Side-by-Side Comparison
Joint Base Lewis-McChord vs MCB Camp Pendleton
BAH rates, housing costs, cost of living, and schools — 2026 data.
Army
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Lakewood, Washington
Marines
MCB Camp Pendleton
Oceanside, California
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2026 BAH Rates by Pay Grade
| Grade | Joint Base Lewis-McChord | MCB Camp Pendleton |
|---|---|---|
| E-4 | $2,304 | $3,294Better |
| E-5 | $2,538 | $3,636Better |
| E-6 | $2,754 | $3,942Better |
| E-7 | $2,988 | $4,284Better |
| W-2 | $2,916 | $4,176Better |
| O-2E | $3,024 | $4,338Better |
| O-3 | $3,024 | $4,338Better |
Housing
| Metric | Joint Base Lewis-McChord | MCB Camp Pendleton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Off-Base Rent | $1,950/moBetter | $2,800/mo |
| E-5 BAH (w/dep) | $2,538/mo | $3,636/mo |
| Monthly Surplus/Gap | +$588 | +$836Better |
| On-Base Housing | Available | Available |
| Waitlist | 6 moBetter | 8 mo |
Cost of Living Index (100 = national avg, lower = cheaper)
| Category | Joint Base Lewis-McChord | MCB Camp Pendleton |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 98/100Better | 118/100 |
| Utilities | 82/100Better | 95/100 |
| Groceries | 95/100Better | 102/100 |
| Transport | 88/100Better | 110/100 |
| Healthcare | 92/100Better | 105/100 |
Schools
| Metric | Joint Base Lewis-McChord | MCB Camp Pendleton |
|---|---|---|
| Nearby Schools | 72Better | 54 |
| Districts | Clover Park School District, Bethel School District | Oceanside Unified School District, Fallbrook Union School District |
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