Chicago, IL BAH Rates (2025)
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Chicago, IL in 2025 ranges from $2,268 to $3,876 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 Chicago, IL (Military Housing Area IL325) for every pay grade, both with and without dependents.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,901 | $2,268 |
| E-2 | $2,901 | $2,268 |
| E-3 | $2,901 | $2,268 |
| E-4 | $2,901 | $2,268 |
| E-5 | $3,102 | $2,547 |
| E-6 | $3,318 | $2,721 |
| E-7 | $3,339 | $2,910 |
| E-8 | $3,348 | $3,150 |
| E-9 | $3,402 | $3,204 |
| W-1 | $3,336 | $2,841 |
| W-2 | $3,345 | $3,147 |
| W-3 | $3,357 | $3,213 |
| W-4 | $3,432 | $3,312 |
| W-5 | $3,564 | $3,321 |
| O-1E | $3,342 | $3,099 |
| O-2E | $3,351 | $3,192 |
| O-3E | $3,450 | $3,309 |
| O-1 | $3,135 | $2,700 |
| O-2 | $3,315 | $3,039 |
| O-3 | $3,354 | $3,237 |
| O-4 | $3,609 | $3,315 |
| O-5 | $3,810 | $3,324 |
| O-6 | $3,843 | $3,327 |
| O-7 | $3,876 | $3,366 |
For example, an E-5 in Chicago, IL receives $3,102/month with dependents or $2,547/month without. An O-3 receives $3,354 / $3,237.
See your full take-home pay for Chicago, IL — pre-loaded with this location, plus basic pay, BAS, and taxes.
Calculate my Chicago pay →How BAH works in Chicago, IL
BAH is set by the cost of rental housing in the Chicago, IL 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, Chicago, IL'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 Illinois
Champaign / Urbana · Great Lakes Navtracen · Peoria · Rock Island · Scott AFB · Springfield / Decatur
Frequently asked questions
How much is BAH in Chicago, IL for an E-5?
In 2025, BAH for an E-5 in Chicago, IL is $3,102/month with dependents and $2,547/month without dependents.
How much is BAH for an E-7 in Chicago, IL?
An E-7 in Chicago, IL receives $3,339/month with dependents ($2,910 without) in 2025.
Is BAH in Chicago, IL taxable?
No. BAH is not subject to federal income tax, so you keep the full amount.