U.S. Air Force
Andersen AFB — Yigo, Guam, United States
📍 Yigo, Guam, United States
⭐ 4.3/5 community rating · Rated by Airmen and families
About Andersen AFB
Andersen Air Force Base is a strategic power projection hub in the Western Pacific, home to the 36th Wing and serving as the primary long-range strike base for U.S. Pacific Air Forces. Located on the northern tip of Guam — a U.S. territory in the Mariana Islands — Andersen hosts 2,550 permanent-party Air Force personnel and their families in the Pacific's most important forward air base. Guam's tropical setting — year-round warm weather, stunning beaches, crystal-clear Pacific waters, and a rich Chamorro culture — makes Andersen a highly sought-after assignment for families seeking an island lifestyle. The island offers excellent diving (the wrecks of the Battle of Guam are accessible to recreational divers), water sports, hiking, and the unique experience of living on a Pacific island U.S. territory. Housing at Andersen includes on-base family quarters and off-base options across Guam's communities of Tamuning, Dededo, Yigo, and Barrigada. The cost of living is elevated due to Guam's remote supply chain, and COLA supplements help offset daily expenses. The island's infrastructure has improved considerably as U.S. military investment has grown in recent years. The climate is tropical — warm and humid year-round, with a wet season from July through December (including typhoon risk) and a drier season from January through June. The Pacific typhoon season requires preparedness, and Andersen has robust protocols for typhoon response. Employment for military spouses includes positions at DoDEA's Andersen schools, NAF employment, and Guam's growing tourism and government sectors. The island's unique status as a U.S. territory means federal employment and civil service positions are available. BaseNeed connects Andersen-bound families with Guam housing resources, COLA information, and the Pacific island military community.
Andersen AFB at a Glance
Location: Yigo, Guam (U.S. territory, western Pacific).
Branch & command: U.S. Air Force, PACAF.
Active-duty military: 2,550 (as of August 2021).
On-base housing: Limited, typical wait 1-3 months.
Cost-of-living index: 112.30 (100 = U.S. average).
Climate: Tropical, warm year-round.
Nearby areas: Yigo, Dededo, Tamuning, Hagåtña.
Base operator: (671) 366-1110.
Housing Allowance at Andersen AFB (OHA)
Andersen AFB is located on Guam, a U.S. territory in the western Pacific. Because Guam is outside the continental United States, service members receive the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) rather than stateside BAH. OHA reimburses your actual rent up to a locality- and rank-based cap, with a one-time Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA) for deposits and required move-in costs, plus Overseas COLA to offset higher local prices. Rates are recalculated regularly, so pull current figures from the official DTMO OHA calculator before signing a lease.
Quick Facts about Andersen AFB
- Branch & location
- U.S. Air Force · Yigo, Guam, United States
- Cost of living
- Index 112.3 — near average
- Climate
- Tropical, warm year-round
- Off-base housing
- limited
- Nearest VA facility
- Guam 2 VA Clinic (~6 mi)
PCS to Andersen AFB — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Andersen AFB requires planning that most Airmen start 90–120 days before their report date. The key areas to tackle first are housing (on-base vs. off-base), BAH calculation, school enrollment for children, and spouse employment. This guide walks you through each step.
Step 1: Understand Your Orders and Timeline
Your PCS orders to Andersen AFB will specify your Report No Later Than (RNLTD) date — your primary planning anchor. From this date work backwards: HHG shipment scheduling (DPS at move.mil) should happen at least 30–45 days out; housing research should begin immediately. Contact your losing unit S1 or PSD to initiate your out-processing checklist as soon as orders are in hand. Request a sponsor from your gaining unit — most U.S. Air Force units assign one who can answer installation-specific questions and help your family settle in before you arrive.
Step 2: Calculate Your 2026 BAH and Set a Housing Budget
Your 2026 BAH for Yigo, Guam is your housing budget ceiling. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In this near average area, Yigo, BAH rates are calibrated to cover the 80th percentile of local rental costs, leaving most service members with practical options within their allowance. Use the BaseNeed BAH Calculator to compare rates across all pay grades.
Step 3: On-Base vs. Off-Base Housing Decision
Begin your search as early as possible — ideally 90-120 days before your report date. Submit your on-base housing application immediately after receiving orders, even if you plan to live off-base. Current on-base wait: approximately 1-3 months. Apply for on-base housing immediately after receiving orders — even if you lean toward off-base, maintaining a waitlist position keeps all options open. Browse verified housing listings near Andersen AFB on BaseNeed, filtered to your BAH rate and preferred communities.
Step 4: Schools, Childcare, and Family Resources
Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at Andersen AFB early — they specialize in school enrollment, record transfers, and finding the right educational fit for military-connected students at every grade level. DoDEA schools (if available on-base) offer curriculum continuity across PCS moves. For childcare, the Child Development Center (CDC) on base provides subsidized, high-quality care — waitlists can be 6–12 months, so register immediately after receiving orders. The Family Support Center offers free spouse employment assistance, financial counseling, and PCS transition workshops for the whole family.
Step 5: Schedule Your HHG Shipment and Travel
Book your Household Goods (HHG) shipment through DPS (move.mil) as early as possible — peak PCS season (May–August) fills carrier capacity quickly. Options include a full government move, a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), or a combination. Pack a "first-night box" with essentials — documents, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes per family member — separately from your main shipment. Photograph all valuables before the move and file claims promptly for any damage discovered at delivery. Carriers are required to honor claims within the timeframe specified in your Bill of Lading.
Step 6: In-Process at Andersen AFB
Upon arrival, complete garrison in-processing at the welcome center. Required stops typically include finance (to activate BAH and other allowances), medical and dental records transfer, vehicle registration, ID card office, and your unit S1 or PSD. Bring multiple copies of your orders, all ID cards, medical records, vehicle title, and signed housing paperwork. Most installations complete full in-processing in 2–5 business days. Your unit sponsor can walk you through installation-specific requirements and help your family get oriented faster.
Housing & Cost of Living — Andersen AFB
BAH rates at Andersen AFB are based on the Yigo, Guam Military Housing Area and vary by pay grade and dependency status. Housing is tight — begin your search early. On-base wait: ~1-3 months.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near Andersen AFB →
More useful BaseNeed resources
Use these quick links to continue your PCS planning, compare BAH, and explore local military community support.
Cost of Living at Andersen AFB
The cost of living index near Andersen AFB is 112.3 — 12% above the U.S. national average (100 = national average). This places Yigo, Guam in the near average category. Cost of living is 12% above the U.S. national average.
At 112.3, the area is broadly average for U.S. living costs. Military compensation (base pay + BAH + BAS) is typically competitive with local civilian salaries for comparable work.
Climate & Lifestyle near Andersen AFB
The climate near Andersen AFB is Tropical, warm year-round. Factor seasonal weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search. Research seasonal conditions in Yigo when planning your PCS timing and what to pack in your household goods shipment.
Outdoor recreation and quality-of-life activities vary significantly by season at this installation. Connect with Airmen already stationed at Andersen AFB on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at Andersen AFB
As a U.S. Air Force installation, Andersen AFB provides comprehensive on-base facilities for Airmen, retirees, and eligible family members. These subsidized services significantly reduce cost of living compared to civilian alternatives — one of the major financial benefits of military service.
🍽️ Dining & Clubs
- • Food Court
- • Officers Club
- • Enlisted Club
- • Coffee Shop
💪 Fitness & Recreation
- • Fitness Center
- • Indoor Pool
- • Outdoor Track
- • Group Fitness
🏨 On-Base Lodging
- • Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF)
- • On-base Inns
- • Distinguished Visitor Quarters
🤝 Support Services
- • Airman & Family Readiness Center
- • Chapel
- • Legal Assistance
- • Military OneSource
🛒 Shopping & Commissary
- • Commissary
- • Base Exchange (BX)
- • Shoppette
- • Class Six
🏥 Healthcare
- • Medical Treatment Facility
- • Dental Clinic
- • Pharmacy
- • Optometry
🎳 Recreation & Library
- • Base Library
- • Outdoor Recreation
- • Auto Hobby Shop
- • Bowling Center
- • Arts & Crafts Center
👨👩👧 Family Services
- • Child Development Center
- • Youth Center
- • School Liaison Office
- • Teen Center
Military Community & Spouse Employment at Andersen AFB
The military community around Andersen AFB is one of the installation's greatest assets. Connecting with other Airmen and families before your PCS move smooths the transition — especially for spouses and children adjusting to a new duty station. Use BaseNeed's community features to connect with families currently at Andersen AFB, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near Andersen AFB is supported by the Spouse Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) at the installation Family Support Center. Resources include resume workshops, job search tools, licensing and certification support, and connections to military-friendly employers in Yigo. Federal employment via USAJOBS offers Military Spouse Hiring Preference (Executive Order 13473), and many contractors on and near the installation actively recruit military spouses. Remote and hybrid work has also become a popular solution for location-flexible employment across PCS moves.
→ Browse jobs near Andersen AFB · → Join the Andersen AFB community on BaseNeed
Nearby Communities & Off-Base Living
Service members at Andersen AFB live in a range of communities surrounding the installation. Each neighborhood offers different commute times, school districts, and housing prices. Explore housing options in these areas:
Why Andersen AFB Stands Out
- Tropical Paradise
- Beaches
- Diving
- Recreation
Other U.S. Air Force Installations
Exploring other U.S. Air Force duty stations? Compare BAH rates and housing conditions:
- → Luke AFB (Glendale, AZ)
- → Aviano Air Base (Aviano, Italy)
- → Maxwell-Gunter AFB (Montgomery, AL)
- → Osan Air Base (Pyeongtaek, South Korea)
- → Eglin AFB (Valparaiso, FL)
- → Wright-Patterson AFB (Dayton, OH)
VA Facilities Near Andersen AFB
Veterans, retirees, and eligible family members stationed at or transitioning near Andersen AFB have 5 Department of Veterans Affairs facilities within reach — for VA healthcare enrollment (Form 10-10EZ), disability claims, education benefits, and counseling. Distances are from the installation.
| VA Facility | Type | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guam 2 VA Clinic 671-475-5760 | Primary Care CBOC | Dededo, GU | 6 mi |
| VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office at Guam 671-648-0090 | Satellite Office | Tamuning, GU | 11 mi |
| Guam Vet Center 671-472-7161 | vet_center | Maite, GU | 14 mi |
| Guam VA Clinic 800-214-1306 | Primary Care CBOC | Agana Heights, GU | 15 mi |
| Guam Veterans Cemetery 671-475-8388 | State Cemetery | Piti, GU | 18 mi |
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov) facilities directory, synced monthly. Verify hours and services with the facility before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions — Andersen AFB
Does Andersen AFB get BAH or OHA?
Andersen AFB is on Guam, a U.S. territory outside the continental United States, so you receive Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) — a rent-reimbursement allowance capped by rank, dependents, and locality — plus a one-time Move-In Housing Allowance (MIHA) and Overseas COLA, rather than stateside BAH. Pull current rates from the DTMO OHA calculator before signing a lease.
What is housing like at Andersen AFB?
On-base family housing at Andersen AFB is currently limited, with typical wait times around 1-3 months. Many families also live off base on the local economy using OHA. Work with the installation housing office before signing any lease so your allowance and lease terms line up.
Is it expensive to live near Andersen AFB?
The local cost-of-living index near Andersen AFB is about 112.30 (100 = U.S. average). Overseas COLA and OHA are designed to offset Guam's higher housing and shipping costs, but plan conservatively since island prices can run high.
What is the climate like at Andersen AFB?
Expect a tropical, warm year-round climate at Andersen AFB, tropical and humid year-round with a distinct wet season and typhoon risk. Factor this into your PCS timing and housing search.
PCSing to Andersen AFB?
BaseNeed is the military community platform built for U.S. Air Force families. Find verified housing listings, current 2026 BAH rates, local jobs, and connect with Airmen already stationed at Andersen AFB.
Explore Andersen AFB on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the Andersen AFB community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.