San Diego, CA BAH Rates (2025)
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for San Diego, CA in 2025 ranges from $2,748 to $5,517 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 San Diego, CA (Military Housing Area CA038) for every pay grade, both with and without dependents.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $3,663 | $2,748 |
| E-2 | $3,663 | $2,748 |
| E-3 | $3,663 | $2,748 |
| E-4 | $3,663 | $2,748 |
| E-5 | $3,987 | $3,132 |
| E-6 | $4,395 | $3,372 |
| E-7 | $4,440 | $3,678 |
| E-8 | $4,485 | $4,071 |
| E-9 | $4,662 | $4,188 |
| W-1 | $4,413 | $3,555 |
| W-2 | $4,458 | $4,068 |
| W-3 | $4,518 | $4,203 |
| W-4 | $4,716 | $4,398 |
| W-5 | $4,959 | $4,449 |
| O-1E | $4,443 | $3,984 |
| O-2E | $4,509 | $4,161 |
| O-3E | $4,752 | $4,386 |
| O-1 | $4,041 | $3,336 |
| O-2 | $4,392 | $3,882 |
| O-3 | $4,515 | $4,245 |
| O-4 | $5,043 | $4,434 |
| O-5 | $5,421 | $4,455 |
| O-6 | $5,472 | $4,497 |
| O-7 | $5,517 | $4,581 |
For example, an E-5 in San Diego, CA receives $3,987/month with dependents or $3,132/month without. An O-3 receives $4,515 / $4,245.
See your full take-home pay for San Diego, CA — pre-loaded with this location, plus basic pay, BAS, and taxes.
Calculate my San Diego pay →How BAH works in San Diego, CA
BAH is set by the cost of rental housing in the San Diego, CA 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, San Diego, CA'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 California
Barstow / Fort Irwin · Beale AFB · Bridgeport · Camp Pendleton · China Lake · EL Centro · Edwards AFB / Palmdale · Fresno · Humboldt County · Lemoore NAS · Los Angeles · Marin / Sonoma · Monterey · Oakland · Riverside · Sacramento · San Bernardino · San Francisco · San Luis Obispo · Santa Clara County · Stockton · Twenty Nine Palms MCB · Vallejo / Travis AFB · Vandenberg Sfb · +1 more in California
Frequently asked questions
How much is BAH in San Diego, CA for an E-5?
In 2025, BAH for an E-5 in San Diego, CA is $3,987/month with dependents and $3,132/month without dependents.
How much is BAH for an E-7 in San Diego, CA?
An E-7 in San Diego, CA receives $4,440/month with dependents ($3,678 without) in 2025.
Is BAH in San Diego, CA taxable?
No. BAH is not subject to federal income tax, so you keep the full amount.