MacDill Air Force Base vs Naval Air Station Jacksonville
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
MacDill Air Force Base has the higher housing allowance ($2,709 vs $2,181 for an E-5 with dependents, a $528/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Naval Air Station Jacksonville is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| MacDill Air Force Base | Naval Air Station Jacksonville | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Air Force | Navy |
| Location | Tampa, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
| Personnel | 15,000+ | 23,000+ |
| Cost of living | High | Moderate |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $2,709 | $2,181 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $3,066 | $2,283 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $3,081 | $2,364 |
| Typical home price | $450k-$700k | $260k-$380k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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