Everything You Need to Know About BAH in Colorado Springs
2026 Rate Increase
Colorado Springs (MHA CO046) saw a 2.1% increase for 2026, effective January 1st. Rates are set annually based on DoD rental surveys of the local market.
With-dependent rates are approximately 18.6% higher than without-dependent rates across all pay grades at this duty station.
On-Post vs. Off-Post Housing
Fort Carson on-post housing is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities. Living on-post means your full BAH goes directly to the housing provider.
Living off-post? You keep any BAH left over after rent — many families save $100–$400/month in more affordable south-side neighborhoods.
BAH Is Completely Tax-Free
BAH is a non-taxable allowance. For an E-5 with dependents at $2,358/month, the after-tax equivalent value is roughly $2,700–$2,900 depending on your bracket.
This significantly increases its real value compared to equivalent taxable pay.
PCS Timing & BAH
Your BAH rate is locked to your duty station ZIP code. It switches to Colorado Springs rates on your official report date to Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, or Schriever SFB.
During a PCS move, you may receive BAH at both locations for a limited overlap — check with your finance office.
Complete 2026 BAH Rate Table — Colorado Springs (MHA CO046)
All rates effective January 1, 2026. Amounts shown are monthly.
| Grade | Title | With Dependents | Without Dependents | Annual (w/ dep) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Private / Seaman Recruit | $2,160 | $1,821 | $25,920 |
| E-2 | Private 2nd Class | $2,160 | $1,821 | $25,920 |
| E-3 | Private 1st Class / Seaman | $2,160 | $1,821 | $25,920 |
| E-4 | Specialist / Corporal | $2,160 | $1,821 | $25,920 |
| E-5 | Sergeant | $2,358 | $1,989 | $28,296 |
| E-6 | Staff Sergeant | $2,433 | $2,052 | $29,196 |
| E-7 | Sergeant First Class | $2,589 | $2,184 | $31,068 |
| E-8 | Master Sergeant / 1SG | $2,712 | $2,286 | $32,544 |
| E-9 | Sergeant Major / CSM | $2,859 | $2,412 | $34,308 |
| Grade | Title | With Dependents | Without Dependents | Annual (w/ dep) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-1 | Warrant Officer 1 | $2,433 | $2,052 | $29,196 |
| W-2 | Chief Warrant Officer 2 | $2,529 | $2,133 | $30,348 |
| W-3 | Chief Warrant Officer 3 | $2,598 | $2,190 | $31,176 |
| W-4 | Chief Warrant Officer 4 | $2,718 | $2,292 | $32,616 |
| W-5 | Chief Warrant Officer 5 | $2,817 | $2,376 | $33,804 |
| Grade | Title | With Dependents | Without Dependents | Annual (w/ dep) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-1 | Second Lieutenant / Ensign | $2,376 | $2,004 | $28,512 |
| O-1E | O-1 with 4+ years enlisted | $2,433 | $2,052 | $29,196 |
| O-2 | First Lieutenant | $2,433 | $2,052 | $29,196 |
| O-2E | O-2 with 4+ years enlisted | $2,532 | $2,136 | $30,384 |
| O-3 | Captain | $2,595 | $2,190 | $31,140 |
| O-3E | O-3 with 4+ years enlisted | $2,682 | $2,262 | $32,184 |
| O-4 | Major / Lieutenant Commander | $2,796 | $2,358 | $33,552 |
| O-5 | Lieutenant Colonel / Commander | $2,958 | $2,493 | $35,496 |
| O-6 | Colonel / Captain (Navy) | $3,156 | $2,661 | $37,872 |
| O-7 | Brigadier General | $3,357 | $2,829 | $40,284 |
| O-8 | Major General | $3,543 | $2,985 | $42,516 |
| O-9 | Lieutenant General | $3,543 | $2,985 | $42,516 |
| O-10 | General / Admiral | $3,543 | $2,985 | $42,516 |