Grand Forks Air Force Base vs Minot Air Force Base
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Grand Forks Air Force Base has the higher housing allowance ($1,731 vs $1,548 for an E-5 with dependents, a $183/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Minot Air Force Base is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Grand Forks Air Force Base | Minot Air Force Base | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Air Force | Air Force |
| Location | Grand Forks, ND | Minot, ND |
| Personnel | 5,000+ | 9,000+ |
| Cost of living | Moderate | Low |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $1,731 | $1,548 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $2,073 | $2,052 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $2,199 | $2,175 |
| Typical home price | $230k-$330k | $210k-$300k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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