MCAS Cherry Point vs USCG Air Station Elizabeth City
2026 BAH, cost of living, and housing compared side by side.
USCG Air Station Elizabeth City has the higher housing allowance ($2,508 vs $1,851 for an E-5 with dependents, a $657/month difference), reflecting its higher local cost of living. MCAS Cherry Point is the more affordable market, where a housing allowance stretches further toward buying a home with a VA loan.
| MCAS Cherry Point | USCG Air Station Elizabeth City | |
|---|---|---|
| Branch | Marine Corps | Coast Guard |
| Location | Havelock, NC | Elizabeth City, NC |
| Personnel | 13,000+ | 2,000+ |
| Cost of living | Moderate | High |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $1,851 | $2,508 |
| E-7 BAH (w/dep) | $2,181 | $2,595 |
| O-3 BAH (w/dep) | $2,421 | $2,667 |
| Typical home price | $190k-$280k | $220k-$320k |
BAH source: DoD/DTMO 2026 rate tables (travel.dod.mil). Home prices are typical local ranges.
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