E-5 BAH Rates in Chicago, IL (2026)

The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-5 (Sergeant (SGT)) stationed in Chicago, IL is $3,438 per month with dependents and $2,736 per month without dependents. This rate is $1,149 above the national average for E-5.

BAH is a tax-free housing allowance paid to service members who do not live in government housing. Combined with E-5 base pay of $4,110/mo (at 6 years of service) and BAS of $476.95/mo, total monthly compensation in Chicago is approximately $8,024.95 with dependents or $7,322.95 without.

E-5 BAH: Chicago vs National Average

	Chicago	National Avg	Difference
With Dependents	$3,438	$2,289	+$1,149
Without Dependents	$2,736	$1,871	+$865

E-5 Total Monthly Compensation in Chicago

Here is how E-5 pay breaks down for a service member with 6 years of service stationed in Chicago:

Component	With Dependents	Without Dependents
Base Pay	$4,110	$4,110
BAH	$3,438	$2,736
BAS	$476.95	$476.95
Total	$8,024.95	$7,322.95

Base pay shown for 6 years of service. BAH and BAS are tax-free. Actual take-home pay will differ after federal tax on base pay. Use our Military Pay Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Other Ranks in Chicago

• E-3 — $3,174/mo
• E-4 — $3,174/mo
• E-6 — $3,702/mo
• E-7 — $3,723/mo
• O-1 — $3,477/mo
• O-2 — $3,699/mo
• O-3 — $3,738/mo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2026 BAH rate for E-5 in Chicago?

The 2026 E-5 BAH rate in Chicago is $3,438/mo with dependents and $2,736/mo without dependents.

What is the total monthly pay for E-5 in Chicago?

An E-5 with 6 years of service in Chicago earns approximately $8,024.95/mo total compensation with dependents (base pay $4,110 + BAH $3,438 + BAS $476.95). Without dependents: $7,322.95/mo.

Is Chicago BAH above or below average?

E-5 BAH in Chicago is $1,149 above the national average of $2,289/mo with dependents.

View all Illinois BAH rates →