Use this calculator to instantly look up your 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for Colorado Springs (Military Housing Area code: COS). Rates apply to all installations in the area — Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever SFB, Cheyenne Mountain SFS, and USAFA. Select your paygrade and dependency status below.
🏠 2026 BAH Calculator — Colorado Springs (MHA: COS)
Full 2026 BAH Rate Table — Colorado Springs (MHA: COS)
Rates effective January 1, 2026. All amounts are monthly and tax-free.
| Rank | With Dependents | Annual (W/Dep) | Without Dependents | Annual (W/O Dep) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,431 | $17,172 | $1,053 | $12,636 |
| E-2 | $1,431 | $17,172 | $1,053 | $12,636 |
| E-3 | $1,431 | $17,172 | $1,053 | $12,636 |
| E-4 | $1,518 | $18,216 | $1,098 | $13,176 |
| E-5 | $1,749 | $20,988 | $1,332 | $15,984 |
| E-6 | $1,980 | $23,760 | $1,548 | $18,576 |
| E-7 | $2,094 | $25,128 | $1,710 | $20,520 |
| E-8 | $2,205 | $26,460 | $1,899 | $22,788 |
| E-9 | $2,388 | $28,656 | $2,016 | $24,192 |
| W-1 | $1,980 | $23,760 | $1,548 | $18,576 |
| W-2 | $2,172 | $26,064 | $1,737 | $20,844 |
| W-3 | $2,373 | $28,476 | $1,941 | $23,292 |
| W-4 | $2,568 | $30,816 | $2,124 | $25,488 |
| O-1 | $1,980 | $23,760 | $1,548 | $18,576 |
| O-2 | $2,172 | $26,064 | $1,737 | $20,844 |
| O-3 | $2,457 | $29,484 | $2,007 | $24,084 |
| O-4 | $2,748 | $32,976 | $2,304 | $27,648 |
| O-5 | $3,045 | $36,540 | $2,583 | $30,996 |
| O-6 | $3,405 | $40,860 | $2,886 | $34,632 |
How BAH Works
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly, tax-free cash allowance paid to service members who do not occupy government-provided housing (like on-post barracks or family housing). It is designed to cover the median rental cost for housing appropriate to your pay grade and family size in the local market. Colorado Springs' MHA code is COS, which covers all installations in the Pikes Peak region including Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, Cheyenne Mountain SFS, and USAFA.
Three Factors That Determine Your BAH
Your BAH is calculated based on: (1) your paygrade, (2) whether you have dependents (spouse, children, or other qualifying dependents), and (3) your duty station location (MHA). The rates above are set annually by the Department of Defense based on local rental surveys and are adjusted each January 1st.
BAH and On-Post Housing
If you choose to live in government-provided on-post housing (Fort Carson's Corvias communities, for example), your BAH is paid directly to the housing provider and covers your rent in full — regardless of your unit size. You don't pocket the difference, but you also have no out-of-pocket housing costs. Living off-post means you receive BAH directly and keep any amount not spent on rent or mortgage. For this reason, many families in lower-cost neighborhoods can save a small amount each month.
BAH Rate Protection
One important benefit: if BAH rates decrease in future years, service members who are already receiving BAH at the higher rate are protected — their rate won't go down as long as their status (rank, dependency) doesn't change. This "rate protection" clause provides stability for military housing budgets.
OHA vs. BAH
If you are stationed overseas, you receive OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance) instead of BAH. OHA is calculated differently and is specific to the overseas location. The rates on this page apply only to the Continental United States (CONUS) duty station at Colorado Springs.
What Can You Afford at Each BAH Level?
E-1 to E-4 with Dependents ($1,431–$1,518/month)
At this BAH level, Fountain and Security-Widefield offer the best bang for the buck. Two-bedroom apartments in Fountain run $1,200–$1,450/month, leaving a modest cushion. On-post Corvias housing at Fort Carson is a strong alternative — your BAH covers rent in full regardless of unit size, and you avoid utilities uncertainty.
E-5 to E-7 with Dependents ($1,749–$2,094/month)
This range covers a solid 2BR or 3BR in most of Colorado Springs. Lorson Ranch, Stetson Hills, and parts of Fountain become accessible. At E-7, you're approaching the market rate for a 3BR in many neighborhoods, and homeownership with a VA loan starts to pencil out favorably for 3-year tours.
O-3 and Above ($2,457–$3,405/month)
Officer and senior warrant officer BAH comfortably covers most rental inventory in Colorado Springs, including Briargate and Monument. With a VA loan, $2,457–$3,045/month covers mortgage payments on homes ranging from $340K to $480K depending on current rates, which aligns well with mid-tier inventory in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BAH cover utilities?
No. BAH is intended to cover rent or mortgage only. Utilities are your responsibility. Budget approximately $120–$200/month for electric, gas, water, and internet in Colorado Springs depending on unit size and season.
Can I use BAH toward a VA loan mortgage?
Yes. BAH can be counted as income when qualifying for a VA loan. Your lender will include it in your gross monthly income calculation. Because VA loans require no down payment and no PMI, many military families find a monthly mortgage payment that is comparable to or lower than rent — while building equity.
What if I'm a dual-military couple?
Dual-military couples where both spouses are on active duty and have no dependents each receive the without-dependents BAH rate. If they have dependents, one spouse receives the with-dependents rate and the other receives the without-dependents rate. They cannot both claim with-dependents BAH.
Is BAH taxable?
No. BAH is completely excluded from gross income for federal and state income tax purposes. This makes it one of the most tax-efficient forms of compensation in the military pay system.
For more housing context, visit our Housing & BAH Guide, read the 2026 BAH deep-dive article, or explore neighborhoods by installation and budget.