Washington, DC Metro Area BAH Rates (2025)
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Washington, DC Metro Area in 2025 ranges from $2,283 to $4,434 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 Washington, DC Metro Area (Military Housing Area DC053) for every pay grade, both with and without dependents.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,922 | $2,283 |
| E-2 | $2,922 | $2,283 |
| E-3 | $2,922 | $2,283 |
| E-4 | $2,922 | $2,283 |
| E-5 | $2,952 | $2,679 |
| E-6 | $3,459 | $2,892 |
| E-7 | $3,579 | $2,931 |
| E-8 | $3,702 | $3,057 |
| E-9 | $3,876 | $3,204 |
| W-1 | $3,480 | $2,928 |
| W-2 | $3,630 | $3,054 |
| W-3 | $3,786 | $3,222 |
| W-4 | $3,915 | $3,483 |
| W-5 | $4,068 | $3,606 |
| O-1E | $3,597 | $2,949 |
| O-2E | $3,765 | $3,171 |
| O-3E | $3,936 | $3,453 |
| O-1 | $3,018 | $2,889 |
| O-2 | $3,453 | $2,946 |
| O-3 | $3,783 | $3,276 |
| O-4 | $4,122 | $3,579 |
| O-5 | $4,359 | $3,651 |
| O-6 | $4,398 | $3,768 |
| O-7 | $4,434 | $3,837 |
For example, an E-5 in Washington, DC Metro Area receives $2,952/month with dependents or $2,679/month without. An O-3 receives $3,783 / $3,276.
See your full take-home pay for Washington, DC Metro Area — pre-loaded with this location, plus basic pay, BAS, and taxes.
Calculate my Washington pay →How BAH works in Washington, DC Metro Area
BAH is set by the cost of rental housing in the Washington, DC Metro Area 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, Washington, DC Metro Area'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.
Browse BAH rates in other states →
Frequently asked questions
How much is BAH in Washington, DC Metro Area for an E-5?
In 2025, BAH for an E-5 in Washington, DC Metro Area is $2,952/month with dependents and $2,679/month without dependents.
How much is BAH for an E-7 in Washington, DC Metro Area?
An E-7 in Washington, DC Metro Area receives $3,579/month with dependents ($2,931 without) in 2025.
Is BAH in Washington, DC Metro Area taxable?
No. BAH is not subject to federal income tax, so you keep the full amount.