2026 BAH Rates — Dover Air Force Base
Basic Allowance for Housing is tax-free. You keep any monthly surplus above your actual rent. Rates are estimated from local market data — verify exact figures at travel.dod.mil.
| Pay Grade |
BAH w/ Dep |
BAH w/o Dep |
vs Avg Rent (E-5+) |
| E-4 (Enlisted) |
$1,710 |
$1,458 |
+$260 |
| E-5 (Enlisted) |
$1,890 |
$1,620 |
+$440 |
| E-6 (Enlisted) |
$2,052 |
$1,746 |
+$602 |
| E-7 (Enlisted) |
$2,232 |
$1,908 |
+$782 |
| W-2 (Warrant) |
$2,178 |
$1,854 |
+$728 |
| O-2E (Officer) |
$2,250 |
$1,854 |
+$800 |
| O-3 (Officer) |
$2,250 |
$1,854 |
+$800 |
Avg off-base rent in Dover: $1,450/mo. Surplus/gap shown for E-5 base rate.
Housing Near Dover Air Force Base
Average off-base rent
$1,450/mo
On-base housing
Available
On-base waitlist
2 months
Popular neighborhoods
DoverSmyrnaMilfordWilmington (1 hr)
Cost of Living Index (100 = national avg)
Off-Base Rent by Bedroom — Dover
Approximate monthly rents near Dover Air Force Base. The 2-bedroom figure is used as the BAH reference unit. Actual rents vary by neighborhood and availability.
2 Bedrooms
$1,450/mo
BAH reference
Schools Near Dover Air Force Base
Total nearby schools
22
School districts
Caesar Rodney School DistrictLake Forest School District
Highly rated schools
Caesar Rodney High SchoolLake Forest High School
Nearby Attractions
Air Mobility Command Museum (free)Delaware beaches (45 min)Philadelphia (1.5 hrs)Washington DC (2 hrs)
Childcare at Dover Air Force Base
Pet Policies — Dover Air Force Base
Pets Allowed in Housing
✓ Yes
Registration Required
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions — Dover Air Force Base
What is the BAH rate at Dover Air Force Base in 2026?
An E-5 with dependents stationed at Dover Air Force Base receives an estimated BAH of $1,890/mo in 2026. Rates scale from roughly $1,440 (E-1) to $2,970 (O-6) with dependents. BAH is tax-free and you keep any surplus above your actual rent.
What is the average rent near Dover Air Force Base?
The average off-base rent in the Dover, Delaware area near Dover Air Force Base is approximately $1,450/month. An E-5 with dependents would have a surplus of $440 vs. the average rent. Popular neighborhoods include Dover, Smyrna, Milford.
Is on-base housing available at Dover Air Force Base?
On-base housing is available at Dover Air Force Base. The typical wait list is approximately 2 months. Many families choose to live off-base in nearby communities like Dover and Smyrna.
What is the cost of living near Dover Air Force Base?
The overall cost of living near Dover Air Force Base is rated "average" relative to the national average (100). Housing costs index at 75, groceries at 82, and healthcare at 80. Housing costs are below the national average, making this a relatively affordable assignment.
How many schools are near Dover Air Force Base?
There are approximately 22 schools near Dover Air Force Base. Nearby school districts include Caesar Rodney School District, Lake Forest School District. Highly-rated schools in the area include Caesar Rodney High School and Lake Forest High School.
What is the climate like at Dover Air Force Base?
Dover Air Force Base is located in Dover, Delaware. Check local weather resources for current climate conditions.
What TRICARE region covers Dover Air Force Base?
Check with your gaining unit or milConnect.dmdc.osd.mil for TRICARE enrollment information for Dover Air Force Base.