Edwards Air Force Base vs Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Edwards Air Force Base has the higher housing allowance ($2,658 vs $1,980 for an E-5 with dependents, a $678/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Edwards Air Force Base | Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Air Force | Marine Corps |
| Location | Lancaster, CA | Twentynine Palms, CA |
| Personnel | 11,000+ | 12,000+ |
| Cost of living | High | Moderate |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $2,658 | $1,980 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $3,195 | $2,649 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $3,264 | $2,814 |
| Typical home price | $320k-$430k | $250k-$360k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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