Current Hawaii

BAH Rates (Oahu)

Updated 2026 BAH rated for Oahu, JBPHH, Schofield, Camp Smith, FT Shafter, and MCBH - plus local insight on what these numbers mean for your PCS.

How to Use These Hawaii BAH Rates

These BAH rates reflect the current allowances for military members assigned to Oahu installations. Below you’ll find tables by rank and dependency status, followed by local insight on what these numbers actually mean in today’s housing market.

Current Oahu BAH Rates by Rank

Current as of January 2026

Enlisted Oahu BAH Rates

Enlisted with Dependents

E1 - $3,333.00

E2 - $3,333.00

E3 - $3,333.00

E4 - $3,333.00

E5 - $3,663.00

E6 - $3,912.00

E7 - $4,098.00

E8 - $4,302.00

E9 - $4,518.00

Enlisted Without Dependents

E1 - $2,598.00

E2 - $2,598.00

E3 - $2,598.00

E4 - $2,598.00

E5 - $2,856.00

E6 - $3,036.00

E7 - $3,348.00

E8 - $3,720.00

E9 - $3,783.00

Rank

E1

E2

E3

E4

E5

E6

E7

E8

E9

With Dependents Rate

$3,333.00

$3,333.00

$3,333.00

$3,333.00

$3,663.00

$3,912.00

$4,098.00

$4,302.00

$4,518.00

Without Dependents Rate

$2,598.00

$2,598.00

$2,598.00

$2,598.00

$2,856.00

$3,036.00

$3,348.00

$3,720.00

$3,783.00

Warrant Officer Oahu BAH Rates

Warrant Officer With Dependents

W1 - $3,930.00

W2 - $4,182.00

W3 - $4,434.00

W4 - $4,551.00

W5 - $4,692.00

Warrant Officer Without Dependents

W1 - $3,222.00

W2 - $3,717.00

W3 - $3,795.00

W4 - $3,951.00

W5 - $4,146.00

Rank

W1

W2

W3

W4

W5

With Dependents Rate

$3,930.00

$4,182.00

$4,434.00

$4,551.00

$4,692.00

Without Dependents Rate

$3,222.00

$3,717.00

$3,795.00

$3,951.00

$4,146.00

Officer Oahu BAH Rates

Officer With Dependents

O1E - $4,137.00

O2E - $4,398.00

O3E - $4,572.00

O1 - $3,702.00

O2 - $3,909.00

O3 - $4,428.00

O4 - $4,737.00

O5 - $4,959.00

O6 - $5,001.00

O7 - $5,040.00

Officer Without Dependents

O1E - $3,660.00

O2E - $3,768.00

O3E - $3,903.00

O1 - $2,997.00

O2 - $3,555.00

O3 - $3,819.00

O4 - $4,110.00

O5 - $4,224.00

O6 - $4,413.00

O7 - $4,494.00

Rank

O1E

O2E

O3E

O1

O2

O3

O4

O5

O6

O7

With Dependents Rate

$4,137.00

$4,398.00

$4,572.00

$3,702.00

$3,909.00

$4,428.00

$4,737.00

$4,959.00

$5,001.00

$5,040.00

Without Dependents Rate

$3,660.00

$3,768.00

$3,903.00

$2,997.00

$3,555.00

$3,819.00

$4,110.00

$4,224.00

$4,413.00

$4,494.00

What These BAH Rates Mean for Living on Oahu

BAH is designed to help cover housing costs, but how far it goes in Hawaii depends on whether you plan to rent or buy. Below is a high-level look at what most military families experience when relocating to Oahu.

Renting on Oahu with BAH

  • Most Rentals fall within or slightly above BAH, depending on location and home type

  • Condos and townhomes are more common than single-family homes

  • Utilities, parking, and pet fees may not be included

  • Inventory moves quickly, especially during PCS season

  • Inventory and pricing can vary widely between areas like Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Kailua, and town-side Oahu.

Buying a Home with BAH

  • Many military families use BAH toward a monthly mortgage payment

  • VA loans can reduce or eliminate down payment requirements

  • Monthly payment depends on interest rates, HOA fees, and property type

  • Buying can make sense for some PCS timelines, but it isn't the right fit for every situation

  • Condos are often more common than single-family homes near military installations, and HOA fees are an important factor in Hawaii

Renting vs Buying in Hawaii Using BAH

Both renting and buying can make sense during a PCS to Hawaii. The right choice depends on your timeline, family needs, and how you plan to use your BAH. Here's a high-level comparison to help you think through each option.

Renting with BAH

  • Lower upfront commitment

  • Flexibility if your PCS timeline changes

  • Easier for shorter tours

  • Limited inventory in some neighborhoods

  • Rent may be close to or slightly above BAH, depending on location

Buying with BAH

  • BAH can be applied toward a monthly mortgage

  • VA loans may reduce upfront costs

  • Potential long-term stability for longer tours

  • HOA fees and property type matter

  • Market conditions and interest rates affect affordability

Planning a PCS to Hawaii?

Every PCS Situation is different. A short conversation can help you understand how your BAH realistically fits into today's Oahu Marketing - whether you're renting, buying, or still deciding.

No obligations. Just clear answers!

Common Questions About Hawaii BAH & PCS Housing

Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from military families relocating to Oahu.

FAQ 1: Is BAH enough to live on Oahu?

BAH is designed to help cover housing costs, but how far it goes on Oahu depends on location, home type, and market conditions. Some families find BAH covers their needs comfortably, while others choose to adjust expectations or explore different neighborhoods.

FAQ 2: Does BAH include utilities?

BAH does not specifically separate utilities. Some rentals include certain utilities, while others do not. This is an important detail to consider when comparing housing options on Oahu.

FAQ 3: Can I use BAH to buy an home in Hawaii?

BAH is often used to help cover monthly mortgage payments, especially when combined with a VA loan. Whether buying makes sense depends on your PCS timeline, budget, and the type of property you're considering.

FAQ 4: Should I rent first when PCSing to Hawaii?

Many families choose to rent first to get familiar with the island, while others feel comfortable buying right away. There's no single right answer - it depends on your experience with Hawaii, tour length, and personal preferences.

FAQ 5: How competitive is the housing market on Oahu?

Oahu's housing market can move quickly, especially during peak PCS seasons. Having local guidance and a clear plan can help families navigate availability and timing more smoothly.

Ready to Talk Through Your Hawaii PCS?

Get clear, local guidance on how your BAH fits into the Oahu housing market - before you make any decisions.