Can an O-5 Buy a Home in Ewa Beach With BAH?
Short answer: Yes, in most cases an O-5 receiving Honolulu County BAH can afford a single-family home in Ewa Beach depending on interest rates and personal comfort level.
O-5 Basic Allowance for Housing on Oʻahu is among the highest in the military. When applied strategically, it can support a purchase in many West Oʻahu neighborhoods including Ewa Beach.
Below is a realistic look at what that buying power actually means in today’s market.
Hawaii BAH 2026 Mortgage Calculator
Want a quick ballpark idea of what your full BAH could support as a monthly mortgage payment? Use the calculator below.
Hawaii BAH 2026 Mortgage Calculator
Find out how much home your full BAH could buy.
Local Advice From MaryJo McGillicuddy
I help military families relocating to Oʻahu and the biggest mistake I see is focusing only on the BAH number. The real win is matching your budget to a neighborhood that fits your daily life, especially commute time, schools, parking, and how a home actually lives once you move in.
Ewa Beach can be a great fit for many O-5 families because it often offers more home for the money than the urban core. That said, the right answer depends on your timeline, your monthly comfort level, and what you want your tour in Hawaii to feel like day to day.
If you want, tell me your rank, whether you have dependents, and what kind of home you want. I will point you to the best areas in Ewa Beach and nearby communities and send listings that match your comfort range.
MaryJo McGillicuddy, Realtor Associate, Military Relocation Professional
Century 21 Island Homes
📍 91-1105 Keaunui Dr #520, Ewa Beach, HI 96706
📞 (808) 724-4629
✉️ maryjo@c21islandhomes.com
🌐 sellhomeshawaii.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is O-5 BAH in Honolulu?
O-5 BAH in Honolulu is based on Honolulu County rates and varies depending on whether you have dependents. It is one of the highest housing allowances in the military due to Oahu’s cost of living.
Is O-5 BAH enough to buy a home in Ewa Beach?
In many cases, yes. An O-5 receiving Honolulu BAH can often support the purchase of a single-family home in Ewa Beach, depending on interest rates, down payment, and overall financial comfort level.
Is it better to rent or buy as an O-5 on Oahu?
It depends on your tour length and goals. Many O-5 families choose to buy in West Oahu to build equity during their assignment, while others prefer renting for flexibility.
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