E-5 BAH Rates in Columbia/Fort Jackson, SC (2026)
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-5 (Sergeant (SGT)) stationed in Columbia/Fort Jackson, SC is $1,878 per month with dependents and $1,647 per month without dependents. This rate is $411 below 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 Columbia/Fort Jackson is approximately $6,464.95 with dependents or $6,233.95 without.
E-5 BAH: Columbia/Fort Jackson vs National Average
| Columbia/Fort Jackson | National Avg | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| With Dependents | $1,878 | $2,289 | −$411 |
| Without Dependents | $1,647 | $1,871 | −$224 |
E-5 Total Monthly Compensation in Columbia/Fort Jackson
Here is how E-5 pay breaks down for a service member with 6 years of service stationed in Columbia/Fort Jackson:
| Component | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| Base Pay | $4,110 | $4,110 |
| BAH | $1,878 | $1,647 |
| BAS | $476.95 | $476.95 |
| Total | $6,464.95 | $6,233.95 |
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 Columbia/Fort Jackson
- E-3 — $1,812/mo
- E-4 — $1,812/mo
- E-6 — $2,121/mo
- E-7 — $2,160/mo
- O-1 — $1,914/mo
- O-2 — $2,118/mo
- O-3 — $2,232/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 BAH rate for E-5 in Columbia/Fort Jackson?
The 2026 E-5 BAH rate in Columbia/Fort Jackson is $1,878/mo with dependents and $1,647/mo without dependents.
What is the total monthly pay for E-5 in Columbia/Fort Jackson?
An E-5 with 6 years of service in Columbia/Fort Jackson earns approximately $6,464.95/mo total compensation with dependents (base pay $4,110 + BAH $1,878 + BAS $476.95). Without dependents: $6,233.95/mo.
Is Columbia/Fort Jackson BAH above or below average?
E-5 BAH in Columbia/Fort Jackson is $411 below the national average of $2,289/mo with dependents.
E-5 BAH in Columbia/Fort Jackson, SC, in context
An E-5 with dependents in Columbia/Fort Jackson, SC draws $1,878/mo — 17.9% below the national average of $2,289 for this grade (192nd of 299 MHAs). Without dependents the rate is $1,647/mo, a $231 difference.
Promotion changes housing money here: pinning on E-6 raises BAH in this MHA by $243/mo (to $2,121), on top of the base-pay increase.
Computed from the official 2026 BAH rate file across all 299 market-priced MHAs.