With each Permanent Change of Station (PCS), service members and their families are faced with the choice between living on base vs. off base. Aspects such as military lifestyle, commute time and cost of living play a significant role in this decision.
Across all military communities, you will find strong opinions regarding the pros and cons of living on base and off base. With military installations scattered all across the nation and even outside of the continental United States (OCONUS), it’s essential for military members to research each base to determine what is best for their circumstances.
Once you define your personal priorities for the following factors, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about living on base vs. off base.
Consider the Commute
There’s no doubt that living on base can help service members significantly cut down on their commute time. Being able to be home within minutes after work or stopping by during lunch are both major pluses.
However, in cases where military spouses may be working off base, their commute time must also be considered. Military spouses do often have the opportunity to work on base, but it isn’t always guaranteed. If your spouse may need to head into town for work, make sure to add their commute to the potential list of “cons.”
Military members considering living on base should also think about work-life balance. Living on base means that you are conveniently close to the office, even on your days off. As such, it can be easy to feel as though you are always working when you live on base.
The Military Lifestyle
Some families enjoy leaning into the military lifestyle that comes with living on base, while others feel the need to have distance from their installation. Although off-base military members still have access to on-base amenities, those living on the installation have instant access to the PC, commissary and services offered by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).
Military families that don’t care too much about having those amenities at immediate reach may choose to live off base. Moreover, some service members decide to embrace the culture of their new PCS location and live off-base where they can immerse themselves. Wherever you feel the most comfortable, whether on or off base, should heavily influence your decision.
Military Cost of Living
To determine if living on base vs. off base is the best financial option, take a look at your BAH for off-base housing compared to the price of housing on base. You can also sign up on AHRN to view thousands of military housing options and use this online resource to help you decide what option is right for you and your family.
Do you get BAH if you live on base?
Many service members considering their military housing options for their first PCS often ask, “Do you get BAH if you live on base?” Since Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) is in place to help military members offset the cost of living when government living isn’t provided, whether you will receive BAH while living on installation is determined on a base-by-base basis.
If you do decide to live in government housing (barracks) on base, you may not be eligible for BAH as your cost of living will already be adjusted. However, this does not mean that you won’t receive other benefits such as Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), which is allotted to offset the rapidly increasing prices of household goods.
Even if one option (on base vs. off base) is more affordable, you may decide that the additional cost is worth the added benefits. For example, a service member may choose to waive their BAH to live on base so they can be closer to the installation amenities. Likewise, someone may opt to live off base despite the added commute just so they can have some space from work. It’s all about your personal preferences!
More Like This: Set a PCS Budget to help you stay on track throughout your move and ensure you still have enough to comfortably live at your new installation.
Military Housing Choices
How much do you value military housing choices for you and your family? Living off base naturally comes with a variety of housing choices, from apartments and condos to duplexes and single-family homes. If you choose to live on base, you’ll have fewer selections when it comes to the size of your home and the amount you pay.
You may also want to consider school choices for your children. While you can allow your kids to attend school off base while living on base, it is highly inconvenient and not as common. Typically, military families choose to live off base if they want to hand-select a school district for their children.
Looking for Military Housing?
Build a profile of your ideal home at AHRN, and see what is available in the area surrounding your new installation! Once you have identified your unique housing needs and preferences, you can begin hunting for the perfect home for you and your military family.
As you begin planning for your PCS move, review these 4 PCS Entitlements You Should Know About. You may be surprised about what the military is willing to pay for as you pack up your home and move your life across the country or the world.