US Military Bases — 2026 BAH Rates & PCS Guide

Complete directory of 172 US military installations with current BAH rates, housing options, and PCS resources

BaseNeed's military base directory covers every major US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force installation. Each base page includes 2026 BAH rates by pay grade, housing market conditions, on-base amenities, nearby communities, PCS guides, and military community resources. Whether you're researching a potential duty station, planning a PCS move, or comparing BAH rates across locations, this is your starting point.

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BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is the primary financial consideration for most PCS moves. Rates vary significantly by location — from under $1,000/month at remote installations to over $3,500/month at high-cost coastal bases. All BAH is 100% tax-free. Use the BaseNeed BAH Calculator to look up exact rates for any installation and pay grade.

172Bases Listed
6Branches
2026BAH Rates
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U.S. Army Installations

U.S. Air Force Installations

U.S. Navy Installations

U.S. Marine Corps Installations

U.S. Coast Guard Installations

U.S. Space Force Installations

Frequently Asked Questions — Military Bases & BAH

What is BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) in 2026?

BAH is a tax-free monthly allowance paid to eligible service members to cover housing costs near their duty station. Rates are set annually by DoD based on local rental market surveys and vary by pay grade and dependency status. BAH is designed to cover approximately the 80th percentile of local housing costs. Use the BaseNeed BAH Calculator to look up exact 2026 rates for any installation.

How do I find housing near a military base?

Browse verified military housing listings on BaseNeed, filtered by base, price, bedrooms, and distance from the main gate. Most service members choose between on-base housing (government quarters or privatized housing) and off-base rentals. Off-base housing gives you the opportunity to keep any difference between your BAH and your actual rent as tax-free savings.

What should I do when I get PCS orders?

When you receive PCS orders: (1) Confirm your RNLTD date and contact your losing unit S1/PSD to begin out-processing. (2) Request a sponsor at your gaining unit. (3) Calculate your BAH for your new duty station. (4) Apply for on-base housing immediately — even if you plan to live off-base, this preserves your waitlist position. (5) Schedule your HHG shipment through DPS at move.mil. (6) Research schools, childcare, and spouse employment options in the new area.

How are military bases organized?

US military bases are organized by branch of service: Army (installations, forts, camps), Navy (naval stations, naval air stations), Air Force (air force bases, air national guard bases), Marine Corps (Marine Corps bases, Marine Corps air stations), Coast Guard (air stations, sectors), and Space Force (space bases). Most major installations are run by a single branch but may host joint units from multiple services.

Which military bases have the best BAH rates?

BAH rates are highest in high cost-of-living areas: Joint Base Lewis-McChord (WA), Naval Station Norfolk (VA), Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (CA), Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (HI), and installations near major metro areas like Washington DC and San Diego consistently have some of the highest BAH rates. Use the BaseNeed BAH Calculator to compare rates across installations.

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