Apply Now Get pre-qualified

Nationwide 2026 BAH and VA payment comparison

Military PCS Housing Cost Index

The PBT Military PCS Housing Cost Index compares an estimated zero-down core VA payment with 2026 E-5 with-dependents BAH across 123 installation-linked communities in 43 states plus Washington, DC. An index of 100 means the estimated payment and the example housing allowance are the same.

A lower index means the allowance covers more of the estimate, while a higher index means the household may need more income for the projected payment. It is a market comparison, not a loan approval or a recommendation to spend the full housing allowance, and the estimate excludes homeowners insurance and HOA dues.


Call 800-697-4371
  • 123 installation-linked PCS markets
  • 43 states plus Washington, DC
  • Zero-down core VA estimate
Military family planning housing costs before a PCS move
46.6Lowest housing pressure index in the study
MeridianLowest estimated payment compared with BAH
123Military housing markets compared
43 + DCStates represented by verified installation markets

Speak with a VA loan specialist about your loan options.

Send your name, email, and phone. A VA loan specialist will call you back and point you in the right direction. No credit pull.

What should we help you check?

So our VA loan specialist can call you back. We never sell your information.

Michael Parker, NMLS #457569  |  PBT Bancorp, NMLS #257781  |  FDIC member bank, licensed in all 50 states

Lowest housing-pressure markets

Where does BAH cover the largest share of the estimate?

These ten markets have the lowest housing pressure index in the nationwide study. The index can change when the pay grade, dependent status, loan amount, interest rate, funding-fee waiver, property tax, insurance, or chosen neighborhood changes.

  1. #1

    Meridian, MS

    46.6Pressure index
    2026 E-5 BAH$1,290/mo
    Estimated core VA payment$601/mo

    Naval Air Station Meridian. Redfin median sale price $85,949.

  2. #2

    Rock Island, IL

    56.7Pressure index
    2026 E-5 BAH$1,908/mo
    Estimated core VA payment$1,081/mo

    Rock Island Arsenal. Redfin median sale price $134,170.

  3. #3

    Dayton, OH

    62.5Pressure index
    2026 E-5 BAH$1,650/mo
    Estimated core VA payment$1,031/mo

    Wright-Patterson AFB. Redfin median sale price $137,917.

  1. #4

    Warren, MI

    66.1Pressure index
    2026 E-5 BAH$2,361/mo
    Estimated core VA payment$1,561/mo

    Detroit Arsenal. Redfin median sale price $209,874.

  2. #5

    Petersburg, VA

    67.2Pressure index
    2026 E-5 BAH$2,358/mo
    Estimated core VA payment$1,585/mo

    Fort Lee. Redfin median sale price $224,865.

  3. #6

    Columbus, MS

    72.5Pressure index
    2026 E-5 BAH$1,398/mo
    Estimated core VA payment$1,014/mo

    Columbus AFB. Redfin median sale price $144,913.

  4. #7

    North Chicago, IL

    74.6Pressure index
    2026 E-5 BAH$2,427/mo
    Estimated core VA payment$1,812/mo

    Naval Station Great Lakes. Redfin median sale price $224,865.

  5. #8

    Shreveport, LA

    74.7Pressure index
    2026 E-5 BAH$1,845/mo
    Estimated core VA payment$1,379/mo

    Barksdale AFB. Redfin median sale price $199,880.

  6. #9

    Hinesville, GA

    75Pressure index
    2026 E-5 BAH$2,310/mo
    Estimated core VA payment$1,732/mo

    Fort Stewart. Redfin median sale price $244,853.

  7. #10

    Philadelphia, PA

    80Pressure index
    2026 E-5 BAH$2,691/mo
    Estimated core VA payment$2,151/mo

    Naval Support Activity Philadelphia. Redfin median sale price $289,827.

PBT calculation using 2026 E-5 with-dependents BAH and Redfin median sale-price based VA payment estimates through May 2026.

Planning the next move?

Want us to compare the next duty station with your LES?

Click Get a Callback to open the short form. A VA loan specialist can compare the projected housing allowance, base pay, debts, residual income, and a practical price range before you travel to look at homes. No credit pull is required for the first conversation.

Call 800-697-4371

Military PCS housing costs by market

Search by market or installation, then compare the Redfin median sale price, estimated core VA payment, housing allowance, and index. The complete geography and calculation fields remain in the downloadable CSV. An index under 100 means the example BAH is higher than the estimated payment.

Showing 123 records

More comparison fields are available to the right. Swipe or scroll sideways, or download the complete CSV.
1 Meridian, MS Naval Air Station Meridian $85,949 $601 / $1,290 46.6
2 Rock Island, IL Rock Island Arsenal $134,170 $1,081 / $1,908 56.7
3 Dayton, OH Wright-Patterson AFB $137,917 $1,031 / $1,650 62.5
4 Warren, MI Detroit Arsenal $209,874 $1,561 / $2,361 66.1
5 Petersburg, VA Fort Lee $224,865 $1,585 / $2,358 67.2
6 Columbus, MS Columbus AFB $144,913 $1,014 / $1,398 72.5
7 North Chicago, IL Naval Station Great Lakes $224,865 $1,812 / $2,427 74.6
8 Shreveport, LA Barksdale AFB $199,880 $1,379 / $1,845 74.7
9 Hinesville, GA Fort Stewart $244,853 $1,732 / $2,310 75
10 Philadelphia, PA Naval Support Activity Philadelphia $289,827 $2,151 / $2,691 80
11 Belleville, IL Scott AFB $154,574 $1,245 / $1,542 80.8
12 Fairbanks, AK Eielson AFB and USAG Alaska, Wainwright $268,539 $1,971 / $2,436 80.9
13 Augusta, GA Fort Gordon $219,868 $1,555 / $1,890 82.3
14 Montgomery, AL Maxwell AFB and Gunter Annex $204,877 $1,388 / $1,683 82.5
15 Indian Head, MD Naval Support Activity South Potomac, Indian Head $374,776 $2,716 / $3,249 83.6
16 Marysville, CA Beale AFB $354,788 $2,501 / $2,967 84.3
17 Carlisle, PA Carlisle Barracks $239,856 $1,781 / $2,076 85.8
18 Dover, DE Dover AFB $289,827 $1,985 / $2,277 87.2
19 Columbus, GA Fort Benning $217,120 $1,536 / $1,716 89.5
20 Fayetteville, NC Fort Bragg and Pope Army Airfield $234,859 $1,636 / $1,806 90.6
21 Millington, TN Naval Support Activity Mid-South $285,819 $1,953 / $2,154 90.6
22 Hampton, VA Joint Base Langley-Eustis $294,824 $2,078 / $2,274 91.4
23 Lawton, OK Fort Sill $160,904 $1,139 / $1,233 92.4
24 Havelock, NC MCAS Cherry Point $248,851 $1,733 / $1,851 93.6
25 Norfolk, VA Hampton Roads naval installations $325,583 $2,295 / $2,430 94.4
26 Groton, CT Naval Submarine Base New London $312,313 $2,449 / $2,580 94.9
27 Goldsboro, NC Seymour Johnson AFB $207,376 $1,444 / $1,521 95
28 Aberdeen, MD Aberdeen Proving Ground $325,805 $2,362 / $2,478 95.3
29 Albany, GA Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany $184,889 $1,308 / $1,371 95.4
30 Warner Robins, GA Robins AFB $243,604 $1,723 / $1,800 95.7
31 Barstow, CA Fort Irwin and MCLB Barstow $274,835 $1,937 / $2,001 96.8
32 Leesville, LA Fort Polk $170,848 $1,179 / $1,218 96.8
33 Enid, OK Vance AFB $164,901 $1,168 / $1,200 97.3
34 Valdosta, GA Moody AFB $209,874 $1,484 / $1,524 97.4
35 Twentynine Palms, CA Twentynine Palms $274,836 $1,937 / $1,980 97.8
36 Panama City, FL Naval Support Activity Panama City and Tyndall AFB $299,721 $2,122 / $2,163 98.1
37 Leavenworth, KS Fort Leavenworth $237,858 $1,784 / $1,815 98.3
38 Jacksonville, FL Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport $304,818 $2,159 / $2,181 99
39 Watertown, NY Fort Drum $215,771 $1,654 / $1,665 99.3
40 Savannah, GA Hunter Army Airfield $339,247 $2,400 / $2,415 99.4
41 Columbia, SC Fort Jackson $275,735 $1,884 / $1,878 100.3
42 Killeen, TX Fort Hood $227,864 $1,720 / $1,695 101.5
43 Little Rock, AR Little Rock AFB $275,835 $1,900 / $1,848 102.8
44 Alamogordo, NM Holloman AFB $234,859 $1,640 / $1,590 103.1
45 Wichita Falls, TX Sheppard AFB $204,827 $1,546 / $1,491 103.7
46 Omaha, NE Offutt AFB $283,386 $2,165 / $2,085 103.8
47 Radcliff, KY Fort Knox $244,254 $1,722 / $1,647 104.5
48 San Antonio, TX Joint Base San Antonio $259,844 $1,961 / $1,869 104.9
49 El Paso, TX Fort Bliss $253,848 $1,916 / $1,809 105.9
50 Highland Falls, NY United States Military Academy at West Point $479,713 $3,677 / $3,468 106
51 Kingsland, GA Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay $322,302 $2,280 / $2,133 106.9
52 Wrightstown, NJ Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst $376,775 $3,026 / $2,823 107.2
53 Honolulu, HI Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, MCB Hawaii, and USAG Hawaii $589,147 $3,936 / $3,663 107.5
54 Jacksonville, NC Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River $244,853 $1,705 / $1,584 107.7
55 Anchorage, AK Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson $427,744 $3,140 / $2,874 109.2
56 Woodbridge, VA Marine Corps Base Quantico $459,725 $3,240 / $2,955 109.7
57 Odenton, MD Fort Meade $439,737 $3,187 / $2,901 109.9
58 Aurora, CO Buckley SFB $461,724 $3,170 / $2,841 111.6
59 Albuquerque, NM Kirtland AFB $354,788 $2,477 / $2,211 112
60 Biloxi, MS Keesler AFB and Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport $259,844 $1,818 / $1,602 113.5
61 Corpus Christi, TX Naval Air Station Corpus Christi $269,839 $2,037 / $1,788 113.9
62 Clovis, NM Cannon AFB $222,867 $1,556 / $1,365 114
63 Tucson, AZ Davis-Monthan AFB $319,809 $2,179 / $1,905 114.4
64 Del Rio, TX Laughlin AFB $224,865 $1,697 / $1,470 115.5
65 Altus, OK Altus AFB $204,777 $1,450 / $1,254 115.6
66 Tampa, FL MacDill AFB $442,585 $3,134 / $2,709 115.7
67 Oklahoma City, OK Tinker AFB $269,839 $1,911 / $1,644 116.2
68 Enterprise, AL Fort Rucker $269,839 $1,828 / $1,572 116.3
69 Lexington Park, MD Naval Air Station Patuxent River $388,268 $2,814 / $2,406 117
70 Ridgecrest, CA Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake $260,844 $1,838 / $1,563 117.6
71 Clarksville, TN Fort Campbell $314,812 $2,151 / $1,815 118.5
72 Frederick, MD Fort Detrick $439,737 $3,187 / $2,682 118.8
73 San Angelo, TX Goodfellow AFB $249,801 $1,886 / $1,578 119.5
74 Sparta, WI Fort McCoy $222,367 $1,667 / $1,395 119.5
75 Spokane, WA Fairchild AFB $368,729 $2,623 / $2,184 120.1
76 Sierra Vista, AZ Fort Huachuca $302,819 $2,064 / $1,719 120.1
77 Fort Worth, TX Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth $337,798 $2,550 / $2,118 120.4
78 Lompoc, CA Vandenberg SFB $573,657 $4,043 / $3,333 121.3
79 Sumter, SC Shaw AFB $269,789 $1,843 / $1,503 122.6
80 Ogden, UT Hill AFB $379,223 $2,603 / $2,118 122.9
81 Warrensburg, MO Whiteman AFB $279,083 $1,986 / $1,611 123.3
82 Abilene, TX Dyess AFB $254,163 $1,918 / $1,554 123.5
83 Grand Forks, ND Grand Forks AFB $298,771 $2,168 / $1,731 125.2
84 Lemoore, CA Naval Air Station Lemoore $384,770 $2,712 / $2,139 126.8
85 Rapid City, SD Ellsworth AFB $344,794 $2,519 / $1,986 126.9
86 Waynesville, MO Fort Leonard Wood $263,842 $1,877 / $1,479 126.9
87 Fairfield, CA Travis AFB $607,137 $4,279 / $3,369 127
88 Las Cruces, NM White Sands Missile Range $310,119 $2,165 / $1,701 127.3
89 New Orleans, LA Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans $354,038 $2,442 / $1,905 128.2
90 Cocoa Beach, FL Patrick SFB $456,727 $3,234 / $2,502 129.3
91 Colorado Springs, CO Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, and USAF Academy $449,731 $3,087 / $2,358 130.9
92 Pensacola, FL Naval Air Station Pensacola and Naval Air Station Whiting Field $344,794 $2,442 / $1,863 131.1
93 Huntsville, AL Redstone Arsenal $349,791 $2,369 / $1,797 131.8
94 Wichita, KS McConnell AFB $243,854 $1,828 / $1,377 132.8
95 El Centro, CA Naval Air Facility El Centro $374,776 $2,642 / $1,986 133
96 Eatontown, NJ Naval Weapons Station Earle $589,647 $4,736 / $3,549 133.4
97 Minot, ND Minot AFB $284,830 $2,067 / $1,548 133.5
98 Yuma, AZ MCAS Yuma and Yuma Proving Ground $333,301 $2,271 / $1,695 134
99 Junction City, KS Fort Riley $234,859 $1,761 / $1,314 134
100 Palmdale, CA Edwards AFB $519,689 $3,663 / $2,658 137.8
101 Bremerton, WA Naval Base Kitsap $460,037 $3,273 / $2,364 138.5
102 Tacoma, WA Joint Base Lewis-McChord $499,701 $3,555 / $2,556 139.1
103 Beaufort, SC MCAS Beaufort and MCRD Parris Island $489,302 $3,343 / $2,403 139.1
104 Washington, DC Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and Naval Support Activity Washington $626,568 $4,374 / $3,132 139.7
105 Niceville, FL Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field $489,707 $3,468 / $2,433 142.5
106 Great Falls, MT Malmstrom AFB $336,798 $2,368 / $1,608 147.3
107 Annapolis, MD Naval Support Activity Annapolis and U.S. Naval Academy $597,392 $4,330 / $2,928 147.9
108 Mountain Home, ID Mountain Home AFB $350,290 $2,387 / $1,605 148.7
109 Las Vegas, NV Nellis AFB and Creech AFB $449,731 $3,080 / $2,070 148.8
110 Everett, WA Naval Station Everett $579,653 $4,124 / $2,748 150.1
111 Cheyenne, WY F. E. Warren AFB $369,279 $2,560 / $1,653 154.9
112 Oceanside, CA Camp Pendleton $879,464 $6,199 / $3,963 156.4
113 Portsmouth, NH Portsmouth Naval Shipyard $684,590 $5,253 / $3,321 158.2
114 Fallon, NV Naval Air Station Fallon $372,777 $2,553 / $1,596 160
115 San Diego, CA San Diego naval and Marine Corps installations $954,429 $6,727 / $3,975 169.2
116 Oak Harbor, WA Naval Air Station Whidbey Island $515,004 $3,664 / $2,073 176.8
117 Ventura, CA Naval Base Ventura County $899,462 $6,340 / $3,537 179.2
118 Charleston, SC Joint Base Charleston $639,617 $4,370 / $2,385 183.2
119 Bedford, MA Hanscom AFB $1,118,331 $8,153 / $4,188 194.7
120 Monterey, CA Presidio of Monterey and Naval Support Activity Monterey $999,402 $7,044 / $3,465 203.3
121 Key West, FL Naval Air Station Key West $1,271,739 $9,006 / $3,969 226.9
122 Newport, RI Naval Station Newport $961,924 $7,068 / $2,847 248.3
123 El Segundo, CA Los Angeles SFB $1,616,533 $11,394 / $3,882 293.5

Installation eligibility uses the official MilitaryINSTALLATIONS directory. The example uses E-5 with-dependents BAH as one consistent benchmark. Housing inputs use Redfin Data Center median sale prices. Review the official BAH data collection method, then verify your allowance through the Defense Travel Management Office or finance office.

Download the data

Found the next duty station?

Replace the example allowance with your real military income

We can review the current LES, projected duty location, debts, family size, and property costs before you choose a price range.

Call 800-697-4371

How should a military family read the index?

Below 100

The example BAH is higher than the estimated payment, leaving a projected cushion before utilities, maintenance, and other household expenses.

From 100 to 130

The estimated payment is above the example BAH, so base pay or other qualifying household income will usually carry part of the housing cost.

Above 130

The market has higher housing pressure under these assumptions and may require a lower price, larger household income, funding-fee waiver, or different neighborhood.

Your actual number

Your LES, pay grade, dependent status, duty ZIP, debts, rate, taxes, insurance, and property determine the real calculation.

Can BAH be used to qualify for a VA loan?

BAH can generally be included as qualifying military income when it is documented and expected to continue, but the lender still reviews the entire file. Base pay, BAS, special pay, debts, residual income, credit, household size, and the exact property expenses all matter.

The safest time to compare the next allowance with a mortgage payment is before the house-hunting trip. We can use the projected duty station and your current LES to set a practical range, then update the numbers when you choose a home.

Loan officer reviewing military income and PCS housing costs with a couple

Next steps

Helpful VA loan resources

Choose the calculator, guide, or next step that matches what you want to review next.

Market study

Best Military Cities study

Compare BAH coverage and recent price stability across the nationwide military housing dataset.

View resource

PCS guide

Military PCS support

Review the timing, documents, occupancy, and home-search steps for a military move.

View resource

Start here

Get pre-qualified

Ask PBT to review the projected duty-station income and a comfortable payment range.

View resource

Military PCS housing cost questions

What does a PCS housing cost index of 100 mean?

It means the estimated monthly VA payment equals the 2026 E-5 with-dependents BAH used in this study. It does not mean the borrower is approved or should spend the full allowance.

Will my BAH be the same as the table?

Not necessarily, because your rate depends on duty location, pay grade, dependent status, and possible rate protection. Verify the current amount through the Defense Travel Management Office or your finance office.

Does the estimated VA payment include taxes and insurance?

The nationwide estimate includes principal, interest, and estimated state property tax. It excludes homeowners insurance, flood or wind coverage, and HOA dues because those costs can change substantially by property.

Can dual-military families use both housing allowances?

The income review depends on the household, dependent status, duty locations, and the allowances each service member receives. Provide both LES statements so the lender can use the documented continuing income correctly.

Does the PCS index cover the entire United States?

The nationwide index includes 123 installation-linked markets across 43 states plus Washington, DC, and it does not fill states without a qualifying installation-linked market by using a generic BAH city.

How often should the PCS index be updated?

BAH updates annually and local housing costs can move throughout the year, so the full index should be refreshed at least once a year and the property estimate should be updated before pre-qualification.

Run the next duty station with your real LES

Call 800-697-4371 or complete the short form. We can compare the projected BAH, base pay, debts, residual income, and housing costs before you choose a price range.

Get Pre-Qualified

Last reviewed July 12, 2026. The nationwide index covers 123 installation-linked markets across 43 states plus Washington, DC. Each market is tied to a named installation in the official MilitaryINSTALLATIONS directory. It uses 2026 E-5 with-dependents BAH and Redfin median sale prices, with 123 of 123 rows using May 2026 data. PBT Bancorp NMLS #257781.