Hanscom Air Force Base vs USCG Air Station Cape Cod

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

Hanscom Air Force Base has the higher housing allowance ($4,188 vs $3,924 for an E-5 with dependents, a $264/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. USCG Air Station Cape Cod is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.

Hanscom Air Force Base USCG Air Station Cape Cod
Branch Air Force Coast Guard
Location Bedford, MA Bourne, MA
Personnel 5,000+ 1,500+
Cost of living Very high Very high
E-5 BAH (w/dep) $4,188 $3,924
E-7 BAH (w/dep) $4,584 $4,149
O-3 BAH (w/dep) $4,770 $4,419
Typical home price $650k-$900k $500k-$700k

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

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