MCAS Cherry Point vs MCAS New River
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
MCAS Cherry Point has the higher housing allowance ($1,851 vs $1,584 for an E-5 with dependents, a $267/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. MCAS New River is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| MCAS Cherry Point | MCAS New River | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Marine Corps | Marine Corps |
| Location | Havelock, NC | Jacksonville, NC |
| Personnel | 13,000+ | 8,000+ |
| Cost of living | Moderate | Low |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $1,851 | $1,584 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $2,181 | $1,995 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $2,421 | $2,085 |
| Typical home price | $190k-$280k | $200k-$300k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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