Air Force
Sumter, South Carolina
Est. 1941
Shaw Air Force Base
Shaw AFB is home to the F-16CM Fighting Falcon and US Air Forces Central Command's Headquarters. The installation has a rich WWII heritage and serves as a key Air Combat Command base.
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2026 BAH Rates — Shaw 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) | $1,170 | $990 | +$170 |
| E-5 (Enlisted) | $1,296 | $1,098 | +$296 |
| E-6 (Enlisted) | $1,404 | $1,206 | +$404 |
| E-7 (Enlisted) | $1,530 | $1,314 | +$530 |
| W-2 (Warrant) | $1,494 | $1,278 | +$494 |
| O-2E (Officer) | $1,548 | $1,278 | +$548 |
| O-3 (Officer) | $1,548 | $1,278 | +$548 |
Avg off-base rent in Sumter: $1,000/mo. Surplus/gap shown for E-5 base rate.
Housing Near Shaw Air Force Base
Average off-base rent
$1,000/mo
On-base housing
Available
On-base waitlist
2 months
Popular neighborhoods
Cost of Living Index (100 = national avg)
Housing
50
Utilities
68
Groceries
62
Transport
60
Healthcare
63
Off-Base Rent by Bedroom — Sumter
Approximate monthly rents near Shaw Air Force Base. The 2-bedroom figure is used as the BAH reference unit. Actual rents vary by neighborhood and availability.
Studio / 1BR
$725/mo
2 Bedrooms
$1,000/mo
BAH reference
3 Bedrooms
$1,350/mo
4 Bedrooms
$1,650/mo
Schools Near Shaw Air Force Base
Total nearby schools
28
School districts
Highly rated schools
Nearby Attractions
Childcare at Shaw Air Force Base
On-Base CDC
✓ Available
Pet Policies — Shaw Air Force Base
Pets Allowed in Housing
✓ Yes
Registration Required
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions — Shaw Air Force Base
What is the BAH rate at Shaw Air Force Base in 2026?
An E-5 with dependents stationed at Shaw Air Force Base receives an estimated BAH of $1,296/mo in 2026. Rates scale from roughly $990 (E-1) to $2,034 (O-6) with dependents. BAH is tax-free and you keep any surplus above your actual rent.
What is the average rent near Shaw Air Force Base?
The average off-base rent in the Sumter, South Carolina area near Shaw Air Force Base is approximately $1,000/month. An E-5 with dependents would have a surplus of $296 vs. the average rent. Popular neighborhoods include Sumter, Columbia (45 min), Florence.
Is on-base housing available at Shaw Air Force Base?
On-base housing is available at Shaw Air Force Base. The typical wait list is approximately 2 months. Many families choose to live off-base in nearby communities like Sumter and Columbia (45 min).
What is the cost of living near Shaw Air Force Base?
The overall cost of living near Shaw Air Force Base is rated "cheaper" relative to the national average (100). Housing costs index at 50, groceries at 62, and healthcare at 63. Housing costs are below the national average, making this a relatively affordable assignment.
How many schools are near Shaw Air Force Base?
There are approximately 28 schools near Shaw Air Force Base. Nearby school districts include Sumter School District. Highly-rated schools in the area include Sumter High School and Wilson High School.
What is the climate like at Shaw Air Force Base?
Shaw Air Force Base is located in Sumter, South Carolina. Check local weather resources for current climate conditions.
What TRICARE region covers Shaw Air Force Base?
Check with your gaining unit or milConnect.dmdc.osd.mil for TRICARE enrollment information for Shaw Air Force Base.
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