U.S. Air Force
Beale AFB — Marysville, CA, United States
📍 Marysville, CA, United States
⭐ 4/5 community rating · Rated by Airmen and families
About Beale AFB
Beale Air Force Base is home to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing operating the U-2 Dragon Lady and RQ-4 Global Hawk — the Air Force's premier strategic reconnaissance aircraft. Located in Marysville, California in the northern Sacramento Valley, Beale hosts active-duty personnel supporting some of the most specialized intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in the world. Marysville and the surrounding communities of Yuba City, Linda, and Olivehurst offer affordable Northern California living compared to the Bay Area or Sacramento. The cost of living is moderate for California, and BAH rates provide reasonable housing options in this agricultural valley community. Sacramento is approximately 40 miles south, offering metropolitan amenities including excellent dining, entertainment, and employment. The Sacramento Valley climate features hot, dry summers (temperatures frequently above 100°F), mild, foggy winters (similar to Davis-area valley fog), and beautiful spring and fall weather. The Sierra Nevada foothills begin just east of Beale, with Lake Oroville (20 miles) and Tahoe Basin skiing (2-3 hours) providing recreation. Beale's U-2 and Global Hawk missions are among the most prestigious and demanding in aviation, attracting a highly professional and motivated military community. The base's small size creates genuine camaraderie. Employment in the Marysville-Yuba City area is anchored by agriculture, healthcare, and retail. Sacramento's state government and defense contractor ecosystem is accessible. BaseNeed connects Beale AFB families with Sacramento Valley housing, current BAH rates, and the northern California military community.
Beale AFB at a Glance
Location: Marysville, CA 95903, United States.
Branch & command: U.S. Air Force, ACC.
On-base housing: Moderate, typical wait 2-6 months.
Cost-of-living index: 116.20 (100 = U.S. average).
Climate: Mediterranean, hot dry summers, mild wet winters.
Nearby cities: Marysville, Yuba City, Linda, Sacramento.
Base operator: (530) 634-3000.
2026 BAH Rates for Beale AFB
The figures below are the 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for the military housing area covering Beale AFB, published by the DoD (DTMO) and effective 1 January 2026. Amounts are monthly and tax-free, shown with and without dependents.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-4 | $2,733 | $2,133 |
| E-5 | $2,967 | $2,367 |
| E-6 | $3,132 | $2,523 |
| E-7 | $3,150 | $2,742 |
| E-8 | $3,159 | $3,006 |
| E-9 | $3,195 | $3,042 |
| W-1 | $3,147 | $2,661 |
| W-2 | $3,156 | $3,003 |
| W-3 | $3,168 | $3,051 |
| W-4 | $3,216 | $3,123 |
| W-5 | $3,315 | $3,132 |
| O-1 | $2,994 | $2,496 |
| O-2 | $3,129 | $2,892 |
| O-3 | $3,165 | $3,066 |
| O-4 | $3,342 | $3,126 |
| O-5 | $3,492 | $3,135 |
| O-6 | $3,522 | $3,138 |
| O-7 | $3,546 | $3,171 |
Confirm your exact entitlement with the official DTMO BAH calculator before signing a lease.
Quick Facts about Beale AFB
- Branch & location
- U.S. Air Force · Marysville, CA, United States
- 2026 BAH (E-5)
- $2,967/mo with deps · $2,367 without
- Cost of living
- Index 116.2 — above average
- Climate
- Mediterranean, hot dry summers, mild wet winters
- Off-base housing
- moderate
- Nearest VA facility
- Pre-Discharge Site at Beale Air Force Base Hospital (~5 mi)
PCS to Beale AFB — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Beale 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 Beale 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 Marysville, CA is your housing budget ceiling. E-5 with dependents: $2,967/month. E-5 without dependents: $2,367/month. E-7 with dependents: $3,150/month. O-3 with dependents: $3,165/month. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In this above average area, Marysville, housing costs can reach your full BAH rate, so budget carefully for utilities and other living expenses. Use the BaseNeed BAH Calculator to compare rates across all pay grades.
Step 3: On-Base vs. Off-Base Housing Decision
Start your housing search 60-90 days before your report date. The off-base rental market is active, and the best properties at BAH rates are claimed quickly. Current on-base wait: approximately 2-6 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 Beale 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 Beale 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 Beale 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 — Beale AFB
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Marysville, CA ranges from $2,367/month for junior enlisted without dependents to $3,165/month for mid-grade officers with dependents. All BAH is 100% tax-free income. Good availability — start your search 30-60 days early. On-base wait: ~2-6 months.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near Beale AFB →
More useful BaseNeed resources
Use these quick links to continue your PCS planning, compare BAH, and explore local military community support.
2026 BAH Rate Table — Beale AFB (Marysville, CA)
E-5 with dependents: $2,967/mo | Without dependents: $2,367/mo
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,733/mo | $2,133/mo |
| E-2 | $2,733/mo | $2,133/mo |
| E-3 | $2,733/mo | $2,133/mo |
| E-4 | $2,733/mo | $2,133/mo |
| E-5 | $2,967/mo | $2,367/mo |
| E-6 | $3,132/mo | $2,523/mo |
| E-7 | $3,150/mo | $2,742/mo |
| E-8 | $3,159/mo | $3,006/mo |
| E-9 | $3,195/mo | $3,042/mo |
| W-1 | $3,147/mo | $2,661/mo |
| W-2 | $3,156/mo | $3,003/mo |
| W-3 | $3,168/mo | $3,051/mo |
| W-4 | $3,216/mo | $3,123/mo |
| W-5 | $3,315/mo | $3,132/mo |
| O-1 | $2,994/mo | $2,496/mo |
| O-1E | $3,153/mo | $2,964/mo |
| O-2 | $3,129/mo | $2,892/mo |
| O-2E | $3,162/mo | $3,033/mo |
| O-3 | $3,165/mo | $3,066/mo |
| O-3E | $3,231/mo | $3,120/mo |
| O-4 | $3,342/mo | $3,126/mo |
| O-5 | $3,492/mo | $3,135/mo |
| O-6 | $3,522/mo | $3,138/mo |
| O-7 | $3,546/mo | $3,171/mo |
Source: DFAS 2026 BAH rates for Marysville, CA. Rates are 100% tax-free and updated each January 1st. BAH is designed to cover the 80th percentile of local housing costs.
Cost of Living at Beale AFB
The cost of living index near Beale AFB is 116.2 — 16% above the U.S. national average (100 = national average). This places Marysville, CA in the above average category. Cost of living is 16% above the U.S. national average.
At 116.2, 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 Beale AFB
The climate near Beale AFB is Mediterranean, hot dry summers, mild wet winters. Factor seasonal weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search. Research seasonal conditions in Marysville 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 Beale AFB on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at Beale AFB
As a U.S. Air Force installation, Beale 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 Beale AFB
The military community around Beale 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 Beale AFB, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near Beale 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 Marysville. 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 Beale AFB · → Join the Beale AFB community on BaseNeed
Nearby Communities & Off-Base Living
Service members at Beale 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 Beale AFB Stands Out
- U-2 Dragon Lady
- RQ-4 Global Hawk
- Intelligence Operations
- Surveillance
Other Military Bases in CA
Comparing duty stations in CA? Browse other installations:
- → NAS North Island (Coronado)
- → Naval Base San Diego (San Diego)
- → NAS Lemoore (Lemoore)
- → Edwards AFB (Edwards)
- → Travis AFB (Fairfield)
- → MCB Camp Pendleton (Oceanside)
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 Beale AFB
Veterans, retirees, and eligible family members stationed at or transitioning near Beale 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Discharge Site at Beale Air Force Base Hospital 800-827-1000 | Pre-Discharge Site | Beale, CA | 5 mi |
| Yuba City VA Clinic 530-751-4500 | Multi-Specialty CBOC | Yuba City, CA | 10 mi |
| Louis A. Conter VA Clinic 530-889-0872 | Primary Care CBOC | Auburn, CA | 23 mi |
| McClellan VA Clinic 916-561-7400 | Multi-Specialty CBOC | McClellan Park, CA | 33 mi |
| Citrus Heights Mobile Vet Center 916-566-7430 | vet_center | Citrus Heights, CA | 33 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 — Beale AFB
What is the 2026 BAH rate at Beale AFB?
For 2026, monthly BAH at Beale AFB ranges from $2,733 with dependents ($2,133 without) for junior enlisted (E-1 to E-4) up to $3,195 for an E-9 with dependents. For example, an E-5 with dependents receives $2,967, an E-7 with dependents $3,150, and an O-3 with dependents $3,165. Rates are tax-free and effective 1 January 2026 — confirm your exact figure with the DTMO BAH calculator.
Does Beale AFB get BAH or OHA?
Beale AFB is a stateside (CONUS) installation, so you receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on your pay grade and dependency status — not the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) used at bases abroad.
How long is the wait for on-base housing at Beale AFB?
On-base family housing at Beale AFB is currently moderate, with typical wait times around 2-6 months. Apply through homes.mil as soon as your orders are cut, and keep an off-base backup plan ready since demand is often high.
Is it expensive to live near Beale AFB?
The local cost-of-living index near Beale AFB is about 116.20 (100 = national average). Build your housing budget around your BAH and compare on-base versus off-base options before committing.
What is the climate like at Beale AFB?
Expect a mediterranean, hot dry summers, mild wet winters climate at Beale AFB. Factor seasonal weather into your PCS timing and your housing search.
What cities are near Beale AFB?
Beale AFB is close to Marysville, Yuba City, Linda, Sacramento, where many families look for off-base housing, schools, and amenities.
PCSing to Beale 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 Beale AFB.
Explore Beale AFB on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the Beale AFB community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.