Buckley Space Force Base vs Vandenberg Space Force Base
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Vandenberg Space Force Base has the higher housing allowance ($3,333 vs $2,841 for an E-5 with dependents, a $492/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Buckley Space Force Base is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Buckley Space Force Base | Vandenberg Space Force Base | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Space Force | Space Force |
| Location | Aurora, CO | Lompoc, CA |
| Personnel | 12,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Cost of living | High | Very high |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $2,841 | $3,333 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $3,114 | $3,693 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $3,207 | $3,780 |
| Typical home price | $420k-$580k | $420k-$560k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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