2026 BAH Rates — MCRD San Diego
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 MCRD San Diego
Average off-base rent
$3,000/mo
On-base housing
Available
On-base waitlist
10 months
Popular neighborhoods
Mission HillsPoint LomaClairemontOcean Beach
Cost of Living Index (100 = national avg)
Off-Base Rent by Bedroom — San Diego
Approximate monthly rents near MCRD San Diego. The 2-bedroom figure is used as the BAH reference unit. Actual rents vary by neighborhood and availability.
2 Bedrooms
$3,000/mo
BAH reference
Schools Near MCRD San Diego
Total nearby schools
48
School districts
San Diego Unified School District
Highly rated schools
Point Loma High SchoolMission Bay High School
Nearby Attractions
Mission BayBalboa ParkSan Diego ZooOld Town San Diego
Childcare at MCRD San Diego
Pet Policies — MCRD San Diego
Pets Allowed in Housing
✓ Yes
Registration Required
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions — MCRD San Diego
What is the BAH rate at MCRD San Diego in 2026?
An E-5 with dependents stationed at MCRD San Diego 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 MCRD San Diego?
The average off-base rent in the San Diego, California area near MCRD San Diego is approximately $3,000/month. An E-5 with dependents would have a surplus of $906 vs. the average rent. Popular neighborhoods include Mission Hills, Point Loma, Clairemont.
Is on-base housing available at MCRD San Diego?
On-base housing is available at MCRD San Diego. The typical wait list is approximately 10 months. Many families choose to live off-base in nearby communities like Mission Hills and Point Loma.
What is the cost of living near MCRD San Diego?
The overall cost of living near MCRD San Diego is rated "expensive" relative to the national average (100). Housing costs index at 155, groceries at 110, and healthcare at 110. Housing costs are above the national average — BAH is calibrated to help offset this.
How many schools are near MCRD San Diego?
There are approximately 48 schools near MCRD San Diego. Nearby school districts include San Diego Unified School District. Highly-rated schools in the area include Point Loma High School and Mission Bay High School.
What is the climate like at MCRD San Diego?
MCRD San Diego is located in San Diego, California. Check local weather resources for current climate conditions.
What TRICARE region covers MCRD San Diego?
Check with your gaining unit or milConnect.dmdc.osd.mil for TRICARE enrollment information for MCRD San Diego.