Army
Barstow, California
Est. 1940
Fort Irwin / NTC
The National Training Center at Fort Irwin is the Army's premier combat training center in the Mojave Desert. Units come from across the Army to train in the most realistic combat scenarios available.
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2026 BAH Rates — Fort Irwin / NTC
Basic Allowance for Housing is tax-free. You keep any monthly surplus above your actual rent. Rates are estimated from local market data — verify exact figures at travel.dod.mil.
| Pay Grade | BAH w/ Dep | BAH w/o Dep | vs Avg Rent (E-5+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4 (Enlisted) | $1,944 | $1,656 | +$294 |
| E-5 (Enlisted) | $2,142 | $1,836 | +$492 |
| E-6 (Enlisted) | $2,322 | $1,980 | +$672 |
| E-7 (Enlisted) | $2,520 | $2,142 | +$870 |
| W-2 (Warrant) | $2,466 | $2,106 | +$816 |
| O-2E (Officer) | $2,556 | $2,088 | +$906 |
| O-3 (Officer) | $2,556 | $2,088 | +$906 |
Avg off-base rent in Barstow: $1,650/mo. Surplus/gap shown for E-5 base rate.
Housing Near Fort Irwin / NTC
Average off-base rent
$1,650/mo
On-base housing
Available
On-base waitlist
1 month
Popular neighborhoods
Cost of Living Index (100 = national avg)
Housing
88
Utilities
95
Groceries
98
Transport
90
Healthcare
95
Off-Base Rent by Bedroom — Barstow
Approximate monthly rents near Fort Irwin / NTC. The 2-bedroom figure is used as the BAH reference unit. Actual rents vary by neighborhood and availability.
Studio / 1BR
$1,200/mo
2 Bedrooms
$1,650/mo
BAH reference
3 Bedrooms
$2,225/mo
4 Bedrooms
$2,725/mo
Schools Near Fort Irwin / NTC
Total nearby schools
8
School districts
Highly rated schools
Nearby Attractions
Childcare at Fort Irwin / NTC
On-Base CDC
✓ Available
Pet Policies — Fort Irwin / NTC
Pets Allowed in Housing
✓ Yes
Registration Required
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Irwin / NTC
What is the BAH rate at Fort Irwin / NTC in 2026?
An E-5 with dependents stationed at Fort Irwin / NTC receives an estimated BAH of $2,142/mo in 2026. Rates scale from roughly $1,620 (E-1) to $3,366 (O-6) with dependents. BAH is tax-free and you keep any surplus above your actual rent.
What is the average rent near Fort Irwin / NTC?
The average off-base rent in the Barstow, California area near Fort Irwin / NTC is approximately $1,650/month. An E-5 with dependents would have a surplus of $492 vs. the average rent. Popular neighborhoods include Barstow, Victorville, Apple Valley.
Is on-base housing available at Fort Irwin / NTC?
On-base housing is available at Fort Irwin / NTC. The typical wait list is approximately 1 month. Many families choose to live off-base in nearby communities like Barstow and Victorville.
What is the cost of living near Fort Irwin / NTC?
The overall cost of living near Fort Irwin / NTC is rated "average" relative to the national average (100). Housing costs index at 88, groceries at 98, and healthcare at 95. Housing costs are below the national average, making this a relatively affordable assignment.
How many schools are near Fort Irwin / NTC?
There are approximately 8 schools near Fort Irwin / NTC. Nearby school districts include Silver Valley Unified School District, Barstow Unified School District. Highly-rated schools in the area include Calico Elementary and Desert Trail Elementary.
What is the climate like at Fort Irwin / NTC?
Fort Irwin / NTC is located in Barstow, California. Check local weather resources for current climate conditions.
What TRICARE region covers Fort Irwin / NTC?
Check with your gaining unit or milConnect.dmdc.osd.mil for TRICARE enrollment information for Fort Irwin / NTC.
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