Washington, DC Metro Area BAH Rates 2026
The Washington, DC Metro Area Military Housing Area (MHA DC053) covers 559 ZIP codes in the Washington, DC metro area, including 20001 and 20590. 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 $3,132 per month in tax-free BAH, and an O-3 without dependents receives $3,531 per month.
Last updated: October 2026
Your BAH in Washington, DC
2026 BAH rate table for Washington, DC Metro Area
The full published 2026 locality table for MHA DC053, monthly amounts in US dollars:
| Pay grade | Without dependents | With dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,409 | $3,096 |
| E-2 | $2,409 | $3,096 |
| E-3 | $2,409 | $3,096 |
| E-4 | $2,409 | $3,096 |
| E-5 | $2,832 | $3,132 |
| E-6 | $3,057 | $3,759 |
| E-7 | $3,099 | $3,855 |
| E-8 | $3,261 | $3,957 |
| E-9 | $3,447 | $4,128 |
| W-1 | $3,096 | $3,780 |
| W-2 | $3,258 | $3,894 |
| W-3 | $3,471 | $4,023 |
| W-4 | $3,777 | $4,167 |
| W-5 | $3,876 | $4,350 |
| O-1 | $3,054 | $3,213 |
| O-2 | $3,126 | $3,753 |
| O-3 | $3,531 | $4,020 |
| O-4 | $3,855 | $4,410 |
| O-5 | $3,909 | $4,692 |
| O-6 | $3,999 | $4,731 |
| O-7+ | $4,071 | $4,770 |
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 Washington, DC
An E-5 with dependents in this area receives $3,132 per month, or $37,584 over a full year. An E-7 with dependents receives $3,855 per month ($46,260 per year). An O-3 without dependents receives $3,531 per month ($42,372 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
- Fort G. G. Meade, MD BAH rates (MHA MD133)
- Annapolis, MD BAH rates (MHA MD128)
- Quantico/Woodbridge, VA BAH rates (MHA VA296)
- Norfolk/Portsmouth, VA BAH rates (MHA VA298)
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.
Washington, DC BAH FAQs
What is the 2026 BAH rate for an E-5 in Washington, DC?
An E-5 in the Washington, DC Metro Area area (DC053) receives $3,132 per month with dependents or $2,832 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 Washington, DC?
The highest 2026 locality rate in Washington, DC Metro Area is $4,770 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 Washington, DC area?
Yes. BAH is set by duty station ZIP code, not by installation. This MHA covers 559 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.