With a VA loan — no down payment, no PMI — your monthly BAH can go toward a mortgage instead of a landlord's pocket. The median home near Fort Jackson runs about $239,826.

Run the rent-vs-buy numbers for Fort Jackson →

All Fort Jackson BAH Rates by Pay Grade

Pay Grade	With Dependents	Without Dependents
Enlisted
E-1	$1,812	$1,479
E-2	$1,812	$1,479
E-3	$1,812	$1,479
E-4	$1,812	$1,479
E-5	$1,878	$1,647
E-6	$2,121	$1,746
E-7	$2,160	$1,812
E-8	$2,202	$1,932
E-9	$2,310	$1,995
Warrant Officer
W-1	$2,136	$1,803
W-2	$2,175	$1,929
W-3	$2,235	$2,004
W-4	$2,340	$2,121
W-5	$2,475	$2,166
Officer (Prior Enlisted)
O-1E (Prior Enlisted)	$2,163	$1,875
O-2E (Prior Enlisted)	$2,223	$1,980
O-3E (Prior Enlisted)	$2,361	$2,109
Officer
O-1	$1,914	$1,743
O-2	$2,118	$1,860
O-3	$2,232	$2,028
O-4	$2,517	$2,151
O-5	$2,724	$2,172
O-6	$2,745	$2,211
O-7	$2,760	$2,247

Official 2026 BAH rates for the COLUMBIA/FORT JACKSON, SC Military Housing Area, effective January 1, 2026.

About Fort Jackson

If you’re a Soldier, you’re going to PCS to many bases, however, Fort Jackson, South Carolina is a common experience for around half of the Army. Located within the Columbia metro area, Ft. Jackson was established in 1917 as an Infantry camp, named after President Andrew Jackson, a native of the Palmetto State. Getting settled is always challenging, especially for those Soldiers who are just beginning their service journey. Furthermore, letting go is never an easy task either. Many families have an elevated interest in the facility as their loved ones begin their lives as Soldiers. Our in-depth guide on Fort Jackson is here to help the military community, including families, learn more about the base, important procedures, installation resources, and much more. The History of Fort Jackson...

Read the full Fort Jackson guide →