527152322
O627362328
O727572370

 

The BAH rates at Lemoore NAS, CA are competitive among navy bases, reflecting the importance of adequate living allowances for soldiers.

 

Los Angeles, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E134592595
E234592595
E334592595
E434592595
E537412973
E640383207
E741403471
E842483804
E944553885
W140563369
W241853801
W343203897
W445064056
W547284164
O1e41553738
O2e43023867
O3e45364029
O137833174
O240353648
O343173927
O448064140
O551514200
O651994302
O752444383

The Los Angeles Air Force Base housing office provides information about available properties that align with BAH rates, including discounted rates and suitable options for rent or purchase.

Schools in Los Angeles

Marin & Sonoma, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E131142442
E231142442
E331142442
E431142442
E531862832
E636813042
E737683114
E838583288
E940383432
W137023102
W238043285
W339183450
W440863696
W542873786
O1e37803183
O2e39033399
O3e41133675
O132523039
O236753168
O339153501
O443593765
O546713816
O647163900
O747553972

Military personnel can also benefit from discounted rates when renting or purchasing residences, with local housing offices providing guidance on properties that offer these reduced rates.

 

Monterey, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E131142337
E231142337
E331142337
E431142337
E532822733
E636182961
E739903120
E843893354
E947493561
W136453069
W241553351
W346503564
W447883705
W549564083
O1e40653279
O2e45783435
O3e48123612
O133272946
O236153228
O346323567
O450104020
O552684254
O653194632
O753644719

When determining housing allowances and mortgage calculations, it is important to consider property location and home value.

 

Oakland, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E133932562
E233932562
E333932562
E433932562
E536512931
E639993159
E740683402
E841403726
E943083822
W140173309
W240983723
W341883834
W443534008
W545544083
O1e40743648
O2e41763801
O3e43833990
O136993129
O239963570
O341853870
O446264062
O549384101
O649834170
O750254248

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) can be used by service members to either rent a residence or purchase a home, providing financial flexibility for military families.

Riverside, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E130422343
E230422343
E330422343
E430422343
E532792640
E634832826
E735403051
E836003324
E936873375
W134982967
W235643321
W336423384
W437053489
W537863552
O1e35433276
O2e36303363
O3e37143471
O133122802
O234803204
O336393405
O438103534
O539273567
O639603621
O739933690

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) can be used by military personnel to either rent or purchase a home, providing flexibility and the potential for building long-term wealth through homeownership.

 

Sacramento, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E125921980
E225921980
E325921980
E425921980
E528742190
E630182340
E730362604
E830452907
E931022937
W130332502
W230422904
W330542946
W431353009
W532733018
O1e30392871
O2e30482931
O3e31533006
O128982307
O230152781
O330512961
O433183012
O535283021
O635583024
O735853057

Utilizing Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) as a source of income for VA loan applications can significantly contribute to covering mortgage payments. Additionally, BAH may leave additional funds available for other expenses, such as utilities or homeowners association dues.

San Bernardino, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E129222193
E229222193
E329222193
E429222193
E532432442
E633002637
E733182937
E833273261
E933813267
W133152817
W233243258
W333363270
W434053291
W535163306
O1e33213240
O2e33303264
O3e34203285
O132582601
O232973138
O333333273
O435493294
O537113309
O637443312
O737743360

Schools in San Bernardino

Military service impacts BAH payments, with those having more years of service often receiving higher BAH payments.

 

San Diego, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E136632748
E236632748
E336632748
E436632748
E539873132
E643953372
E744403678
E844854071
E946624188
W144133555
W244584068
W345184203
W447164398
W549594449
O1e44433984
O2e45094161
O3e47524386
O140413336
O243923882
O345154245
O450434434
O554214455
O654724497
O755174581

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates can fluctuate based on the duty station location, which is a crucial factor in determining the amount military members receive.

Schools in San Diego

For more info on San Diego, its housing and rental markets, and things to see, please visit our San Diego BAH page.

San Francisco, CA BAH Rates

Go here for more detailed housing allowance info for San Francisco, CA

PaygradeWithWithout
E14,5963,447
E24,5963,447
E34,5963,447
E44,5963,447
E54,9923,900
E65,2864,245
E75,3524,614
E85,4215,055
E95,6675,133
W15,3044,461
W25,3795,052
W35,4695,145
W45,7425,295
W56,0755,367
O1E5,3584,989
O2E5,4575,115
O3E5,7935,277
O15,0344,197
O25,2834,860
O35,4665,178
O46,1925,349
O56,7145,385
O66,7775,448
O76,8375,553

The BAH rates for soldiers / troops based at various military installations can vary significantly, especially when considering dependency status.

Schools in San Francisco

San Luis Obispo, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E128652154
E228652154
E328652154
E428652154
E530572490
E637652823
E738672901
E839753198
E941973411
W137862841
W239123195
W340443435
W442573786
W545123891
O1e38823054
O2e40263363
O3e42933759
O131442673
O237562997
O340413507
O446023867
O549983927
O650434026
O750884101

In addition to these rates, various properties associated with military bases offer discounted rates through the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) program, providing affordable housing options for military personnel.

Schools in San Luis Obispo

Santa Clara County, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E141553174
E241553174
E341553174
E441553174
E544343630
E647733903
E748874167
E850044506
E952684599
W147914065
W249354503
W350854614
W453404794
W556494914
O1e49024431
O2e50644578
O3e53854764
O144823870
O247704344
O350794647
O457574887
O562404953
O663005067
O763545163

These rates are influenced by various factors, including housing costs and service members’ circumstances, which are taken into account during the calculation process.

 

Stockton, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E123371836
E223371836
E323371836
E423371836
E524122112
E627662265
E728952337
E830362487
E932282586
W127842325
W229552484
W331262598
W432672790
W534412928
O1e29192409
O2e31022562
O3e32912757
O124602262
O227632391
O331232634
O434982901
O537622979
O637953108
O738253165

BAH can help cover not only mortgage payments but also other expenses like utilities.

 

Twenty-nine Palms MCB, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E119411683
E219411683
E319411683
E419411683
E520551770
E626792010
E727602070
E828442181
E929822367
W127002025
W227962178
W329012391
W430152694
W531532778
O1e27722079
O2e28862325
O3e30332673
O121331827
O226732073
O328982454
O432012760
O534142802
O634442880
O734712934

Active duty service members can utilize specific tools like the BAH Calculator to determine their benefits, ensuring they understand the financial considerations and eligibility criteria tailored for those currently serving in the military.

 

Vallejo & Travis AFB, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E130422448
E230422448
E330422448
E430422448
E532642685
E633662841
E733843051
E833933291
E934473306
W133812973
W233903288
W334023312
W434803354
W536093366
O1e33873261
O2e33963303
O3e34953351
O132852817
O233633195
O333993324
O436513357
O538493369
O638823372
O739153414

 

BAH rates are assigned to military personnel based on their rank, which influences their housing options.

 

Vandenberg SFB, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E130482352
E230482352
E330482352
E430482352
E531922709
E635132910
E735343051
E835433261
E936093348
W135313009
W235403258
W335523363
W436423507
W537743522
O1e35373189
O2e35463330
O3e36603504
O132372898
O235103147
O335493396
O438193510
O540233525
O640593528
O740923579

 

BAH payments can decrease in scenarios such as a move to a lower pay grade or changes in dependency status.

 

Ventura, CA BAH Rates

RankWithWithout
E133962700
E233962700
E333962700
E433962700
E535343060
E639963264
E740653399
E841343630
E942783762
W140173357
W240953627
W341853780
W443144008
W544764080
O1e40713531
O2e41703732
O3e43383990
O135943252
O239933492
O341823828
O445334062
O547794098
O648244164
O748634242

 

Soldiers/troops without dependents receive lower BAH rates compared to those with dependents, reflecting a significant difference in benefits.

 

Other Schools in California

Schools in Arcata, California


Housing Options

Military personnel in California have several housing options to consider. On-base housing provides convenience and access to base resources, but availability can be limited. Renting off-base is another option, allowing for more flexibility and choice in location, though it may come with higher costs. Purchasing a home using VA loans is a popular choice, offering benefits such as no down payment and competitive interest rates. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, and military families should consider their specific needs and circumstances when making a decision.

Military Installations in California

Air Force Bases

    • Beale Air Force Base – east of Marysville
    • Edwards Air Force Base – north of Lancaster
    • Los Angeles Air Force Base
    • March Air Reserve Base – Riverside
    • Travis Air Force Base – near Fairfield
    • Vandenberg Air Force Base – Lompoc

Army Posts

    • Fort Hunter Liggett – near Jolon
    • Fort Irwin – north of Barstow
    • Presidio of Monterey
    • Sierra Army Depot – Herlong

Coast Guard Bases

    • Coast Guard Training Center – Petaluma
    • US Coast Guard Sector – San Diego

Marine Corps Bases

    • Camp Pendleton – north of Oceanside
    • Miramar Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) – San Diego
    • Barstow Logistics Base
    • Mountain Warfare Training Center – Pickel Meadow
    • Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) – San Diego
    • Twenty-nine Palms Air Ground Combat Center

Naval Bases

    • China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station
    • China Lake Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
    • Coronado Naval Amphibious Base – San Diego
    • Coronado Naval Base – San Diego
    • El Centro Naval Air Facility – west of El Centro
    • Lemoore Naval Air Station – west of Lemoore
    • Naval Postgraduate School – Monterey
    • Naval Surface Warfare Center – Corona
    • North Island Naval Air Station (NAS) – San Diego
    • Port Hueneme Construction Battalion Center
    • Point Loma Naval Base – San Diego
    • Point Mugu Naval Air Station – southeast of Port Hueneme
    • San Diego Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center
    • San Diego Naval Base
    • Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station
    • Ventura County Naval Base – south of Oxnard

 

Conclusion

Understanding BAH rates is essential for military personnel and their families to manage housing costs effectively. By staying informed about the latest BAH rates and utilizing available resources, such as BAH calculators and VA home loans, military families can make well-informed housing decisions. In California, where housing costs are notably high, leveraging BAH can significantly ease the financial burden and ensure a comfortable living situation.

 

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