Malmstrom Air Force Base vs Minot Air Force Base
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Malmstrom Air Force Base has the higher housing allowance ($1,608 vs $1,548 for an E-5 with dependents, a $60/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Minot Air Force Base is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Malmstrom Air Force Base | Minot Air Force Base | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Air Force | Air Force |
| Location | Great Falls, MT | Minot, ND |
| Personnel | 6,000+ | 9,000+ |
| Cost of living | Low | Low |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $1,608 | $1,548 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $1,980 | $2,052 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $2,268 | $2,175 |
| Typical home price | $250k-$350k | $210k-$300k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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