Can an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Afford a Home in Hawaii With BAH?

If you are an Air Force lieutenant colonel PCSing to Hickam or working across Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, one of the first questions you may ask is whether your BAH will support buying a home on Oahu. For most O-5s, the answer is yes. Field grade officers typically have the combination of stable income, competitive BAH, and VA loan eligibility that makes homeownership not just possible, but often practical during a Hawaii tour.

Why O-5 BAH Goes Farther Than Many Officers Expect

Honolulu County BAH for O-5s is among the highest in the country due to local housing costs. While rates vary each year, BAH at this pay grade generally supports:

• Eligibility for a wide range of townhomes and single family homes
• Competitive loan qualification, even in higher priced neighborhoods
• Flexible budgeting when paired with the VA loan zero down payment benefit

In short, the combination of your rank, BAH entitlement, and VA eligibility means you have more purchasing power than many incoming officers realize.

Popular Neighborhoods for Air Force O-5 Buyers

Lieutenant colonels moving to Oahu tend to gravitate toward areas with strong resale value, good commute patterns, and established communities. Common choices include:

• Makakilo: Hillside breezes, ocean views, and detached home options
• Ewa Beach: Large inventory, newer homes, strong VA buyer market
• Kapolei: Master planned community with a wide range of home types
• Mililani: Very popular with officers for climate, schools, and stability
• Salt Lake: Close to Hickam, condo and townhome inventory

Factors That Influence O-5 Affordability

Even with strong BAH, home affordability varies among lieutenant colonels. A few things that can raise or lower your approved price range include:

• Your dependent status
• Interest rates at the time of application
• Your debt to income ratio
• HOA fees for condos or townhomes
• Spousal income, which often increases buying power significantly

But overall, most O-5 officers find they have several realistic home buying options across West and Central Oahu.

Your Situation Is Unique. Let’s Map Out Your Options

If you would like to understand your real price range, compare neighborhoods, or browse homes that fit your BAH comfort level, we help Air Force officers every month. Many O-5s end up purchasing earlier in their tour than expected simply because the numbers work.

MaryJo McGillicuddy
Military Relocation Specialist • Oahu Real Estate
Call/Text: (808) 724-4629
Email: maryjo@sellhomeshawaii.com
91-1105 Keaunui Dr #520, Ewa Beach, HI

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