2025 BAH Updates: What Military Families in Hampton Roads Need to Know
Growing up in a Navy family, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities military families face when relocating. Now, as a real estate professional with decades of experience assisting service members and their families, I bring a personal and professional understanding to helping you navigate housing in Hampton Roads. With its rich military presence across all branches, the region offers many housing options—and knowing how to maximize your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is key.
With the Department of Defense’s release of the 2025 BAH rates, here’s what you need to know, including updates specific to the bases in our area.
How BAH Is Changing from 2024 to 2025
For 2025, BAH rates will increase by an average of 5.4%, continuing a multi-year trend of rising allowances. While most military housing areas (MHAs) will see an increase, about 4% of locations will experience a decrease. For service members stationed in Hampton Roads, the increase can make a significant difference in housing affordability.
If your 2025 BAH rate is lower than in 2024, you are grandfathered into the previous year’s rate as long as you remain in the same location and duty position.
2025 BAH Schedule for Hampton Roads Area
Below is the full 2025 BAH schedule for service members stationed in the Hampton Roads military housing area. Rates are based on rank and whether the service member has dependents.
Hampton Roads Military Installations Covered by BAH
Hampton Roads is home to one of the most concentrated military communities in the country. The following installations span the region and include all branches of service:
• Naval Station Norfolk (Norfolk)
• NAS Oceana (Virginia Beach)
• Dam Neck Annex (Virginia Beach)
• Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (Virginia Beach/Norfolk)
• Joint Base Langley-Eustis (Hampton/Newport News)
• Naval Weapons Station Yorktown (Yorktown)
• Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown (Yorktown)
• Fort Eustis (Newport News)
• Portsmouth Naval Medical Center (Portsmouth)
• Coast Guard Base Portsmouth (Portsmouth)
• Camp Peary (Williamsburg)
Whether you’re stationed at a Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard facility, understanding your BAH rate is critical to finding housing that fits your budget and needs.
How BAH Is Calculated
The government determines BAH rates based on rental housing costs within 299 Military Housing Areas (MHAs). The calculation takes into account:
• Home size and type (e.g., apartment vs. single-family home)
• Local rental market trends
• Military rank and family size
BAH is designed to cover 95% of housing costs, leaving 5% as an out-of-pocket expense. In competitive housing markets like Hampton Roads, this gap can feel substantial, so it’s important to explore options that maximize your allowance.
Additional Allowances for Military Families
1. CONUS COLA
In high-cost areas, some service members may qualify for CONUS COLA (Cost-of-Living Allowance). Although Hampton Roads generally offers moderate living costs, specific locations may qualify depending on non-housing expenses exceeding 107% of the national average. Rates typically range from $38 to $61 per month.
2. Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
• Enlisted Members: $465.77 per month
• Officers: $320.78 per month
BAS offsets meal costs for service members but does not account for dependents.
3. Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
Beneficiaries, including retirees, veterans, and Social Security recipients, will see a 2.5% increase for 2025.
What This Means for Military Families in Hampton Roads
As someone who grew up in a Navy family, I know how pivotal housing is to a successful move. Whether you’re looking for on-base options, rentals, or purchasing your first home, I’m here to guide you.
Hampton Roads offers a diverse range of housing near all major bases, and I bring decades of experience helping military families navigate the unique challenges of moving, buying, and selling. From Williamsburg to Virginia Beach, I’ve worked with families across all branches to find homes that fit their budgets and lifestyles.
Ready to start your housing journey? Let’s connect today!
I’m proud to serve those who serve and look forward to helping you find the perfect home for your family. Thank you for your service!