The cost of military housing in Hawaii, specifically at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, is typically covered by the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). This allowance is provided to service members to help offset the cost of off-base housing and varies based on rank, dependency status, and location.
For military officers stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, the monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates in 2021 were as follows:
2021 BAH Rates for Officers at JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI
| Rank | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| O3 | $3507.00 | $3012.00 |
| O4 | $3777.00 | $3201.00 |
| O5 | $3966.00 | $3315.00 |
| O6 | $4002.00 | $3498.00 |
These rates are intended to cover the average cost of rent and utilities for comparable housing in the local area.
Understanding Military Housing Costs
- BAH Explained: The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a tax-free entitlement provided by the U.S. military to service members who do not live in government-provided housing. Its purpose is to ensure service members can afford housing when stationed in various locations.
- Factors Affecting BAH: BAH rates are determined by several key factors:
- Duty Station Location: Rates vary significantly based on the cost of living in the area where the service member is stationed. Hawaii, being a high-cost-of-living area, typically has higher BAH rates.
- Rank (Pay Grade): Higher ranks generally receive a higher BAH.
- Dependency Status: Service members with dependents (spouse, children) receive a higher BAH than those without.
- On-Base Housing: Alternatively, service members may choose to live in military housing on base. In such cases, a portion or all of their BAH is typically forfeited to cover the cost of the on-base housing unit. The goal is often for the BAH to fully cover the cost of on-base housing, leaving no out-of-pocket expenses for rent.
For the most current and detailed information on BAH rates for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, you can refer to official sources like JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam Housing. Keep in mind that BAH rates are updated annually to reflect changes in local housing markets.
