Ellsworth Air Force Base vs F.E. Warren Space Force Base

2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.

Ellsworth Air Force Base has the higher housing allowance ($1,986 vs $1,653 for an E-5 with dependents, a $333/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. F.E. Warren Space Force Base is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.

Ellsworth Air Force Base F.E. Warren Space Force Base
Branch Air Force Space Force
Location Rapid City, SD Cheyenne, WY
Personnel 8,000+ 8,000+
Cost of living Moderate Low
E-5 BAH (w/dep) $1,986 $1,653
E-7 BAH (w/dep) $2,307 $2,301
O-3 BAH (w/dep) $2,475 $2,442
Typical home price $230k-$330k $260k-$360k

BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.

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