U.S. Navy
NAS Jacksonville — Jacksonville, FL, United States
📍 Jacksonville, FL, United States
⭐ 4.3/5 community rating · Rated by Sailors and families
About NAS Jacksonville
Naval Air Station Jacksonville is one of the Navy's premier aviation installations, home to the Fleet Readiness Center Southeast and hosting 7,072 active-duty service members and their families. Located in Jacksonville, Florida — the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States — NAS Jacksonville offers excellent quality of life at a moderate cost. Jacksonville's military community is substantial, driven by NAS Jacksonville, Blount Island Command, and proximity to NAS Mayport. The city's size and diversity mean housing options span every price point and neighborhood type, from beachside communities at Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach (15 miles east) to established suburban neighborhoods like Mandarin, Ortega, and Fleming Island. BAH rates for NAS Jacksonville reflect the broader Jacksonville metro area, and housing availability is generally good. Naval aviation families find quality options within a range of budgets, with the western and southern parts of the city offering particularly good value. Jacksonville's climate is humid subtropical — hot, humid summers, mild winters, and a pleasant fall and spring. The city sits at the mouth of the St. Johns River and St. Johns County to the south offers outstanding beaches and the charming historic city of St. Augustine (40 minutes). Employment is diverse in Jacksonville, anchored by the financial services sector (several major banks), healthcare (Mayo Clinic has a large campus in Jacksonville), and military/defense. Military spouse employment is well-supported across the metro area. BaseNeed connects NAS Jacksonville families with northeast Florida housing, current BAH rates, and the Jacksonville military community.
NAS Jacksonville at a Glance
Location: Jacksonville, FL 32212, United States.
Branch & command: U.S. Navy, NAS.
Active-duty military: 7,072 (as of January 2026).
On-base housing: Moderate, typical wait 2-4 months.
Cost-of-living index: 95.20 (100 = U.S. average).
Climate: Humid subtropical, hot summers, mild winters.
Nearby cities: Jacksonville, Orange Park, Mandarin, Lakeside.
Base operator: (904) 542-3000.
2026 BAH Rates for NAS Jacksonville
The figures below are the 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for the military housing area covering NAS Jacksonville, 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 | $2,046 | $1,623 |
| E-5 | $2,181 | $1,803 |
| E-6 | $2,241 | $1,920 |
| E-7 | $2,283 | $2,049 |
| E-8 | $2,331 | $2,199 |
| E-9 | $2,424 | $2,205 |
| W-1 | $2,256 | $2,010 |
| W-2 | $2,301 | $2,196 |
| W-3 | $2,367 | $2,208 |
| W-4 | $2,445 | $2,241 |
| W-5 | $2,550 | $2,292 |
| O-1 | $2,196 | $1,908 |
| O-2 | $2,238 | $2,139 |
| O-3 | $2,364 | $2,211 |
| O-4 | $2,580 | $2,277 |
| O-5 | $2,736 | $2,301 |
| O-6 | $2,757 | $2,343 |
| O-7 | $2,775 | $2,382 |
Confirm your exact entitlement with the official DTMO BAH calculator before signing a lease.
Quick Facts about NAS Jacksonville
- Branch & location
- U.S. Navy · Jacksonville, FL, United States
- 2026 BAH (E-5)
- $2,181/mo with deps · $1,803 without
- Cost of living
- Index 95.2 — below average
- Climate
- Humid subtropical, hot summers, mild winters
- Off-base housing
- moderate
- Nearest VA facility
- Pre-Discharge Site at Naval Air Station Jacksonville (~1 mi)
PCS to NAS Jacksonville — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to NAS Jacksonville requires planning that most Sailors 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 NAS Jacksonville 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. Navy 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 Jacksonville, FL is your housing budget ceiling. E-5 with dependents: $2,181/month. E-5 without dependents: $1,803/month. E-7 with dependents: $2,283/month. O-3 with dependents: $2,364/month. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In this below average area, Jacksonville, 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
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 2-4 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 NAS Jacksonville on BaseNeed, filtered to your BAH rate and preferred communities.
Step 4: Schools, Childcare, and Family Resources
Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at NAS Jacksonville 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 NAS Jacksonville
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 — NAS Jacksonville
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Jacksonville, FL ranges from $1,803/month for junior enlisted without dependents to $2,364/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: ~2-4 months.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near NAS Jacksonville →
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 — NAS Jacksonville (Jacksonville, FL)
E-5 with dependents: $2,181/mo | Without dependents: $1,803/mo
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,046/mo | $1,623/mo |
| E-2 | $2,046/mo | $1,623/mo |
| E-3 | $2,046/mo | $1,623/mo |
| E-4 | $2,046/mo | $1,623/mo |
| E-5 | $2,181/mo | $1,803/mo |
| E-6 | $2,241/mo | $1,920/mo |
| E-7 | $2,283/mo | $2,049/mo |
| E-8 | $2,331/mo | $2,199/mo |
| E-9 | $2,424/mo | $2,205/mo |
| W-1 | $2,256/mo | $2,010/mo |
| W-2 | $2,301/mo | $2,196/mo |
| W-3 | $2,367/mo | $2,208/mo |
| W-4 | $2,445/mo | $2,241/mo |
| W-5 | $2,550/mo | $2,292/mo |
| O-1 | $2,196/mo | $1,908/mo |
| O-1E | $2,289/mo | $2,178/mo |
| O-2 | $2,238/mo | $2,139/mo |
| O-2E | $2,355/mo | $2,202/mo |
| O-3 | $2,364/mo | $2,211/mo |
| O-3E | $2,463/mo | $2,229/mo |
| O-4 | $2,580/mo | $2,277/mo |
| O-5 | $2,736/mo | $2,301/mo |
| O-6 | $2,757/mo | $2,343/mo |
| O-7 | $2,775/mo | $2,382/mo |
Source: DFAS 2026 BAH rates for Jacksonville, FL. 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 NAS Jacksonville
The cost of living index near NAS Jacksonville is 95.2 — 5% below the U.S. national average (100 = national average). This places Jacksonville, FL in the below average category. Cost of living is 5% below the U.S. national average.
At 95.2, 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 NAS Jacksonville
The climate near NAS Jacksonville is Humid subtropical, hot summers, mild winters. 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 Sailors already stationed at NAS Jacksonville on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at NAS Jacksonville
As a U.S. Navy installation, NAS Jacksonville provides comprehensive on-base facilities for Sailors, 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
- • Galley
- • Officers Club
- • Chiefs Club
- • Coffee Shop
💪 Fitness & Recreation
- • Fitness Center
- • Indoor Pool
- • Outdoor Track
- • Group Fitness
🏨 On-Base Lodging
- • Navy Lodge
- • Navy Gateway Inns & Suites
- • Distinguished Visitor Quarters
🤝 Support Services
- • Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC)
- • Chapel
- • Legal Assistance
- • Military OneSource
🛒 Shopping & Commissary
- • Commissary
- • Navy Exchange (NEX)
- • Mini Mart
- • Class Six
🏥 Healthcare
- • Branch Health Clinic
- • Dental Clinic
- • Pharmacy
- • Optometry
🎳 Recreation & Library
- • Base Library
- • Outdoor Recreation
- • Auto Skills Center
- • Bowling Center
- • Marina
👨👩👧 Family Services
- • Child Development Center
- • Youth Center
- • School Liaison Office
- • Teen Center
Military Community & Spouse Employment at NAS Jacksonville
The military community around NAS Jacksonville is one of the installation's greatest assets. Connecting with other Sailors 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 NAS Jacksonville, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near NAS Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. 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 NAS Jacksonville · → Join the NAS Jacksonville community on BaseNeed
Nearby Communities & Off-Base Living
Service members at NAS Jacksonville 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 NAS Jacksonville Stands Out
- Maritime Patrol
- Training
- Fleet Readiness
- Logistics Support
Other Military Bases in FL
Comparing duty stations in FL? Browse other installations:
- → Eglin AFB (Valparaiso)
- → NAS Whiting Field (Milton)
- → NAS Key West (Key West)
- → Naval Station Mayport (Mayport)
- → Tyndall AFB (Panama City)
- → USCG Air Station Clearwater (Clearwater)
Other U.S. Navy Installations
Exploring other U.S. Navy duty stations? Compare BAH rates and housing conditions:
- → NAS Oceana (Virginia Beach, VA)
- → NAS North Island (Coronado, CA)
- → NAS Fallon (Fallon, NV)
- → Naval Base San Diego (San Diego, CA)
- → Naval Station Norfolk (Norfolk, VA)
- → NAS Lemoore (Lemoore, CA)
VA Facilities Near NAS Jacksonville
Veterans, retirees, and eligible family members stationed at or transitioning near NAS Jacksonville 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 Naval Air Station Jacksonville 800-827-1000 | Pre-Discharge Site | Jacksonville, FL | 1 mi |
| Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Site at Naval Air Station Jacksonville 800-827-1000 | IDES Site | NAS Jacksonville, FL | 1 mi |
| Jacksonville Mobile Vet Center 904-399-8351 | vet_center | Jacksonville, FL | 4 mi |
| Jacksonville, FL Vet Center 904-399-8351 | vet_center | Jacksonville, FL | 5 mi |
| VetSuccess on Campus at Florida State College at Jacksonville 800-827-1000 | VetSuccess On Campus | Jacksonville, FL | 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 — NAS Jacksonville
What is the 2026 BAH rate at NAS Jacksonville?
For 2026, monthly BAH at NAS Jacksonville ranges from $2,046 with dependents ($1,623 without) for junior enlisted (E-1 to E-4) up to $2,424 for an E-9 with dependents. For example, an E-5 with dependents receives $2,181, an E-7 with dependents $2,283, and an O-3 with dependents $2,364. Rates are tax-free and effective 1 January 2026 — confirm your exact figure with the DTMO BAH calculator.
Does NAS Jacksonville get BAH or OHA?
NAS Jacksonville 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 NAS Jacksonville?
On-base family housing at NAS Jacksonville is currently moderate, with typical wait times around 2-4 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 NAS Jacksonville?
The local cost-of-living index near NAS Jacksonville is about 95.20 (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 NAS Jacksonville?
Expect a humid subtropical, hot summers, mild winters climate at NAS Jacksonville. Factor seasonal weather into your PCS timing and your housing search.
What cities are near NAS Jacksonville?
NAS Jacksonville is close to Jacksonville, Orange Park, Mandarin, Lakeside, where many families look for off-base housing, schools, and amenities.
PCSing to NAS Jacksonville?
BaseNeed is the military community platform built for U.S. Navy families. Find verified housing listings, current 2026 BAH rates, local jobs, and connect with Sailors already stationed at NAS Jacksonville.
Explore NAS Jacksonville on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the NAS Jacksonville community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.