Moving to Malmstrom Air Force Base
Housing, neighborhoods, schools, and 2026 BAH for families PCSing to Great Falls, Montana.
Also known as: Malmstrom AFB
Malmstrom Air Force Base, in Great Falls, Montana, operates Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles as part of the nuclear deterrent. Families PCSing here live in Great Falls, essentially the only city, drawn by low prices and access to the outdoors, but facing cold, windy winters on the northern high plains.
Last updated: 2026-07-19
Should you live on base or off base at Malmstrom Air Force Base?
On-base housing serves families with the usual waitlists. Off-base, Great Falls wraps right around the base and is the only real option, with a range of established and newer neighborhoods across the city. Montana home prices are moderate, so buying with a VA loan is common, and commutes stay short given the compact city.
Where do military families live near Malmstrom Air Force Base?
Families PCSing to Malmstrom Air Force Base most often settle in Great Falls, Great Falls, Great Falls. The table below shows typical rents, home prices, and drive time to the gate for each.
| Area | 3-bed rent | Home prices | To gate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls (east/near base) | $1,150-$1,600 | $250k-$350k | 5-15 min | Closest neighborhoods to the base with the shortest commute. |
| Great Falls (west/central) | $1,200-$1,700 | $260k-$370k | 10-20 min | Established neighborhoods with more amenities in town. |
| Great Falls (outskirts) | $1,250-$1,750 | $280k-$390k | 15-25 min | Larger lots and rural properties around the city. |
Rent and home-price ranges are typical local market estimates as of 2026-07-19, not official listings. See our methodology.
How much is 2026 BAH at Malmstrom Air Force Base?
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at Malmstrom Air Force Base is set by the MT175 (Great Falls/Malmstrom, MT) military housing area. Rates below are monthly, by pay grade, for 2026.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-5 | $1,608 | $1,392 |
| E-7 | $1,980 | $1,539 |
| O-3 | $2,268 | $1,767 |
Source: DoD/DTMO 2026 BAH rate table (travel.dod.mil), effective January 1, 2026.
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Get my free quotesWhat schools are near Malmstrom Air Force Base?
| School | Level | District | Town |
|---|---|---|---|
| C.M. Russell High School | High | Great Falls Public Schools | Great Falls |
| Great Falls High School | High | Great Falls Public Schools | Great Falls |
| Morningside Elementary | Elementary | Great Falls Public Schools | Great Falls |
Malmstrom Air Force Base PCS FAQ
What is it like being stationed at Malmstrom AFB?
Great Falls is a small, friendly Montana city, and Malmstrom sits right on its edge, so commutes are short. Winters are cold and windy on the northern high plains, though chinook winds bring occasional warm spells. The outdoor access, from rivers to mountains, is a major draw, and the cost of living is low.
Is Great Falls affordable for military families?
Yes. Great Falls has moderate home prices, so buying with a VA loan is realistic for most ranks. The city wraps around the base for short commutes, and the low cost of living plus access to Montana’s outdoors makes it a popular assignment despite the cold winters.
Related bases
Minot Air Force Base
Minot, North Dakota
Space ForceF.E. Warren Space Force Base
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Side-by-side comparisons: Malmstrom Air Force Base vs Minot Air Force BaseMalmstrom Air Force Base vs F.E. Warren Space Force Base
More: Air Force bases · Bases in Montana