Aberdeen Proving Ground vs Fort Meade
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Fort Meade has the higher housing allowance ($2,901 vs $2,478 for an E-5 with dependents, a $423/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 Meade | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Army | Army |
| Location | Aberdeen, MD | Odenton, MD |
| Personnel | 21,000+ | 50,000+ |
| Cost of living | High | High |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $2,478 | $2,901 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $2,862 | $3,327 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $3,072 | $3,411 |
| Typical home price | $350k-$490k | $400k-$560k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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