BAH-to-HomeCalculator
See exactly how much home your 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing buys near Fort Hood. Compare Killeen, Harker Heights, Belton & Temple side by side with real VA loan terms.
Updated for 2026 BAH rates • VA 30-year fixed • 0% down • No PMI
What is the 2026 Fort Hood BAH rate?
For 2026, Fort Hood BAH rates vary by pay grade and dependency status. Common with-dependent rates are E-5: $1,695/month, E-6: $1,920/month, E-7: $2,070/month, and O-3: $2,340/month. These rates apply to the Fort Hood / Killeen, Texas housing market area and should be verified against the official DoD BAH lookup before locking a purchase budget.
In plain English: Fort Hood BAH can cover part or all of a VA mortgage payment, but Texas property taxes are the swing factor. The same BAH usually buys slightly more home in lower-tax areas like Belton than in higher-tax parts of Killeen or Temple.
Showing results for
E5 — Sergeant (SGT)w/ dependents
VA Loan Assumptions
Down Payment
0% (VA benefit)
PMI
$0 (VA benefit)
Loan Term
30-year fixed
Homeowner's Ins.
0.85% annually
Calculations are estimates. Actual rates, taxes, and insurance may vary. VA funding fee not included. Consult a lender for exact figures.
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How much house can Fort Hood BAH buy in 2026?
Using a 30-year VA loan at 5.75%, 0% down, no PMI, 0.85% annual insurance, and estimated local property tax rates, these are approximate Fort Hood BAH buying-power ranges:
| Rank | 2026 BAH w/ Dependents | Killeen | Harker Heights | Belton | Temple |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-5 | $1,695/mo | ~$198K | ~$202K | ~$204K | ~$198K |
| E-6 | $1,920/mo | ~$224K | ~$229K | ~$231K | ~$225K |
| E-7 | $2,070/mo | ~$242K | ~$247K | ~$250K | ~$242K |
| O-3 | $2,340/mo | ~$273K | ~$279K | ~$282K | ~$274K |
Estimates exclude VA funding fee and lender-specific qualification rules. Interest rates, insurance, taxes, and exemptions can materially change these numbers.
Fort Hood BAH Calculator FAQ
Does Fort Hood BAH cover a mortgage in Temple or Belton?
Sometimes. For many E-5 to E-7 buyers, Fort Hood BAH may cover a modest VA mortgage payment, but the final answer depends on property taxes, insurance, interest rate, and whether you are using disability tax exemptions.
Which city gives Fort Hood buyers the most BAH buying power?
In this calculator, Belton often shows the highest estimated buying power because of its lower modeled property tax rate. Killeen and Temple may still make sense depending on commute, schools, inventory, and price point.
Can I buy near Fort Hood with zero down?
Eligible VA buyers can often buy with 0% down and no PMI. That does not mean zero cash required, because closing costs, inspections, appraisal gaps, funding fees, and reserves may still apply.
Where should I verify my official BAH rate?
Verify your exact rate using the official DoD BAH lookup before making a purchase decision: DoD BAH Rate Lookup.
What should I use after this calculator?
Use the calculator to set a starting budget, then compare real homes by commute, tax rate, school district, resale risk, and PCS timeline. Helpful next pages: Military Relocation to Temple TX, Fort Hood Off-Post Housing, and Military Buy vs Rent PCS Calculator.
Free Fort Hood PCS Plan
.Want the BAH math translated into neighborhoods?
.Send your rank, report date, and school or commute priorities. Taylor will send back a short PCS housing plan with Temple, Belton, Killeen, and Harker Heights tradeoffs.
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