Maxwell Air Force Base vs Redstone Arsenal
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
Redstone Arsenal has the higher housing allowance ($1,797 vs $1,683 for an E-5 with dependents, a $114/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. Maxwell Air Force Base is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| Maxwell Air Force Base | Redstone Arsenal | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Air Force | Army |
| Location | Montgomery, AL | Huntsville, AL |
| Personnel | 12,000+ | 40,000+ |
| Cost of living | Low | Moderate |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $1,683 | $1,797 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $1,818 | $2,133 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $1,932 | $2,226 |
| Typical home price | $200k-$300k | $320k-$460k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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