Camp Pendleton vs MCAS Miramar
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
MCAS Miramar has the higher housing allowance ($3,975 vs $3,963 for an E-5 with dependents, a $12/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Camp Pendleton is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Camp Pendleton | MCAS Miramar | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Marine Corps | Marine Corps |
| Location | Oceanside, CA | San Diego, CA |
| Personnel | 42,000+ | 13,000+ |
| Cost of living | Very high | Very high |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $3,963 | $3,975 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $4,494 | $4,446 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $4,659 | $4,518 |
| Typical home price | $700k-$950k | $750k-$950k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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