Camp Lejeune vs MCRD Parris Island
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
MCRD Parris Island has the higher housing allowance ($2,403 vs $1,584 for an E-5 with dependents, a $819/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Camp Lejeune is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Camp Lejeune | MCRD Parris Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Marine Corps | Marine Corps |
| Location | Jacksonville, NC | Beaufort, SC |
| Personnel | 40,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Cost of living | Low | High |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $1,584 | $2,403 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $1,995 | $2,835 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $2,085 | $2,856 |
| Typical home price | $200k-$300k | $300k-$430k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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