Dyess Air Force Base vs Sheppard Air Force Base
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Dyess Air Force Base has the higher housing allowance ($1,872 vs $1,491 for an E-5 with dependents, a $381/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Sheppard Air Force Base is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Dyess Air Force Base | Sheppard Air Force Base | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Air Force | Air Force |
| Location | Abilene, TX | Wichita Falls, TX |
| Personnel | 5,000+ | 12,000+ |
| Cost of living | Moderate | Low |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $1,872 | $1,491 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $2,844 | $2,190 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $2,859 | $2,325 |
| Typical home price | $230k-$330k | $150k-$240k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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