Your BAH & Home Affordability
See your 2026 Jacksonville BAH rate, NAS Jax, Mayport, or Kings Bay, and what home you can afford with a VA loan.
Affordability assumptions
Your Monthly BAH (2026)
$0
,
Home You Can Afford
$0
VA loan · $0 down · no PMI
If BAH Covers Full PITI
$0
annual tax-free housing
Assumes BAH = 100% of monthly PITI (principal, interest, tax, insurance). Includes FL property tax (0.83%) + $2,800/yr hurricane insurance. 2026 rates, verify at defensetravel.dod.mil.
See homes that fit your BAH
Keneshia is a veteran and VA loan specialist, she'll send a curated list of Jacksonville homes in your BAH-affordable range.
Thank you for your service, I'll send your curated list within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BAH?
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a non-taxable monthly payment from the Department of Defense to service members to cover housing costs. Rates vary by rank, dependency status, and Military Housing Area (MHA).
What's the difference between Jacksonville and Kings Bay BAH?
Jacksonville (FL058) covers NAS Jax, NS Mayport, and most of the Jacksonville metro. Kings Bay (GA033) covers the Kings Bay Submarine Base area, which many service members commute to from Nassau County, FL (Fernandina Beach, Yulee). Jacksonville BAH is typically 10-15% higher than Kings Bay.
Can BAH cover my full mortgage payment?
Often yes, especially with a VA loan (zero down, no PMI). In Jacksonville, an E-6 with dependents receives about $2,265/month BAH, which can comfortably cover the PITI on a $350K home. Many military families live in homes worth FAR more than their BAH suggests because of VA loan leverage.
Why should I use a VA loan with my BAH?
VA loans allow $0 down, no PMI, and competitive rates, all designed for active duty and veterans. Combined with your BAH, it's the most powerful wealth-building tool available to service members. Keneshia is a veteran and VA loan specialist.
Are these BAH rates current?
These are 2026 published rates from the Department of Defense. BAH is updated annually on January 1. Note: NAS Jacksonville BAH decreased 2.4% in 2026 (officers affected more than enlisted). Always verify current rates at defensetravel.dod.mil before making financial decisions. Keneshia can help you check your exact rate based on your orders.