Luke Air Force Base vs Nellis Air Force Base
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Luke Air Force Base has the higher housing allowance ($2,289 vs $2,070 for an E-5 with dependents, a $219/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Nellis Air Force Base is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Luke Air Force Base | Nellis Air Force Base | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Air Force | Air Force |
| Location | Glendale, AZ | Las Vegas, NV |
| Personnel | 15,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Cost of living | Moderate | Moderate |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $2,289 | $2,070 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $2,475 | $2,268 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $2,490 | $2,382 |
| Typical home price | $380k-$520k | $340k-$450k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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