Washington DC BAH Rates 2026
2026 BAH Rates for Washington, DC
This page lists BAH Rates, colleges and universities, and their zip codes, cost of living information, school resources for children of military families, and things to see and do in the Washington, D.C. area. For Post-9/11 GI Bill BAH Rates for Washington, DC-area colleges and universities, please see the E-5 with dependents paygrade for 2025.
Not surprisingly, the U.S. capital city is home to multiple military installations. Some include:
- Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling
- S. Coast Guard Headquarters
- The Pentagon
Washington, DC Metro Area BAH Rates 2026
| Paygrade | With | Without |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | $ 3,096 | $ 2,409 |
| E2 | $ 3,096 | $ 2,409 |
| E3 | $ 3,096 | $ 2,409 |
| E4 | $ 3,096 | $ 2,409 |
| E5 | $ 3,132 | $ 2,832 |
| E6 | $ 3,759 | $ 3,057 |
| E7 | $ 3,855 | $ 3,099 |
| E8 | $ 3,957 | $ 3,261 |
| E9 | $ 4,128 | $ 3,447 |
| W1 | $ 3,780 | $ 3,096 |
| W2 | $ 3,894 | $ 3,258 |
| W3 | $ 4,023 | $ 3,471 |
| W4 | $ 4,167 | $ 3,777 |
| W5 | $ 4,350 | $ 3,876 |
| O1e | $ 3,870 | $ 3,129 |
| O2e | $ 4,002 | $ 3,405 |
| O3e | $ 4,197 | $ 3,753 |
| O1 | $ 3,213 | $ 3,054 |
| O2 | $ 3,753 | $ 3,126 |
| O3 | $ 4,020 | $ 3,531 |
| O4 | $ 4,410 | $ 3,855 |
| O5 | $ 4,692 | $ 3,909 |
| O6 | $ 4,731 | $ 3,999 |
| O7 | $ 4,770 | $ 4,071 |
Updated with the 2026 BAH data.
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Colleges and Universities in Washington, D.C.
Anyone considering using the Post 9/11 GI Bill in Washington, D.C. should know:
- You may be eligible for the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) if you are a full-time student.
- MHA is comparable to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents.
- MHA is calculated based on the zip code where you physically attend classes.
- Those attending only online classes receive a set MHA of $988.
- Up to $1,000 in books and supplies is available each year.
- The Post 9/11 GI Bill can be transferred to a spouse or dependents.
- The Yellow Ribbon Program provides financial support in specific situations where the GI Bill does not cover tuition costs.
- You may be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill.
Local Colleges and Universities
Washington, D.C., is home to multiple colleges and universities. This is a partial list.
- Georgetown University (zip code 20057)
- Trinity Washington University (zip code 20017)
- American University (zip code 20016)
- Gallaudet University (zip code 20002)
- University of the District of Columbia (zip code 20008)
- The George Washington University (zip code 20052)
To find more Washington, D.C. schools, use the free College Recon School Finder tool.
Cost of Living in Washington, D.C.
When budgeting, consider any applicable cost-of-living expenses – housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, childcare, and taxes.
A useful tool for calculating the cost of living in Washington, D.C., based on your current salary, is available at daveramsey.com.
Washington, DC Housing
Understanding the Washington, D.C., housing market is essential when deciding where to live. According to rentcafe.com, the average rent in Washington, D.C. is $2,261. The most affordable neighborhoods include:
- Benning, Benning Heights, and Benning Ridge – $1,274
The average sale price of a home in Washington, D.C., is $705,000, with a price per sq. foot of $552, according to realtor.com. The supply and demand of homes are about the same. According to Curbed Washington DC, employment opportunities and the cost of living in Washington, D.C. are high – and climbing each year.
Education
For families with school-age children, where you live often influences where your children attend school. For families with or without children, the quality of area schools can influence housing costs and the resale value of a home.
There are no DoDEA schools in Washington D.C. Students are eligible for enrollment in public schools outside of the school district where they reside. According to Greatschools.com, some of the highest-ranking schools in the area are:
- School-Within-School @ Goding
- Janney Elementary School
- Mann Elementary School
- Lafayette Elementary School
- KIPP DC – Promise Academy PCS
- Deal Middle School
- DC Prep – Edgewood Middle Campus
- School Without Walls High School
- Benjamin Banneker High School
For more information on DC Public Schools, transportation, charter schools, kindergartens, preschools, relocating to Maryland or Virginia, and transfer requirements, visit Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Education.
Employment Opportunities
According to DC’s Economic Strategy, the Washington D.C. employment landscape is composed of multiple core sectors – industries with a significant presence in Washington D.C.’s economy. These include:
- Federal Government
- Professional Services
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Healthcare and Life Sciences
- Higher Education
- Real Estate and Construction
- Retail
- Technology
- Media and Communications
- Creative Economy
In October 2020, Washington, D.C., had an 8.3% unemployment rate, above the national unemployment rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For more help with employment opportunities for military, veterans, and spouses, please take a look at a career tool at CareerRecon.
Things to See and Do in Washington, DC
As expected, the U.S. capital has no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you live there or travel, don’t miss these sights and experiences!
- The National Mall and Memorial Parks
- The White House, U.S. Capitol Building, and countless other important buildings
- Smithsonian Museums and a multitude of other interesting museums
- Library of Congress
- Arlington, Virginia
- Loudoun – DC’s Wine Country
RELATED:
- BAH Rate Calculator
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- Yellow Ribbon Schools
- Washington DC Veterans Benefits
