BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING (BAH)
BAH is payable to
members on active duty according to the pay grade in which they are
serving. In the past, BAH rates have been linked to the annual
percentage increase in basic pay. Under a program initiated by the
DoD effective in 1985, BAH rates are tied to median rental costs
nationwide. Under this plan, BAQ will continue to rise according to
increases in basic pay, but will be adjusted periodically to reflect changes in
rental costs and return BAH rates to a level set at 65 percent of national
median rental costs.
COST OF LIVING
HIGH COST AREA - The cost of
off-base housing and car insurance is extremely high in this area. If you plan
to rent off base, be prepared to pay 1 1/2 month's rent as a deposit, plus the
first month's rent to lease an apartment. One-bedroom apartments average
$700-$800/per month. Single family homes to rent are difficult to find at
reasonable (BAH) rates. The more room you require, the more it will cost.
Apartments, town homes and condominiums are easier to find within or close to
BAH.