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BAH Smart Move

Use your 2026 BAH + COLA to compare base housing, renting, and buying in Hawaii before you decide where your housing allowance should go.

Back to AlohaPCS
Live on Base
Rent in Town
Buy in Hawaii
1

Choose Your PCS Mindset

Tap the card that best describes what matters most to you.

2

Contact Info

Where should we send your results?

3

Choose Your 2026 BAH

Honolulu County, HI — MHA HI408. Tap your row to select.

Pay GradeWith DependentsWithout Dependents
E-1
E-2
E-3
E-4
E-5
E-6
E-7
E-8
E-9
W-1
W-2
W-3
W-4
W-5
O-1E
O-2E
O-3E
O-1
O-2
O-3
O-4
O-5
O-6
O-7
7

Honest Pros & Cons

Base Housing

Pros

  • Simple
  • Predictable
  • Low responsibility
  • Easy PCS exit

Cons

  • You give up BAH
  • No equity
  • No appreciation
  • No future rental property
Renting

Pros

  • Flexible
  • Easier than buying
  • Can choose neighborhood
  • No ownership risk

Cons

  • Rent builds no equity
  • Rent can increase
  • Landlord can sell
  • Deposits & move-out fees
  • No appreciation
Buying

Pros

  • Builds equity
  • Possible appreciation
  • Potential tax benefits
  • Future rental income
  • Can turn BAH into long-term net worth
  • Hawaii has limited land & strong demand

Cons

  • Higher responsibility
  • Repairs and maintenance
  • Market risk
  • Closing costs
  • Must sell or rent when PCS happens
  • Not right for every family

Want help reviewing your PCS housing options?

Before you decide to live on base, rent, or buy, let our veteran-led team review your numbers.

Need help with the rest of your PCS move?

AlohaPCS.com helps military families moving to Hawaii with:

  • Verified Hawaii rentals
  • VA and VA assumable homes
  • Base housing information
  • PCS checklists
  • Pet shipping resources
  • Vehicle shipping guidance
  • School information
  • Local Hawaii housing support

Your BAH can do one of three things: be surrendered to base housing, be spent on rent, or be used to help buy an asset. This calculator helps you compare all three.

Educational estimate only. Not a loan approval. Not tax advice.