Moving to USCG Base Seattle
Housing, neighborhoods, schools, and 2026 BAH for families PCSing to Seattle, Washington.
Also known as: Seattle, District 13
Coast Guard Base Seattle, on the waterfront of Elliott Bay, is the Pacific Northwest hub for Coast Guard cutters and District 13 operations. Families PCSing here face the expensive Seattle market, so most look to the more affordable south King County and Kitsap Peninsula areas, helped by Washington’s lack of a state income tax.
Last updated: 2026-07-19
Should you live on base or off base at USCG Base Seattle?
On-base housing is very limited, so nearly all families live off-base across the metro. West Seattle and Burien sit closest to the base, the south King County suburbs of Des Moines, Kent, and Federal Way offer more value, and some families cross to the Kitsap Peninsula by ferry. Seattle prices are high, though no state income tax helps take-home pay.
Where do military families live near USCG Base Seattle?
Families PCSing to USCG Base Seattle most often settle in West Seattle / Burien, Des Moines / Kent / Federal Way, Kitsap Peninsula. The table below shows typical rents, home prices, and drive time to the gate for each.
| Area | 3-bed rent | Home prices | To gate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Seattle / Burien | $2,100-$2,900 | $580k-$800k | 10-20 min | Closest to the base with a range of prices. |
| Des Moines / Kent / Federal Way | $1,900-$2,600 | $500k-$680k | 20-35 min | More value in south King County. |
| Kitsap Peninsula | $1,800-$2,500 | $450k-$620k | 35-55 min | More affordable across the sound, reached by ferry. |
Rent and home-price ranges are typical local market estimates as of 2026-07-19, not official listings. See our methodology.
How much is 2026 BAH at USCG Base Seattle?
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at USCG Base Seattle is set by the WA309 (Seattle, WA) military housing area. Rates below are monthly, by pay grade, for 2026.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-5 | $3,135 | $2,625 |
| E-7 | $4,020 | $3,015 |
| O-3 | $4,215 | $3,627 |
Source: DoD/DTMO 2026 BAH rate table (travel.dod.mil), effective January 1, 2026.
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Get my free quotesWhat schools are near USCG Base Seattle?
| School | Level | District | Town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentwood High School | High | Kent School District | Covington |
| Mount Rainier High School | High | Highline Public Schools | Des Moines |
| Gregory Heights Elementary | Elementary | Highline Public Schools | Burien |
USCG Base Seattle PCS FAQ
Is Seattle expensive for Coast Guard families?
Yes, the Seattle metro is one of the pricier markets, so most families look to south King County for value. Washington has no state income tax, which helps take-home pay, and BAH is set high to match Seattle costs. West Seattle and Burien are closest to the base; the southern suburbs and Kitsap Peninsula offer more affordable options.
Where do families live near Coast Guard Base Seattle?
West Seattle and Burien sit closest to the Elliott Bay base. The south King County suburbs of Des Moines, Kent, and Federal Way offer more value about 20 to 35 minutes out. Some families choose the more affordable Kitsap Peninsula and commute by ferry. On-base housing is very limited, so nearly all live off-base.
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