Charleston, SC BAH Rates (2025)
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Charleston, SC in 2025 ranges from $1,779 to $3,078 per month, depending on your pay grade and whether you have dependents. BAH is tax-free.
The table below shows the full 2025 monthly BAH rates for Charleston, SC (Military Housing Area SC259) for every pay grade, both with and without dependents.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,244 | $1,779 |
| E-2 | $2,244 | $1,779 |
| E-3 | $2,244 | $1,779 |
| E-4 | $2,244 | $1,779 |
| E-5 | $2,406 | $1,971 |
| E-6 | $2,610 | $2,094 |
| E-7 | $2,643 | $2,250 |
| E-8 | $2,679 | $2,454 |
| E-9 | $2,757 | $2,502 |
| W-1 | $2,625 | $2,199 |
| W-2 | $2,658 | $2,451 |
| W-3 | $2,709 | $2,511 |
| W-4 | $2,778 | $2,610 |
| W-5 | $2,868 | $2,652 |
| O-1E | $2,646 | $2,403 |
| O-2E | $2,700 | $2,490 |
| O-3E | $2,790 | $2,598 |
| O-1 | $2,439 | $2,079 |
| O-2 | $2,607 | $2,358 |
| O-3 | $2,706 | $2,532 |
| O-4 | $2,895 | $2,637 |
| O-5 | $3,030 | $2,655 |
| O-6 | $3,054 | $2,688 |
| O-7 | $3,078 | $2,736 |
For example, an E-5 in Charleston, SC receives $2,406/month with dependents or $1,971/month without. An O-3 receives $2,706 / $2,532.
See your full take-home pay for Charleston, SC — pre-loaded with this location, plus basic pay, BAS, and taxes.
Calculate my Charleston pay →How BAH works in Charleston, SC
BAH is set by the cost of rental housing in the Charleston, SC Military Housing Area, your pay grade, and your dependent status. It is paid monthly and is not taxed. Higher ranks and members with dependents receive more. Because it reflects local rents, Charleston, SC's rates differ from other locations — compare yours in the calculator.
These are the official 2025 rates (the latest complete public dataset). 2026 BAH rose about 4.2% on average nationwide; for an exact current figure, enter your ZIP in the military pay calculator or check the DoD BAH lookup. Learn more in our 2026 BAH guide.
Other BAH rates in South Carolina
Beaufort / Parris Island · Columbia / Fort Jackson · Greenville · Myrtle Beach · Sumter / Shaw AFB
Frequently asked questions
How much is BAH in Charleston, SC for an E-5?
In 2025, BAH for an E-5 in Charleston, SC is $2,406/month with dependents and $1,971/month without dependents.
How much is BAH for an E-7 in Charleston, SC?
An E-7 in Charleston, SC receives $2,643/month with dependents ($2,250 without) in 2025.
Is BAH in Charleston, SC taxable?
No. BAH is not subject to federal income tax, so you keep the full amount.