2026 BAH Rates — Naval Station Great Lakes
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) |
$1,278 |
$1,098 |
+$178 |
| E-5 (Enlisted) |
$1,422 |
$1,206 |
+$322 |
| E-6 (Enlisted) |
$1,530 |
$1,314 |
+$430 |
| E-7 (Enlisted) |
$1,674 |
$1,422 |
+$574 |
| W-2 (Warrant) |
$1,638 |
$1,404 |
+$538 |
| O-2E (Officer) |
$1,692 |
$1,386 |
+$592 |
| O-3 (Officer) |
$1,692 |
$1,386 |
+$592 |
Avg off-base rent in North Chicago: $1,100/mo. Surplus/gap shown for E-5 base rate.
Housing Near Naval Station Great Lakes
Average off-base rent
$1,100/mo
On-base housing
Available
On-base waitlist
3 months
Popular neighborhoods
North ChicagoWaukeganGurneeLake Bluff
Cost of Living Index (100 = national avg)
Off-Base Rent by Bedroom — North Chicago
Approximate monthly rents near Naval Station Great Lakes. The 2-bedroom figure is used as the BAH reference unit. Actual rents vary by neighborhood and availability.
2 Bedrooms
$1,100/mo
BAH reference
Schools Near Naval Station Great Lakes
Total nearby schools
42
School districts
North Chicago Community Unit School District 187
Highly rated schools
North Chicago Community High SchoolWaukegan High School
Nearby Attractions
Great Lakes Naval MuseumChicago (45 min)Six Flags Great AmericaLake Michigan beaches
Childcare at Naval Station Great Lakes
Pet Policies — Naval Station Great Lakes
Pets Allowed in Housing
✓ Yes
Registration Required
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions — Naval Station Great Lakes
What is the BAH rate at Naval Station Great Lakes in 2026?
An E-5 with dependents stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes receives an estimated BAH of $1,422/mo in 2026. Rates scale from roughly $1,080 (E-1) to $2,232 (O-6) with dependents. BAH is tax-free and you keep any surplus above your actual rent.
What is the average rent near Naval Station Great Lakes?
The average off-base rent in the North Chicago, Illinois area near Naval Station Great Lakes is approximately $1,100/month. An E-5 with dependents would have a surplus of $322 vs. the average rent. Popular neighborhoods include North Chicago, Waukegan, Gurnee.
Is on-base housing available at Naval Station Great Lakes?
On-base housing is available at Naval Station Great Lakes. The typical wait list is approximately 3 months. Many families choose to live off-base in nearby communities like North Chicago and Waukegan.
What is the cost of living near Naval Station Great Lakes?
The overall cost of living near Naval Station Great Lakes is rated "average" relative to the national average (100). Housing costs index at 68, groceries at 72, and healthcare at 74. Housing costs are below the national average, making this a relatively affordable assignment.
How many schools are near Naval Station Great Lakes?
There are approximately 42 schools near Naval Station Great Lakes. Nearby school districts include North Chicago Community Unit School District 187. Highly-rated schools in the area include North Chicago Community High School and Waukegan High School.
What is the climate like at Naval Station Great Lakes?
Naval Station Great Lakes is located in North Chicago, Illinois. Check local weather resources for current climate conditions.
What TRICARE region covers Naval Station Great Lakes?
Check with your gaining unit or milConnect.dmdc.osd.mil for TRICARE enrollment information for Naval Station Great Lakes.