Marines
San Diego, California
Est. 1917
MCAS Miramar
MCAS Miramar (TOPGUN's former home) is the Air Ground Combat Center for Marine aviation. Home to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing with F/A-18s and MV-22B Ospreys in the heart of San Diego.
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2026 BAH Rates — MCAS Miramar
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) | $3,528 | $3,006 | +$528 |
| E-5 (Enlisted) | $3,906 | $3,330 | +$906 |
| E-6 (Enlisted) | $4,230 | $3,600 | +$1,230 |
| E-7 (Enlisted) | $4,608 | $3,924 | +$1,608 |
| W-2 (Warrant) | $4,500 | $3,834 | +$1,500 |
| O-2E (Officer) | $4,662 | $3,816 | +$1,662 |
| O-3 (Officer) | $4,662 | $3,816 | +$1,662 |
Avg off-base rent in San Diego: $3,000/mo. Surplus/gap shown for E-5 base rate.
Housing Near MCAS Miramar
Average off-base rent
$3,000/mo
On-base housing
Available
On-base waitlist
10 months
Popular neighborhoods
Cost of Living Index (100 = national avg)
Housing
150
Utilities
102
Groceries
110
Transport
118
Healthcare
112
Off-Base Rent by Bedroom — San Diego
Approximate monthly rents near MCAS Miramar. The 2-bedroom figure is used as the BAH reference unit. Actual rents vary by neighborhood and availability.
Studio / 1BR
$2,200/mo
2 Bedrooms
$3,000/mo
BAH reference
3 Bedrooms
$4,050/mo
4 Bedrooms
$4,950/mo
Schools Near MCAS Miramar
Total nearby schools
58
School districts
Highly rated schools
Nearby Attractions
Childcare at MCAS Miramar
On-Base CDC
✓ Available
Pet Policies — MCAS Miramar
Pets Allowed in Housing
✓ Yes
Registration Required
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions — MCAS Miramar
What is the BAH rate at MCAS Miramar in 2026?
An E-5 with dependents stationed at MCAS Miramar receives an estimated BAH of $3,906/mo in 2026. Rates scale from roughly $2,970 (E-1) to $6,156 (O-6) with dependents. BAH is tax-free and you keep any surplus above your actual rent.
What is the average rent near MCAS Miramar?
The average off-base rent in the San Diego, California area near MCAS Miramar is approximately $3,000/month. An E-5 with dependents would have a surplus of $906 vs. the average rent. Popular neighborhoods include Miramar, Poway, Santee.
Is on-base housing available at MCAS Miramar?
On-base housing is available at MCAS Miramar. The typical wait list is approximately 10 months. Many families choose to live off-base in nearby communities like Miramar and Poway.
What is the cost of living near MCAS Miramar?
The overall cost of living near MCAS Miramar is rated "expensive" relative to the national average (100). Housing costs index at 150, groceries at 110, and healthcare at 112. Housing costs are above the national average — BAH is calibrated to help offset this.
How many schools are near MCAS Miramar?
There are approximately 58 schools near MCAS Miramar. Nearby school districts include San Diego Unified School District, Poway Unified School District. Highly-rated schools in the area include Miramar Ranch Elementary and Scripps Ranch High School.
What is the climate like at MCAS Miramar?
MCAS Miramar is located in San Diego, California. Check local weather resources for current climate conditions.
What TRICARE region covers MCAS Miramar?
Check with your gaining unit or milConnect.dmdc.osd.mil for TRICARE enrollment information for MCAS Miramar.
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