Cape May, NJ BAH Rates 2026
The Cape May, NJ Military Housing Area (MHA NJ198) covers 21 ZIP codes in New Jersey, including 08202 and 08242. Every duty station inside those ZIP codes pays the 2026 locality BAH rates in the table below, whatever installation you are assigned to. An E-5 with dependents stationed here receives $2,754 per month in tax-free BAH, and an O-3 without dependents receives $2,955 per month.
Last updated: October 2026
Your BAH in Cape May
2026 BAH rate table for Cape May, NJ
The full published 2026 locality table for MHA NJ198, monthly amounts in US dollars:
| Pay grade | Without dependents | With dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,968 | $2,523 |
| E-2 | $1,968 | $2,523 |
| E-3 | $1,968 | $2,523 |
| E-4 | $1,968 | $2,523 |
| E-5 | $2,172 | $2,754 |
| E-6 | $2,313 | $3,072 |
| E-7 | $2,532 | $3,114 |
| E-8 | $2,823 | $3,159 |
| E-9 | $2,913 | $3,312 |
| W-1 | $2,451 | $3,093 |
| W-2 | $2,820 | $3,132 |
| W-3 | $2,925 | $3,189 |
| W-4 | $3,078 | $3,360 |
| W-5 | $3,123 | $3,570 |
| O-1 | $2,289 | $2,799 |
| O-2 | $2,682 | $3,069 |
| O-3 | $2,955 | $3,186 |
| O-4 | $3,108 | $3,639 |
| O-5 | $3,129 | $3,969 |
| O-6 | $3,165 | $4,002 |
| O-7+ | $3,222 | $4,032 |
Rates took effect on January 1, 2026. The O-7+ row also covers O-8, O-9, and O-10, who are paid at the O-7 locality rate. BAH is a tax-free allowance, so these amounts are worth more than the same figures in taxable basic pay.
Worked examples for Cape May
An E-5 with dependents in this area receives $2,754 per month, or $33,048 over a full year. An E-7 with dependents receives $3,114 per month ($37,368 per year). An O-3 without dependents receives $2,955 per month ($35,460 per year). If your rent comes in below your rate, you keep the difference; if it runs above, the difference comes out of pocket.
Good to know about BAH in this area
Rate protection: if 2026 rates for this area fell for your grade, you keep your earlier higher rate for as long as you stay at this duty station with no break in eligibility. Changing stations: when you PCS, this table stops applying and the new station's MHA table takes over. Barracks and government quarters: members living in government quarters generally do not receive BAH, with narrow exceptions such as having dependents who live elsewhere. Finding your ZIP: if you are unsure which MHA your orders fall under, check the ZIP code of your duty station against the official lookup linked below.
BAH rates in nearby areas
- Trenton, NJ BAH rates (MHA NJ203)
- Atlantic City, NJ BAH rates (MHA NJ196)
- Fort Monmouth/Earle NWS, NJ BAH rates (MHA NJ200)
- JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ BAH rates (MHA NJ204)
See the full index of 2026 BAH rates by location, or use the BAH calculator for the RC/Transient baseline rates and a deeper guide to how BAH works.
Cape May BAH FAQs
What is the 2026 BAH rate for an E-5 in Cape May?
An E-5 in the Cape May, NJ area (NJ198) receives $2,754 per month with dependents or $2,172 per month without dependents in 2026. BAH is tax-free, and the rate took effect on January 1, 2026.
What is the highest BAH rate in Cape May?
The highest 2026 locality rate in Cape May, NJ is $4,032 per month, paid to an O-7 through O-10 with dependents. Rates top out at the O-7 level: O-8, O-9, and O-10 are paid at the same locality rate as O-7.
Does this BAH table apply to every installation in the Cape May area?
Yes. BAH is set by duty station ZIP code, not by installation. This MHA covers 21 ZIP codes, and every duty station inside them uses this same table for 2026, across all services.
Why is my BAH different from the 2026 table?
Common reasons are BAH rate protection (you keep a higher earlier rate while you stay at the same station), a dependent status that differs from the one you looked up, or living in government quarters, where BAH generally is not paid. Your LES and your finance office are the final word on your individual rate.