08/25/2026
5 Reasons Living on Base Isn’t Free
1. Your BAH is still paying for your housing.
When you live on base, your housing allowance is generally used toward your on-base housing. You’re still using part of your compensation for a place to live.
2. You could use your BAH for other housing options.
Depending on your situation, you could use your BAH to rent a home or apartment off base instead, giving you more control over where you live.
3. You could also put that housing allowance toward buying.
For those who qualify, you may choose to purchase a home and use your BAH toward your mortgage and other housing expenses.
4. On-base housing can still have maintenance issues.
Living on base doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a perfect home. Issues like older housing, maintenance problems, and mold can still occur.
5. “Free housing” doesn’t really tell the whole story.
BAH is a housing benefit intended to help cover your housing costs. Whether that means on-base housing, renting off base, or buying a home, you’re still receiving a housing allowance rather than simply getting a house for free.
Me on my way to explain for the 47,000th time that living on base isn’t free. 😂
