U.S. Marine Corps
MCAS Beaufort — Beaufort, SC, United States
📍 Beaufort, SC, United States
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in the South Carolina Lowcountry is the East Coast home of Marine Corps fighter aviation, hosting F/A-18 Hornet and F-35B Lightning II squadrons along with F-35 pilot training. It sits near Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in the scenic Beaufort area. Families live on base and throughout Beaufort, Port Royal and the surrounding Lowcountry. The cost of living is moderate and BAH generally provides good housing options in this coastal community. The climate is humid subtropical and coastal — hot, humid summers and mild winters amid the marshes and islands of the Lowcountry. Savannah, Hilton Head and Charleston are all within easy reach. Employment in the area spans defense, healthcare, tourism and services, and the community supports spouse employment and remote work. Families benefit from local schools, Naval Health Clinic Beaufort, and child and youth programs. Whether you are PCSing to MCAS Beaufort for the first time or returning for another tour, BaseNeed connects you with verified housing listings, current BAH rates by rank, local jobs for service members and spouses, and a military community ready to help you settle in.
As a Marine Corps installation, MCAS Beaufort supports the combat readiness and training of Marines and their families. Marine bases are known for strong unit cohesion and tight-knit military communities. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about PCSing to MCAS Beaufort: 2026 BAH rates by pay grade, housing market conditions, on-base amenities, schools, cost of living, and community resources.
Quick Facts about MCAS Beaufort
- Branch & location
- U.S. Marine Corps · Beaufort, SC, United States
- 2026 BAH (E-5)
- $2,403/mo with deps · $2,103 without
- Climate
- Humid Subtropical
- Off-base housing
- good
- Nearest VA facility
- Beaufort National Cemetery (~4 mi)
PCS to MCAS Beaufort — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to MCAS Beaufort requires planning that most Marines 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 MCAS Beaufort 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. Marine Corps 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 Beaufort, SC is your housing budget ceiling. E-5 with dependents: $2,403/month. E-5 without dependents: $2,103/month. E-7 with dependents: $2,835/month. O-3 with dependents: $2,856/month. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In Beaufort, 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
Both on-base and off-base housing have advantages. On-base simplifies your commute and community, while off-base often offers more space and the potential to save money if rent falls below your BAH rate. 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 MCAS Beaufort on BaseNeed, filtered to your BAH rate and preferred communities.
Step 4: Schools, Childcare, and Family Resources
Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at MCAS Beaufort 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 MCAS Beaufort
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 — MCAS Beaufort
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Beaufort, SC ranges from $2,103/month for junior enlisted without dependents to $2,856/month for mid-grade officers with dependents. All BAH is 100% tax-free income.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near MCAS Beaufort →
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 — MCAS Beaufort (Beaufort, SC)
E-5 with dependents: $2,403/mo | Without dependents: $2,103/mo
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,319/mo | $1,875/mo |
| E-2 | $2,319/mo | $1,875/mo |
| E-3 | $2,319/mo | $1,875/mo |
| E-4 | $2,319/mo | $1,875/mo |
| E-5 | $2,403/mo | $2,103/mo |
| E-6 | $2,811/mo | $2,235/mo |
| E-7 | $2,835/mo | $2,319/mo |
| E-8 | $2,844/mo | $2,490/mo |
| E-9 | $2,949/mo | $2,607/mo |
| W-1 | $2,832/mo | $2,304/mo |
| W-2 | $2,841/mo | $2,487/mo |
| W-3 | $2,859/mo | $2,622/mo |
| W-4 | $2,982/mo | $2,808/mo |
| W-5 | $3,141/mo | $2,829/mo |
| O-1 | $2,457/mo | $2,232/mo |
| O-1E | $2,838/mo | $2,400/mo |
| O-2 | $2,808/mo | $2,379/mo |
| O-2E | $2,850/mo | $2,580/mo |
| O-3 | $2,856/mo | $2,661/mo |
| O-3E | $3,009/mo | $2,805/mo |
| O-4 | $3,192/mo | $2,817/mo |
| O-5 | $3,438/mo | $2,832/mo |
| O-6 | $3,465/mo | $2,835/mo |
| O-7 | $3,489/mo | $2,883/mo |
Source: DFAS 2026 BAH rates for Beaufort, SC. Rates are 100% tax-free and updated each January 1st. BAH is designed to cover the 80th percentile of local housing costs.
Climate & Lifestyle near MCAS Beaufort
The climate near MCAS Beaufort is Humid Subtropical. Factor seasonal weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search. High humidity in summer months is common — prioritize housing with efficient HVAC and ensure your HHG shipment is protected from moisture.
Outdoor recreation and quality-of-life activities vary significantly by season at this installation. Connect with Marines already stationed at MCAS Beaufort on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at MCAS Beaufort
As a U.S. Marine Corps installation, MCAS Beaufort provides comprehensive on-base facilities for Marines, 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
- • Laurel Bay Cafe
- • Coffee Shop
💪 Fitness & Recreation
- • Fitness Center
- • Indoor Pool
- • Outdoor Track
🏨 On-Base Lodging
- • Temporary Lodging (TLF)
- • On-base Inn
🤝 Support Services
- • Marine Corps Family Team Building
- • Chapel
- • Legal Assistance
- • Military OneSource
🛒 Shopping & Commissary
- • Commissary
- • Marine Corps Exchange (MCX)
- • Shoppette
🏥 Healthcare
- • Naval Health Clinic Beaufort
- • Dental Clinic
- • Pharmacy
🎳 Recreation & Library
- • Base Library
- • Outdoor Recreation
- • Marina
- • Bowling Center
👨👩👧 Family Services
- • Child Development Center
- • Youth Center
- • School Liaison Office
Military Community & Spouse Employment at MCAS Beaufort
The military community around MCAS Beaufort is one of the installation's greatest assets. Connecting with other Marines 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 MCAS Beaufort, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near MCAS Beaufort 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 Beaufort. 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 MCAS Beaufort · → Join the MCAS Beaufort community on BaseNeed
Why MCAS Beaufort Stands Out
- F/A-18 & F-35B
- Marine Fighter Aviation
- Lowcountry
- Coastal Living
Other Military Bases in SC
Comparing duty stations in SC? Browse other installations:
- → Joint Base Charleston (Charleston)
- → Shaw AFB (Sumter)
- → Fort Jackson (Columbia)
- → Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (Parris Island)
Other U.S. Marine Corps Installations
Exploring other U.S. Marine Corps duty stations? Compare BAH rates and housing conditions:
- → MCB Quantico (Quantico, VA)
- → MCB Camp Pendleton (Oceanside, CA)
- → MCB Camp Lejeune (Jacksonville, NC)
- → MCAS Miramar (San Diego, CA)
- → MCB Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay) (Kaneohe, HI)
- → Twentynine Palms (Twentynine Palms, CA)
VA Facilities Near MCAS Beaufort
Veterans, retirees, and eligible family members stationed at or transitioning near MCAS Beaufort 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaufort National Cemetery 843-524-3925 | National Cemetery | Beaufort, SC | 4 mi |
| Beaufort VA Clinic 843-577-5011 | Multi-Specialty CBOC | Beaufort, SC | 6 mi |
| Veteran Readiness and Employment Office at Beaufort Naval Hospital 843-228-5642 | Veteran Readiness and Employment Office | Beaufort, SC | 7 mi |
| Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) at Beaufort Naval Hospital 843-228-5642/5470 | IDES Site | Beaufort, SC | 7 mi |
| Savannah Veteran Readiness and Employment Office 912-355-1128 | Veteran Readiness and Employment Office | Savannah, GA | 39 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 — MCAS Beaufort
What is the 2026 BAH rate for MCAS Beaufort?
The 2026 BAH rate at MCAS Beaufort for an E-5 with dependents is $2,403/month and $2,103/month without dependents. An E-7 with dependents receives $2,835/month. An O-3 with dependents receives $2,856/month. BAH is 100% tax-free and is based on the local Military Housing Area (MHA) for Beaufort, SC. Rates are updated each January 1st based on DoD rental market surveys.
How do I PCS to MCAS Beaufort?
To PCS to MCAS Beaufort: (1) Confirm your orders and report-no-later-than (RNLTD) date. (2) Request a sponsor from your gaining unit. (3) Calculate your 2026 BAH for Beaufort, SC — E-5 with dependents receives $2,403/month. (4) Apply for on-base housing early or browse off-base rentals. (5) Schedule your HHG shipment through DPS (move.mil). (6) In-process with finance, medical, and your unit upon arrival.
Is housing available near MCAS Beaufort?
Housing near MCAS Beaufort is currently good. Browse verified military housing listings on BaseNeed filtered to this base and your BAH budget.
What is the cost of living near MCAS Beaufort?
Cost of living in Beaufort, SC varies. BAH rates are calibrated annually to local rental markets, ensuring your housing allowance keeps pace with actual costs.
What branch of the military is MCAS Beaufort?
MCAS Beaufort is a U.S. Marine Corps installation located in Beaufort, SC. It is classified as a base.
What is the on-base housing wait time at MCAS Beaufort?
On-base housing wait times at MCAS Beaufort vary by availability, housing type, and pay grade. Contact the garrison Housing Office after receiving orders for the most current waitlist information. Submitting your application early preserves your place even if you ultimately choose to live off-base.
What amenities are at MCAS Beaufort?
MCAS Beaufort offers on-base dining & clubs, fitness & recreation, on-base lodging, support services, shopping & commissary, healthcare, recreation & library, family services. These facilities are available to active duty Marines, retirees, and eligible family members. The commissary saves military families an average of 30% on groceries vs. commercial prices. Fitness centers are free for active duty members.
Are there jobs for military spouses near MCAS Beaufort?
Military spouses at MCAS Beaufort have several employment pathways. On-base: Federal positions via USAJOBS (military spouse hiring preference, E.O. 13473), AAFES, DoDEA schools, childcare centers, and contractor roles. Off-base: Beaufort has civilian employers familiar with military families. The Spouse Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) at the Family Support Center provides free resume help, job search tools, and licensing/certification resources. Browse military-friendly jobs near MCAS Beaufort on BaseNeed.
What schools are near MCAS Beaufort?
Children of service members at MCAS Beaufort can attend on-base DoDEA schools (if available) or public schools in Beaufort and surrounding districts. DoDEA schools follow a standardized curriculum across all installations, making PCS transitions smoother for students. Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at MCAS Beaufort for help with school enrollment, records transfers, and identifying the best educational fit for your family.
What is the climate like near MCAS Beaufort?
The climate near MCAS Beaufort is Humid Subtropical. Humidity in summer months can be significant — look for housing with efficient HVAC systems. Factor weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search.
What family support services are available at MCAS Beaufort?
MCAS Beaufort offers a full range of family support through the installation's family readiness programs. Key resources include the Family Support Center (financial counseling, deployment support, family advocacy), Child Development Centers (subsidized childcare — register immediately after receiving orders, waitlists can be 6-12 months), the School Liaison Officer for education transitions, and the Chapel for spiritual support. Use BaseNeed's community features to connect with families already at MCAS Beaufort for candid, first-hand advice.
How does BAH work at MCAS Beaufort?
BAH at MCAS Beaufort is a tax-free monthly allowance based on the Beaufort, SC Military Housing Area. Your rate is determined by pay grade and dependency status. You receive BAH whether you live on-base or off. In privatized on-base housing, your BAH equals your rent — you break even. Off-base, any difference between your BAH and actual rent is yours to keep, tax-free. 2026 E-5 rates: $2,403/mo with dependents, $2,103/mo without.
What is the population of MCAS Beaufort?
MCAS Beaufort is a U.S. Marine Corps installation in Beaufort, SC, hosting active duty Marines, their families, and a significant civilian workforce.
What communities are near MCAS Beaufort?
MCAS Beaufort is located in Beaufort, SC. Surrounding communities offer off-base housing, schools, dining, and shopping for military families. Use BaseNeed to explore housing listings near this installation.
Is MCAS Beaufort a good duty station?
MCAS Beaufort is reviewed by the BaseNeed community from Marines and families stationed there. Quality of life depends on your priorities — housing affordability, school quality, spousal employment, climate, and community. Join BaseNeed's MCAS Beaufort community group to connect with service members currently stationed there for honest, first-hand perspectives.
Where is the nearest VA facility to MCAS Beaufort?
The nearest VA facility to MCAS Beaufort is Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, SC — a National Cemetery about 4 miles from the installation. There are 5 VA locations within reach for healthcare enrollment (VA Form 10-10EZ), disability claims, education benefits, and counseling. Others nearby: Beaufort VA Clinic (6 mi), Veteran Readiness and Employment Office at Beaufort Naval Hospital (7 mi). Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov).
PCSing to MCAS Beaufort?
BaseNeed is the military community platform built for U.S. Marine Corps families. Find verified housing listings, current 2026 BAH rates, local jobs, and connect with Marines already stationed at MCAS Beaufort.
Explore MCAS Beaufort on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the MCAS Beaufort community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.