Army
Lakewood, Washington
Est. 1917
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Joint Base Lewis-McChord combines McChord Air Force Base and Fort Lewis into the largest military installation on the West Coast. Home to I Corps and 2nd Infantry Division (forward HQ in Korea).
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2026 BAH Rates — Joint Base Lewis-McChord
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) | $2,304 | $1,962 | +$354 |
| E-5 (Enlisted) | $2,538 | $2,160 | +$588 |
| E-6 (Enlisted) | $2,754 | $2,358 | +$804 |
| E-7 (Enlisted) | $2,988 | $2,556 | +$1,038 |
| W-2 (Warrant) | $2,916 | $2,484 | +$966 |
| O-2E (Officer) | $3,024 | $2,484 | +$1,074 |
| O-3 (Officer) | $3,024 | $2,484 | +$1,074 |
Avg off-base rent in Lakewood: $1,950/mo. Surplus/gap shown for E-5 base rate.
Housing Near Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Average off-base rent
$1,950/mo
On-base housing
Available
On-base waitlist
6 months
Popular neighborhoods
Cost of Living Index (100 = national avg)
Housing
98
Utilities
82
Groceries
95
Transport
88
Healthcare
92
Off-Base Rent by Bedroom — Lakewood
Approximate monthly rents near Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The 2-bedroom figure is used as the BAH reference unit. Actual rents vary by neighborhood and availability.
Studio / 1BR
$1,425/mo
2 Bedrooms
$1,950/mo
BAH reference
3 Bedrooms
$2,625/mo
4 Bedrooms
$3,225/mo
Schools Near Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Total nearby schools
72
School districts
Highly rated schools
Nearby Attractions
Childcare at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
On-Base CDC
✓ Available
Pet Policies — Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Pets Allowed in Housing
✓ Yes
Registration Required
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions — Joint Base Lewis-McChord
What is the BAH rate at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in 2026?
An E-5 with dependents stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord receives an estimated BAH of $2,538/mo in 2026. Rates scale from roughly $1,926 (E-1) to $3,996 (O-6) with dependents. BAH is tax-free and you keep any surplus above your actual rent.
What is the average rent near Joint Base Lewis-McChord?
The average off-base rent in the Lakewood, Washington area near Joint Base Lewis-McChord is approximately $1,950/month. An E-5 with dependents would have a surplus of $588 vs. the average rent. Popular neighborhoods include Lakewood, Tacoma, Puyallup.
Is on-base housing available at Joint Base Lewis-McChord?
On-base housing is available at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The typical wait list is approximately 6 months. Many families choose to live off-base in nearby communities like Lakewood and Tacoma.
What is the cost of living near Joint Base Lewis-McChord?
The overall cost of living near Joint Base Lewis-McChord is rated "average" relative to the national average (100). Housing costs index at 98, groceries at 95, and healthcare at 92. Housing costs are close to the national average.
How many schools are near Joint Base Lewis-McChord?
There are approximately 72 schools near Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Nearby school districts include Clover Park School District, Bethel School District. Highly-rated schools in the area include Lakes High School and Clover Park High School.
What is the climate like at Joint Base Lewis-McChord?
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is located in Lakewood, Washington. Check local weather resources for current climate conditions.
What TRICARE region covers Joint Base Lewis-McChord?
Check with your gaining unit or milConnect.dmdc.osd.mil for TRICARE enrollment information for Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
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