Naval Air Station Jacksonville vs Naval Air Station Pensacola
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Naval Air Station Jacksonville has the higher housing allowance ($2,181 vs $1,863 for an E-5 with dependents, a $318/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Naval Air Station Pensacola is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Naval Air Station Jacksonville | Naval Air Station Pensacola | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Navy | Navy |
| Location | Jacksonville, FL | Pensacola, FL |
| Personnel | 23,000+ | 16,000+ |
| Cost of living | Moderate | Moderate |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $2,181 | $1,863 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $2,283 | $2,256 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $2,364 | $2,271 |
| Typical home price | $260k-$380k | $220k-$320k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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