--- title: "2025 BAH Updates: What Military Families Need to Know" description: Learn about the 2025 BAH rates and updates, including rate changes, how BAH is calculated, and additional military allowances. image: https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/All_images/Blog_header_images/ITI%202025%20BAH%20Updates%20What%20Military%20Families%20Need%20to%20Know.jpg --- [![MilitaryByOwner](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/MilitaryByOwner_February2020/Images/logo_header.png)](https://www.militarybyowner.com/) Member Login - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Company History](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/company-history/) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about/why-choose-us/) - [Testimonials](https://www.militarybyowner.com/testimonials/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Decorating/Maintenance Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-decorating-and-maintenance-resources/) - [Home Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Military Life](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [PCS/Relocation Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/relocatingmoving-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Website Help and Videos](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/website-help-and-videos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/helpful-resource-links/) # 2025 BAH Updates: What Military Families Need to Know ![Danielle Keech](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Blog%20author%20headshots%201.jpg) ## [Danielle Keech](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/danielle-keech) January 06, 2025 - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/2025-bah-rate-updates) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/2025-bah-rate-updates) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/2025-bah-rate-updates) - [**](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/2025-bah-rate-updates) [Military Life](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/topic/military-life) ## 2025 BAH Updates: What Military Families Need to Know The Department of Defense recently announced the 2025 Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) rates. Some military service members feel a sense of relief, while others sense they might've grabbed the slightly shorter end of the stick. Regardless of which military housing area you’re stationed in, the [BAH budget](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/understanding-your-basic-allowance-for-housing-bah/), as a whole, is increasing slightly. ## ![Family of four, (mom, dad, daughter, son) wearing blue, grey, and pink, sit together looking at phone with text 2025 BAH UPDATES: What Military Families Need to Know ](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Social_Media_Images/Pinterest%20Images/Pinterest%20optimized%20images/2025%20BAH%20UPDATES.jpg?width=600&height=900&name=2025%20BAH%20UPDATES.jpg) ## How BAH Is Changing from 2024 to 2025 Following the BAH increases in 2022 and 2023, the 2025 BAH rates are [increasing by 5.4%](https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4000790/dod-releases-2025-basic-allowance-for-housing-rates/#:~:text=Basic%20allowance%20for%20housing%20rates%20will%20increase%20by%205.4%25%2C%20on,used%20to%20calculate%20BAH%20annually.) on average. This growth totals approximately $29.2 billion across the military branches. It's about 1.3 billion more than last year’s increase.   Communities online are quick to share how much their BAH went up, but others point out that some locations noticed a dip in the BAH. A 5.4% increase on average means that 96% of military housing areas will rise while 4% will observe a decrease.  To find your current BAH rate, [see our BAH calculator](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/bah-calculator/).  ## How BAH Is Calculated The government determines BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) based on the average cost of living in 299 Military Housing Areas (MHAs). They pay close attention to factors like home size, home type (e.g., apartments vs. single-family homes), military rank, and family size. Given these variables, they calculate a rate designed to cover 95% of your housing costs, not 100%. Unfortunately, that remaining 5% feels more substantial with increasing costs of nearly everything.  *![Conference meeting with man in glasses and woman in a green shirt. Others have their backs to the camera. There is a presentation board on the wall. ](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/All_images/People/ITI%202025%20BAH%20Updates%20What%20Military%20Families%20Need%20to%20Know%203.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=ITI%202025%20BAH%20Updates%20What%20Military%20Families%20Need%20to%20Know%203.jpg)Photo by SDI Productions from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com* ## BAH Frequently Asked Questions ### 1. What do I do if my BAH rate is decreasing in 2025? If you’re in a region where your 2025 BAH rate is lower than 2024, you're grandfathered into the previous year’s rate.  ### 2. When do the new 2025 BAH rates take effect?  The 2025 BAH rates will take effect on January 1, 2025.  ### 3. Is BAH based on rentals or homes for sale prices? BAH is determined using rental housing cost data and does not factor in the home purchase market. ### 4. Am I eligible for CONUS COLA?  While CONUS COLA can help offset high-cost-of-living areas, few military installations within the continental U.S. qualify. To learn more and see if you’re eligible, see the next section. ## Outlook on CONUS COLA  For high-cost-of-living areas, there are a handful of locations across the continental U.S. where service members may receive a Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA).  > “An area is considered high cost if the non-housing cost of living for that area exceeds a threshold of 107%. Therefore, only members assigned to duty stations where the non-housing cost of living is at least eight percent above the national average are eligible for CONUS COLA.” -[Defense Travel Management Office](https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/CONUS-Cost-of-Living-Allowance/)  These locations typically include specific duty stations in California, Colorado, New York, Oregon, and Virginia. The rates usually range from $38 to $61/month for members with dependents.  Use the DoD’s [CONUS COLA Rate Lookup](https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/CONUS-Cost-of-Living-Allowance/CONUS-COLA-Rate-Lookup/) for details on your location. *![Woman with hair in a bun wearing a long-sleeve white shirt looks at calculator on desk while holding pen. Has a notebook, coffee mug, and computer on desk and plant in background.](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/All_images/People/ITI%202025%20BAH%20Updates%20What%20Military%20Families%20Need%20to%20Know%202.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=ITI%202025%20BAH%20Updates%20What%20Military%20Families%20Need%20to%20Know%202.jpg)Photo by Point Studio via Canva.com* ## Other Military Allowances That Are Changing in 2025 While BAH and CONUS COLA are the most substantial military stipends, there are a handful of additional allowances that make a difference.  ### Basic Allowance for Subsistence The 2025 [Basic Allowance for Subsistence](https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/payentitlements/Pay-Tables/bas/) is increasing from 2024:  - Enlisted: $465.77 per month (a $5.52 increase from 2024) - Officer: $320.78 per month (a $3.8 increase from 2024) BAS is given to offset the cost of meals for service members. Unlike BAH, this allowance does not account for family members.  ### Cost of Living Adjustments Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) are given to help keep living expenses proportionate to income. Beneficiaries will observe a 2.5% increase from 2024.    COLA Beneficiaries: - Retired Military Veterans - Disabled Veterans  - Veterans’ Pension Benefits - Survivor Benefit Annuitants  - Surviving Families of Veterans  - Social Security Recipients - Federal Civilian Retirees - Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - Eligibility for Medicare Extra Help and Medicaid - Federal & State Food and Housing Assistance Programs With these budget changes in mind, you can start the new year with an appropriate budget destined for success. For more information on BAH budgets, check out [Tips for Living Within Your BAH](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/living-within-your-bah). *Stay updated with more information about your military life with our free newsletter below. * *[![Join Our Email List stay in the know with blue and white background and envelope with MBO logo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/131168/d9ba0ad3-3e06-4cd5-9cea-9b109b448895.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/131168/d9ba0ad3-3e06-4cd5-9cea-9b109b448895)* #### SHARE THIS ARTICLE - [**](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/2025-bah-rate-updates) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/2025-bah-rate-updates) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.militarybyowner.com/2025-bah-rate-updates) ![Danielle Keech](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/Blog%20Authors/Blog%20author%20headshots%201.jpg) #### Author ## [Danielle Keech](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/danielle-keech) Danielle Keech is a writer and content creator for MilitaryByOwner Advertising, where she illustrates aspects of military life in articles and video content. Whether she's diving into budgeting tips or featuring the next dream home, Danielle keeps it real for fellow military families navigating PCS chaos, tight budgets, and new beginnings. Married to her Marine for 14 years, she's mom to four spirited kiddos (and one loyal pup), and has called everywhere from Florida to Okinawa home, though Hawaii still holds the top spot. Danielle has PCS’d nine times in ten years and still sees each move as a new adventure. She thrives on creating content that supports the community she’s proud to be a part of. ### OPT IN for our WEEKLY newsletter To be honest, we don’t do much outbound marketing. So if you give us your email, we’re unlikely to spam you. Connect With Us [facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/militarybyowner) [twitter ](https://twitter.com/militarybyowner) [youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkvFB7v7Z5yOjWntetiEWKg?view_as=subscriber) [instagram ](https://instagram.com/militarybyowner) [pinterest ](https://www.pinterest.com/militarybyowner/) [linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/militarybyowner-advertising/) - [About Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/about-us/) - [Advertise](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Blog](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) [Useful Links](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/2025-bah-rate-updates#) - [Looking to Buy/Rent?](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va-home-loan-for-military-homebuyers/) - [Home Advertising](https://www.militarybyowner.com/advertise/) - [Resources](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/) - [VA Loans](https://www.militarybyowner.com/va-home-loan-for-military-homebuyers/) - [Legal Forms](https://www.uslegalforms.com/realestate/?irclickid=xLdzunUAtxyLTmIwUx0Mo37SUkHXgZzAix9oTU0&irgwc=1) - [Tenant Screening](https://rentrisk.com/?partner=mbo) - [Home Buying](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-buying-resources/) - [Home Selling](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-selling-resources/) - [Ebooks](https://www.militarybyowner.com/ebooks/) - [Military Family](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/military-life-resources/) - [Renting](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/renting-resources/) - [Property Management](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/property-management-resources/) - [Financing](https://www.militarybyowner.com/resources/home-financing-resources/)   [![equal-housing-logo250](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hs-fs/hubfs/equal-housing-logo250.png?width=250&height=250&name=equal-housing-logo250.png)](https://www.hud.gov/)   [![BBB reliability program](https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/MilitaryByOwner_February2020/Images/logo_bbb.png)](https://www.bbb.org/us/va/stafford/profile/advertising-agencies/militarybyowner-advertising-inc-0603-21015313/#sealclick) Copyright ©2026 MilitaryByOwner Advertising, Inc. All rights reserved. [Contact Us](https://www.militarybyowner.com/contact-us/) / [FAQ](https://www.militarybyowner.com/service/faq/) / [Privacy Policy](https://www.militarybyowner.com/privacy-policy/) / [Terms & Conditions](https://www.militarybyowner.com/terms/) Militarybyowner, militarybyowner.com, and the MilitaryByOwner logo are registered trademarks or service marks of MilitaryByOwner Advertising, Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Danielle Keech", "url" : "https://blog.militarybyowner.com/author/danielle-keech" }, "dateModified" : "2025-01-06T11:00:00.659Z", "datePublished" : "2025-01-06T11:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "2025 BAH Updates: What Military Families Need to Know", "image" : [ "https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/All_images/Blog_header_images/ITI%202025%20BAH%20Updates%20What%20Military%20Families%20Need%20to%20Know.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.militarybyowner.com/2025-bah-rate-updates", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.militarybyowner.com/hubfs/MBO%20app%20logo%20(1).jpg" }, "name" : "MilitaryByOwner Advertising, Inc." } } ```