Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson vs Schofield Barracks
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Schofield Barracks has the higher housing allowance ($3,663 vs $2,874 for an E-5 with dependents, a $789/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson | Schofield Barracks | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Joint | Army |
| Location | Anchorage, AK | Wahiawa, HI |
| Personnel | 32,000+ | 16,000+ |
| Cost of living | High | Very high |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $2,874 | $3,663 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $3,045 | $4,098 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $3,360 | $4,428 |
| Typical home price | $350k-$480k | $750k-$950k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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