Davis-Monthan Air Force Base vs Kirtland Air Force Base
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Kirtland Air Force Base has the higher housing allowance ($2,211 vs $1,905 for an E-5 with dependents, a $306/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Davis-Monthan Air Force Base | Kirtland Air Force Base | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Air Force | Air Force |
| Location | Tucson, AZ | Albuquerque, NM |
| Personnel | 11,000+ | 23,000+ |
| Cost of living | Moderate | Moderate |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $1,905 | $2,211 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $2,145 | $2,352 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $2,199 | $2,397 |
| Typical home price | $320k-$430k | $240k-$340k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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