Is Schofield Barracks BAH the Same as Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii BAH?
Yes. Schofield Barracks and Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay) both fall under the same Honolulu County Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate.
That means an E-5 with dependents at Schofield Barracks receives the same BAH amount as an E-5 with dependents at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam (JBPHH), or any other duty station on the island of Oahu. BAH is based on the county-level Military Housing Area (MHA), not the specific base.
We looked up E-5 rates directly from the official Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) BAH Lookup Tool to make sure.
Schofield Barracks – E-5 BAH (2025)
Kaneohe (MCBH) – E-5 BAH (2025)
Hickam (JBPHH) – E-5 BAH (2025)
If you want a full breakdown of ranks, with- and without-dependent rates, and how BAH is calculated, start with this in-depth guide:
Hawaii BAH 2025: PCS to Hawaii Housing Guide
Quick Answer: One BAH Area for All Oahu Bases
For BAH purposes, all of Oahu is grouped into a single MHA: Honolulu County, Hawaii. This includes:
- Schofield Barracks / Wheeler Army Airfield
- Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay)
- Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam (JBPHH)
- Tripler Army Medical Center
- Fort Shafter
- Camp Smith
- Other tenant and support commands on Oahu
So if you’re PCSing between Schofield Barracks, Kaneohe, Pearl Harbor, or Hickam, your BAH table is the same for your pay grade and dependency status. What changes is the housing market in each part of the island.
BAH Comparison for Schofield, Kaneohe, and Hickam (2025)
| Base | E-5 BAH (2025) | O-3 BAH (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Schofield Barracks | $3,513 | $4,413 |
| Kaneohe (MCBH) | $3,513 | $4,413 |
| Hickam (JBPHH) | $3,513 | $4,413 |
Same BAH, Very Different Housing Markets
Even though Schofield Barracks and Marine Corps Base Hawaii use the same Honolulu County BAH rate, the cost and style of homes around each base can be very different.
Kaneohe and the windward side are known for lush scenery, older neighborhoods, and a limited supply of single-family homes. Prices can feel tight against your BAH, especially if you want a newer home or extra space.
Central Oahu and West Oahu (Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Makakilo) offer more master-planned communities, townhomes, and newer single-family homes. Many of my military buyers find it easier to match their BAH + VA loan to homes in these areas—without sacrificing commute time too much.
Using BAH and a VA Loan to Buy on Oahu
BAH is more than just a housing allowance—it can be a powerful part of your long-term wealth plan when it’s paired with a VA loan.
- BAH can help support your monthly payment. Many military buyers structure their budget so that BAH covers most or all of the mortgage payment.
- VA loans often require $0 down. With full entitlement and a strong file, you can often buy with no down payment and still stay within your BAH.
- West Oahu can stretch your BAH further. Neighborhoods like Ewa Beach and Kapolei often offer newer homes, more square footage, and garages for the same or less than you’d pay closer to town.
If you’re comparing Schofield vs Kaneohe, or wondering whether you should focus on windward Oahu, central Oahu, or West Oahu, it helps to look at the big picture: commute, schools, lifestyle, and how well your BAH fits the local price range.
Talk With a Local Military-Friendly Realtor
My name is MaryJo McGillicuddy, and I’ve helped many military families stationed at Schofield Barracks, MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Fort Shafter, and Tripler find homes that fit their BAH, commute, and lifestyle.
If you’d like a BAH-based home search—for example, “show me what’s realistic if we want to stay close to Schofield but are open to Ewa Beach or Kapolei”—I’d be happy to help.
Contact MaryJo McGillicuddy – Hawaii Military Buyer Specialist
91-1105 Keaunui Dr #520
Ewa Beach, HI 96706
Phone: (808) 724-4629
Email: maryjo@c21islandhomes.com
Website: sellhomeshawaii.com
Keep Exploring (More Military & BAH Resources)
- How Does Dual BAH in Hawaii Actually Work?
- Military Relocation Friendly Homes for Sale in Ewa Beach
- A Helpful Guide to PCSing to Hawaii
- Unveiling the Mystery: Which Island Houses Hawaii’s Army Base?
- Exploring West Oʻahu: Coastal Living in Ewa Beach and Hillside Living in Makakilo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Schofield Barracks BAH the same as Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay) BAH?
Yes. Both Schofield Barracks and Marine Corps Base Hawaii are in the Honolulu County BAH area, so they use the same BAH rate table for each rank and dependency status.
Do all Oahu bases share the same BAH rate?
Yes. Schofield Barracks, MCBH Kaneohe Bay, JBPHH, Tripler, Fort Shafter, Camp Smith, and other Oahu installations all fall under the Honolulu County BAH area.
Does my BAH change if I move from Kaneohe to Ewa Beach or Kapolei?
Your BAH is based on your duty station, not the exact neighborhood you live in. As long as your duty station stays on Oahu, your BAH area remains Honolulu County—even if you choose to live in Ewa Beach, Kapolei, or Makakilo.
Can I use my Hawaii BAH to qualify for a VA loan to buy a home?
In many cases, yes. Lenders can count BAH as part of your qualifying income. Combined with your base pay and a VA loan, your BAH can help support a monthly payment on a home instead of just covering rent.
