Aberdeen Proving Ground vs Fort Detrick
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Fort Detrick has the higher housing allowance ($2,682 vs $2,478 for an E-5 with dependents, a $204/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Aberdeen Proving Ground is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Aberdeen Proving Ground | Fort Detrick | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Army | Army |
| Location | Aberdeen, MD | Frederick, MD |
| Personnel | 21,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Cost of living | High | High |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $2,478 | $2,682 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $2,862 | $3,132 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $3,072 | $3,255 |
| Typical home price | $350k-$490k | $350k-$490k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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