Rock Island Arsenal vs Scott Air Force Base
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Rock Island Arsenal has the higher housing allowance ($1,908 vs $1,542 for an E-5 with dependents, a $366/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Scott Air Force Base is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Rock Island Arsenal | Scott Air Force Base | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Army | Air Force |
| Location | Rock Island, IL | O'Fallon, IL |
| Personnel | 6,000+ | 13,000+ |
| Cost of living | Moderate | Low |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $1,908 | $1,542 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $2,262 | $2,076 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $2,298 | $2,208 |
| Typical home price | $240k-$350k | $240k-$350k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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