E-3 BAH Rates in Des Moines, IA (2026)
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-3 (Private First Class (PFC)) stationed in Des Moines, IA is $1,593 per month with dependents and $1,284 per month without dependents. This rate is $536 below the national average for E-3.
BAH is a tax-free housing allowance paid to service members who do not live in government housing. Combined with E-3 base pay of $3,015/mo (at 2 years of service) and BAS of $476.95/mo, total monthly compensation in Des Moines is approximately $5,084.95 with dependents or $4,775.95 without.
E-3 BAH: Des Moines vs National Average
| Des Moines | National Avg | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| With Dependents | $1,593 | $2,129 | −$536 |
| Without Dependents | $1,284 | $1,683 | −$399 |
E-3 Total Monthly Compensation in Des Moines
Here is how E-3 pay breaks down for a service member with 2 years of service stationed in Des Moines:
| Component | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| Base Pay | $3,015 | $3,015 |
| BAH | $1,593 | $1,284 |
| BAS | $476.95 | $476.95 |
| Total | $5,084.95 | $4,775.95 |
Base pay shown for 2 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 Des Moines
- E-4 — $1,593/mo
- E-5 — $1,770/mo
- E-6 — $2,208/mo
- E-7 — $2,292/mo
- O-1 — $1,830/mo
- O-2 — $2,205/mo
- O-3 — $2,433/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 BAH rate for E-3 in Des Moines?
The 2026 E-3 BAH rate in Des Moines is $1,593/mo with dependents and $1,284/mo without dependents.
What is the total monthly pay for E-3 in Des Moines?
An E-3 with 2 years of service in Des Moines earns approximately $5,084.95/mo total compensation with dependents (base pay $3,015 + BAH $1,593 + BAS $476.95). Without dependents: $4,775.95/mo.
Is Des Moines BAH above or below average?
E-3 BAH in Des Moines is $536 below the national average of $2,129/mo with dependents.
E-3 BAH in Des Moines, IA, in context
An E-3 with dependents in Des Moines, IA draws $1,593/mo — 25.2% below the national average of $2,129 for this grade (225th of 299 MHAs). Without dependents the rate is $1,284/mo, a $309 difference.
Worth knowing: promotion to E-4 does not raise BAH in this MHA — both grades draw $1,593/mo with dependents. The housing bump at junior grades often arrives later than the stripe.
Computed from the official 2026 BAH rate file across all 299 market-priced MHAs.