Joint Base Lewis-McChord vs NAS Whidbey Island
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord has the higher housing allowance ($2,556 vs $2,073 for an E-5 with dependents, a $483/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. NAS Whidbey Island is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Joint Base Lewis-McChord | NAS Whidbey Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Joint | Navy |
| Location | Tacoma, WA | Oak Harbor, WA |
| Personnel | 49,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Cost of living | High | Moderate |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $2,556 | $2,073 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $2,994 | $2,877 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $3,123 | $3,105 |
| Typical home price | $450k-$620k | $420k-$560k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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