2026 BAH Rates — Fort Jackson
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) |
$1,242 |
$1,062 |
+$192 |
| E-5 (Enlisted) |
$1,368 |
$1,170 |
+$318 |
| E-6 (Enlisted) |
$1,476 |
$1,260 |
+$426 |
| E-7 (Enlisted) |
$1,620 |
$1,386 |
+$570 |
| W-2 (Warrant) |
$1,566 |
$1,332 |
+$516 |
| O-2E (Officer) |
$1,638 |
$1,350 |
+$588 |
| O-3 (Officer) |
$1,638 |
$1,350 |
+$588 |
Avg off-base rent in Columbia: $1,050/mo. Surplus/gap shown for E-5 base rate.
Housing Near Fort Jackson
Average off-base rent
$1,050/mo
On-base housing
Available
On-base waitlist
3 months
Popular neighborhoods
ColumbiaLexingtonIrmoCayce
Cost of Living Index (100 = national avg)
Off-Base Rent by Bedroom — Columbia
Approximate monthly rents near Fort Jackson. The 2-bedroom figure is used as the BAH reference unit. Actual rents vary by neighborhood and availability.
2 Bedrooms
$1,050/mo
BAH reference
Schools Near Fort Jackson
Total nearby schools
55
School districts
Richland School District OneLexington School District 5
Highly rated schools
Richland Northeast High SchoolLugoff-Elgin High School
Nearby Attractions
Columbia Riverbanks ZooLake MurrayCongaree National ParkFive Points Historic District
Childcare at Fort Jackson
Pet Policies — Fort Jackson
Pets Allowed in Housing
✓ Yes
Registration Required
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Jackson
What is the BAH rate at Fort Jackson in 2026?
An E-5 with dependents stationed at Fort Jackson receives an estimated BAH of $1,368/mo in 2026. Rates scale from roughly $1,044 (E-1) to $2,160 (O-6) with dependents. BAH is tax-free and you keep any surplus above your actual rent.
What is the average rent near Fort Jackson?
The average off-base rent in the Columbia, South Carolina area near Fort Jackson is approximately $1,050/month. An E-5 with dependents would have a surplus of $318 vs. the average rent. Popular neighborhoods include Columbia, Lexington, Irmo.
Is on-base housing available at Fort Jackson?
On-base housing is available at Fort Jackson. The typical wait list is approximately 3 months. Many families choose to live off-base in nearby communities like Columbia and Lexington.
What is the cost of living near Fort Jackson?
The overall cost of living near Fort Jackson is rated "average" relative to the national average (100). Housing costs index at 62, groceries at 68, and healthcare at 70. Housing costs are below the national average, making this a relatively affordable assignment.
How many schools are near Fort Jackson?
There are approximately 55 schools near Fort Jackson. Nearby school districts include Richland School District One, Lexington School District 5. Highly-rated schools in the area include Richland Northeast High School and Lugoff-Elgin High School.
What is the climate like at Fort Jackson?
Fort Jackson is located in Columbia, South Carolina. Check local weather resources for current climate conditions.
What TRICARE region covers Fort Jackson?
Check with your gaining unit or milConnect.dmdc.osd.mil for TRICARE enrollment information for Fort Jackson.