Air Force
Tampa, Florida
Est. 1941
MacDill Air Force Base
MacDill AFB is home to USCENTCOM and USSOCOM, making it the nerve center of America's combat operations in the Middle East. Set on a peninsula in Tampa Bay with spectacular views.
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2026 BAH Rates — MacDill Air Force Base
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) | $2,052 | $1,746 | +$302 |
| E-5 (Enlisted) | $2,268 | $1,926 | +$518 |
| E-6 (Enlisted) | $2,448 | $2,088 | +$698 |
| E-7 (Enlisted) | $2,682 | $2,286 | +$932 |
| W-2 (Warrant) | $2,610 | $2,232 | +$860 |
| O-2E (Officer) | $2,718 | $2,232 | +$968 |
| O-3 (Officer) | $2,718 | $2,232 | +$968 |
Avg off-base rent in Tampa: $1,750/mo. Surplus/gap shown for E-5 base rate.
Housing Near MacDill Air Force Base
Average off-base rent
$1,750/mo
On-base housing
Available
On-base waitlist
5 months
Popular neighborhoods
Cost of Living Index (100 = national avg)
Housing
88
Utilities
95
Groceries
88
Transport
85
Healthcare
88
Off-Base Rent by Bedroom — Tampa
Approximate monthly rents near MacDill Air Force Base. The 2-bedroom figure is used as the BAH reference unit. Actual rents vary by neighborhood and availability.
Studio / 1BR
$1,275/mo
2 Bedrooms
$1,750/mo
BAH reference
3 Bedrooms
$2,375/mo
4 Bedrooms
$2,900/mo
Schools Near MacDill Air Force Base
Total nearby schools
72
School districts
Highly rated schools
Nearby Attractions
Childcare at MacDill Air Force Base
On-Base CDC
✓ Available
Pet Policies — MacDill Air Force Base
Pets Allowed in Housing
✓ Yes
Registration Required
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions — MacDill Air Force Base
What is the BAH rate at MacDill Air Force Base in 2026?
An E-5 with dependents stationed at MacDill Air Force Base receives an estimated BAH of $2,268/mo in 2026. Rates scale from roughly $1,728 (E-1) to $3,564 (O-6) with dependents. BAH is tax-free and you keep any surplus above your actual rent.
What is the average rent near MacDill Air Force Base?
The average off-base rent in the Tampa, Florida area near MacDill Air Force Base is approximately $1,750/month. An E-5 with dependents would have a surplus of $518 vs. the average rent. Popular neighborhoods include South Tampa, Brandon, Riverview.
Is on-base housing available at MacDill Air Force Base?
On-base housing is available at MacDill Air Force Base. The typical wait list is approximately 5 months. Many families choose to live off-base in nearby communities like South Tampa and Brandon.
What is the cost of living near MacDill Air Force Base?
The overall cost of living near MacDill Air Force Base is rated "average" relative to the national average (100). Housing costs index at 88, groceries at 88, and healthcare at 88. Housing costs are below the national average, making this a relatively affordable assignment.
How many schools are near MacDill Air Force Base?
There are approximately 72 schools near MacDill Air Force Base. Nearby school districts include Hillsborough County Public Schools. Highly-rated schools in the area include Plant High School and Jesuit High School.
What is the climate like at MacDill Air Force Base?
MacDill Air Force Base is located in Tampa, Florida. Check local weather resources for current climate conditions.
What TRICARE region covers MacDill Air Force Base?
Check with your gaining unit or milConnect.dmdc.osd.mil for TRICARE enrollment information for MacDill Air Force Base.
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