U.S. Air Force
Davis-Monthan AFB — Tucson, AZ, United States
📍 Tucson, AZ, United States
⭐ 4.3/5 community rating · Rated by Airmen and families
About Davis-Monthan AFB
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is home to the 355th Wing and the famous "Boneyard" — the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), the world's largest military aircraft storage facility. Located in Tucson, Arizona, Davis-Monthan hosts active-duty personnel in one of the Southwest's most culturally rich cities. Tucson is a genuinely underrated assignment destination. The city combines a vibrant university community (University of Arizona), an outstanding culinary scene (Arizona-Sonoran Mexican cuisine is exceptional), affordable cost of living, and world-class outdoor recreation. The cost of living is below the national average, and housing availability is good across Tucson's southern and eastside communities closest to the base. BAH rates at Davis-Monthan provide strong purchasing power in Tucson's affordable housing market. Military families find quality homes in neighborhoods like South Tucson, Rita Ranch, Corona de Tucson, and Sahuarita at prices significantly lower than other Arizona markets. Tucson's desert climate features very hot summers (110°F is possible), mild winters, and spectacular monsoon season (July-September) when dramatic thunderstorms roll across the desert. The surrounding Santa Catalina, Rincon, and Santa Rita mountain ranges provide year-round hiking at elevations cool enough for summer comfort. Saguaro National Park (East and West) flanks the city with iconic desert scenery. Mexico is 60 miles south, and the historic border city of Nogales provides easy cross-border dining and cultural experiences. Kitt Peak National Observatory is nearby for stargazing in Tucson's famously dark skies. BaseNeed connects Davis-Monthan families with Tucson housing options, current BAH rates, and the Southern Arizona military community.
Davis-Monthan AFB at a Glance
Location: Tucson, AZ 85707, United States.
Branch & command: U.S. Air Force, ACC.
On-base housing: Abundant, typical wait 2-6 months.
Cost-of-living index: 96.80 (100 = U.S. average).
Climate: Desert, hot summers, mild winters.
Nearby cities: Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita.
Base operator: (520) 228-4000.
2026 BAH Rates for Davis-Monthan AFB
The figures below are the 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for the military housing area covering Davis-Monthan 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 | $1,695 | $1,272 |
| E-5 | $1,905 | $1,428 |
| E-6 | $2,121 | $1,587 |
| E-7 | $2,145 | $1,701 |
| E-8 | $2,178 | $1,953 |
| E-9 | $2,253 | $2,007 |
| W-1 | $2,136 | $1,632 |
| W-2 | $2,157 | $1,950 |
| W-3 | $2,202 | $2,019 |
| W-4 | $2,274 | $2,118 |
| W-5 | $2,373 | $2,151 |
| O-1 | $1,938 | $1,482 |
| O-2 | $2,118 | $1,839 |
| O-3 | $2,199 | $2,037 |
| O-4 | $2,400 | $2,139 |
| O-5 | $2,550 | $2,154 |
| O-6 | $2,568 | $2,175 |
| O-7 | $2,583 | $2,211 |
Confirm your exact entitlement with the official DTMO BAH calculator before signing a lease.
Quick Facts about Davis-Monthan AFB
- Branch & location
- U.S. Air Force · Tucson, AZ, United States
- 2026 BAH (E-5)
- $1,905/mo with deps · $1,428 without
- Cost of living
- Index 96.8 — below average
- Climate
- Desert, hot summers, mild winters
- Off-base housing
- abundant
- Nearest VA facility
- Pre-Discharge Site at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (~1 mi)
PCS to Davis-Monthan AFB — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Davis-Monthan 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 Davis-Monthan 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 Tucson, AZ is your housing budget ceiling. E-5 with dependents: $1,905/month. E-5 without dependents: $1,428/month. E-7 with dependents: $2,145/month. O-3 with dependents: $2,199/month. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In this below average area, Tucson, many service members find their BAH exceeds actual rent — meaning you can save the difference tax-free each month. Use the BaseNeed BAH Calculator to compare rates across all pay grades.
Step 3: On-Base vs. Off-Base Housing Decision
With abundant housing options, you have flexibility to negotiate rent and find a home that matches your BAH. Focus on neighborhoods closest to the main gate to minimize commute. 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 Davis-Monthan 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 Davis-Monthan 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 Davis-Monthan 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 — Davis-Monthan AFB
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Tucson, AZ ranges from $1,428/month for junior enlisted without dependents to $2,199/month for mid-grade officers with dependents. All BAH is 100% tax-free income. Plenty of off-base housing available. On-base wait: ~2-6 months.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near Davis-Monthan 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 — Davis-Monthan AFB (Tucson, AZ)
E-5 with dependents: $1,905/mo | Without dependents: $1,428/mo
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,695/mo | $1,272/mo |
| E-2 | $1,695/mo | $1,272/mo |
| E-3 | $1,695/mo | $1,272/mo |
| E-4 | $1,695/mo | $1,272/mo |
| E-5 | $1,905/mo | $1,428/mo |
| E-6 | $2,121/mo | $1,587/mo |
| E-7 | $2,145/mo | $1,701/mo |
| E-8 | $2,178/mo | $1,953/mo |
| E-9 | $2,253/mo | $2,007/mo |
| W-1 | $2,136/mo | $1,632/mo |
| W-2 | $2,157/mo | $1,950/mo |
| W-3 | $2,202/mo | $2,019/mo |
| W-4 | $2,274/mo | $2,118/mo |
| W-5 | $2,373/mo | $2,151/mo |
| O-1 | $1,938/mo | $1,482/mo |
| O-1E | $2,148/mo | $1,902/mo |
| O-2 | $2,118/mo | $1,839/mo |
| O-2E | $2,190/mo | $1,995/mo |
| O-3 | $2,199/mo | $2,037/mo |
| O-3E | $2,289/mo | $2,109/mo |
| O-4 | $2,400/mo | $2,139/mo |
| O-5 | $2,550/mo | $2,154/mo |
| O-6 | $2,568/mo | $2,175/mo |
| O-7 | $2,583/mo | $2,211/mo |
Source: DFAS 2026 BAH rates for Tucson, AZ. 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 Davis-Monthan AFB
The cost of living index near Davis-Monthan AFB is 96.8 — 3% below the U.S. national average (100 = national average). This places Tucson, AZ in the below average category. Cost of living is 3% below the U.S. national average.
At 96.8, 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 Davis-Monthan AFB
The climate near Davis-Monthan AFB is Desert, hot summers, mild winters. Factor seasonal weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search. Extreme summer heat makes air conditioning essential — budget for higher electric bills June through September. Water quality and conservation are community-wide priorities.
Outdoor recreation and quality-of-life activities vary significantly by season at this installation. Connect with Airmen already stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at Davis-Monthan AFB
As a U.S. Air Force installation, Davis-Monthan 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 Davis-Monthan AFB
The military community around Davis-Monthan 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 Davis-Monthan AFB, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near Davis-Monthan 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 Tucson. 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 Davis-Monthan AFB · → Join the Davis-Monthan AFB community on BaseNeed
Nearby Communities & Off-Base Living
Service members at Davis-Monthan 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 Davis-Monthan AFB Stands Out
- Aircraft Boneyard
- A-10 Operations
- Desert Climate
- Outdoor Recreation
Other Military Bases in AZ
Comparing duty stations in AZ? Browse other installations:
- → Luke AFB (Glendale)
- → MCAS Yuma (Yuma)
- → Fort Huachuca (Sierra Vista)
Other U.S. Air Force Installations
Exploring other U.S. Air Force duty stations? Compare BAH rates and housing conditions:
- → 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)
- → Edwards AFB (Edwards, CA)
VA Facilities Near Davis-Monthan AFB
Veterans, retirees, and eligible family members stationed at or transitioning near Davis-Monthan 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 Davis-Monthan Air Force Base 800-827-1149 | Pre-Discharge Site | Tucson, AZ | 1 mi |
| VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base 800-827-1000 | Satellite Office | Tucson, AZ | 1 mi |
| Tucson VA Mobile Medical Unit 520-792-1450 | Other Outpatient Services (OOS) | Tucson, AZ | 5 mi |
| Tucson Mobile Vet Center 520-882-0333 | vet_center | Tucson, AZ | 5 mi |
| Tucson Vet Center 520-882-0333 | vet_center | Tucson, AZ | 5 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 — Davis-Monthan AFB
What is the 2026 BAH rate at Davis-Monthan AFB?
For 2026, monthly BAH at Davis-Monthan AFB ranges from $1,695 with dependents ($1,272 without) for junior enlisted (E-1 to E-4) up to $2,253 for an E-9 with dependents. For example, an E-5 with dependents receives $1,905, an E-7 with dependents $2,145, and an O-3 with dependents $2,199. Rates are tax-free and effective 1 January 2026 — confirm your exact figure with the DTMO BAH calculator.
Does Davis-Monthan AFB get BAH or OHA?
Davis-Monthan 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 Davis-Monthan AFB?
On-base family housing at Davis-Monthan AFB is currently abundant, 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 Davis-Monthan AFB?
The local cost-of-living index near Davis-Monthan AFB is about 96.80 (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 Davis-Monthan AFB?
Expect a desert, hot summers, mild winters climate at Davis-Monthan AFB. Factor seasonal weather into your PCS timing and your housing search.
What cities are near Davis-Monthan AFB?
Davis-Monthan AFB is close to Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, where many families look for off-base housing, schools, and amenities.
PCSing to Davis-Monthan 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 Davis-Monthan AFB.
Explore Davis-Monthan AFB on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the Davis-Monthan AFB community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.