Hanscom Air Force Base vs Naval Station Newport
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Hanscom Air Force Base has the higher housing allowance ($4,188 vs $2,847 for an E-5 with dependents, a $1,341/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Naval Station Newport is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Hanscom Air Force Base | Naval Station Newport | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Air Force | Navy |
| Location | Bedford, MA | Newport, RI |
| Personnel | 5,000+ | 16,000+ |
| Cost of living | Very high | High |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $4,188 | $2,847 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $4,584 | $3,702 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $4,770 | $4,137 |
| Typical home price | $650k-$900k | $400k-$560k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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