U.S. Navy · Major Installation
NAS North Island — Coronado, CA, United States
📍 Coronado, CA, United States
⭐ 4.6/5 community rating · Rated by Sailors and families
About NAS North Island
Naval Air Station North Island sits at the northern tip of Coronado Island, directly across San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego. Birthplace of Naval Aviation and homeport to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, NAS North Island hosts military personnel. This is the premiere naval aviation address in the United States. Coronado Island itself is one of the most desirable real estate markets in California, known for the historic Hotel del Coronado and luxury homes that are largely unaffordable on military BAH. Most sailors and their families live in communities across the broader San Diego area — San Diego's South Bay (National City, Chula Vista), Mission Valley, Point Loma, or further inland in the East County. The cost of living in San Diego is 146.2 — among the highest in the nation — and housing availability near Coronado is scarce. BAH rates are calibrated to San Diego's premium market, providing some purchasing power, but stretching BAH requires compromising either on neighborhood, size, or commute time. San Diego's climate is perfect year-round Mediterranean — the consistent 70°F weather, low humidity, and abundant sunshine make it one of America's most livable cities. Access to Tijuana and Baja California adds a unique cross-border lifestyle dimension. Defense industry employment is abundant in San Diego (General Dynamics, Leidos, Northrop Grumman), and the healthcare and biotech sectors are large employers. Military spouse employment is strong. Use BaseNeed to find San Diego-area housing near NAS North Island, compare neighborhoods from Coronado to the East County, and access current BAH rates by rank.
NAS North Island at a Glance
Location: Coronado, CA 92135, United States.
Branch & command: U.S. Navy, NAS.
On-base housing: Scarce, typical wait 2-6 months.
Cost-of-living index: 158.40 (100 = U.S. average).
Climate: Mediterranean, mild year-round.
Nearby cities: Coronado, San Diego, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista.
Base operator: (619) 545-6000.
2026 BAH Rates for NAS North Island
The figures below are the 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for the military housing area covering NAS North Island, 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 | $3,666 | $2,763 |
| E-5 | $3,975 | $3,147 |
| E-6 | $4,404 | $3,387 |
| E-7 | $4,446 | $3,678 |
| E-8 | $4,488 | $4,065 |
| E-9 | $4,671 | $4,188 |
| W-1 | $4,425 | $3,564 |
| W-2 | $4,464 | $4,062 |
| W-3 | $4,521 | $4,206 |
| W-4 | $4,731 | $4,410 |
| W-5 | $4,992 | $4,455 |
| O-1 | $4,032 | $3,351 |
| O-2 | $4,401 | $3,873 |
| O-3 | $4,518 | $4,248 |
| O-4 | $5,082 | $4,440 |
| O-5 | $5,493 | $4,458 |
| O-6 | $5,541 | $4,494 |
| O-7 | $5,586 | $4,575 |
Confirm your exact entitlement with the official DTMO BAH calculator before signing a lease.
Quick Facts about NAS North Island
- Branch & location
- U.S. Navy · Coronado, CA, United States
- 2026 BAH (E-5)
- $3,975/mo with deps · $3,147 without
- Cost of living
- Index 158.4 — high cost area
- Climate
- Mediterranean, mild year-round
- Off-base housing
- scarce
- Nearest VA facility
- Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (~2 mi)
PCS to NAS North Island — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to NAS North Island 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 North Island 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 Coronado, CA is your housing budget ceiling. E-5 with dependents: $3,975/month. E-5 without dependents: $3,147/month. E-7 with dependents: $4,446/month. O-3 with dependents: $4,518/month. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In this high cost area area, Coronado, 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
Housing is extremely competitive. Put in your on-base application immediately. Consider using a Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF) on arrival, and have a local agent ready to move fast on available rentals. 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 NAS North Island 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 North Island 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 North Island
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 North Island
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Coronado, CA ranges from $3,147/month for junior enlisted without dependents to $4,518/month for mid-grade officers with dependents. All BAH is 100% tax-free income. Highly competitive — start 90+ days early. On-base wait: ~2-6 months.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near NAS North Island →
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 North Island (Coronado, CA)
E-5 with dependents: $3,975/mo | Without dependents: $3,147/mo
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $3,666/mo | $2,763/mo |
| E-2 | $3,666/mo | $2,763/mo |
| E-3 | $3,666/mo | $2,763/mo |
| E-4 | $3,666/mo | $2,763/mo |
| E-5 | $3,975/mo | $3,147/mo |
| E-6 | $4,404/mo | $3,387/mo |
| E-7 | $4,446/mo | $3,678/mo |
| E-8 | $4,488/mo | $4,065/mo |
| E-9 | $4,671/mo | $4,188/mo |
| W-1 | $4,425/mo | $3,564/mo |
| W-2 | $4,464/mo | $4,062/mo |
| W-3 | $4,521/mo | $4,206/mo |
| W-4 | $4,731/mo | $4,410/mo |
| W-5 | $4,992/mo | $4,455/mo |
| O-1 | $4,032/mo | $3,351/mo |
| O-1E | $4,449/mo | $3,972/mo |
| O-2 | $4,401/mo | $3,873/mo |
| O-2E | $4,506/mo | $4,161/mo |
| O-3 | $4,518/mo | $4,248/mo |
| O-3E | $4,770/mo | $4,398/mo |
| O-4 | $5,082/mo | $4,440/mo |
| O-5 | $5,493/mo | $4,458/mo |
| O-6 | $5,541/mo | $4,494/mo |
| O-7 | $5,586/mo | $4,575/mo |
Source: DFAS 2026 BAH rates for Coronado, 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 NAS North Island
The cost of living index near NAS North Island is 158.4 — 58% above the U.S. national average (100 = national average). This places Coronado, CA in the high cost area category. Cost of living is 58% above the U.S. national average — a premium location.
At 158.4, expect higher costs across the board. Maximize your tax-free allowances (BAH, BAS) and use on-base services — the commissary saves military families an average of 30% on groceries vs. commercial prices.
Climate & Lifestyle near NAS North Island
The climate near NAS North Island is Mediterranean, mild year-round. Factor seasonal weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search. Research seasonal conditions in Coronado 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 Sailors already stationed at NAS North Island on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at NAS North Island
As a U.S. Navy installation, NAS North Island 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 North Island
The military community around NAS North Island 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 North Island, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near NAS North Island 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 Coronado. 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 North Island · → Join the NAS North Island community on BaseNeed
Nearby Communities & Off-Base Living
Service members at NAS North Island 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 North Island Stands Out
- Aircraft Carrier Operations
- Naval Aviation Training
- Fleet Readiness
- San Diego Access
Other Military Bases in CA
Comparing duty stations in CA? Browse other installations:
- → Naval Base San Diego (San Diego)
- → NAS Lemoore (Lemoore)
- → Edwards AFB (Edwards)
- → Travis AFB (Fairfield)
- → MCB Camp Pendleton (Oceanside)
- → MCAS Miramar (San Diego)
Other U.S. Navy Installations
Exploring other U.S. Navy duty stations? Compare BAH rates and housing conditions:
- → NAS Oceana (Virginia Beach, VA)
- → NAS Fallon (Fallon, NV)
- → Naval Station Norfolk (Norfolk, VA)
- → NAS Whiting Field (Milton, FL)
- → NAS Key West (Key West, FL)
- → NAS Corpus Christi (Corpus Christi, TX)
VA Facilities Near NAS North Island
Veterans, retirees, and eligible family members stationed at or transitioning near NAS North Island 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery 619-553-2084 | National Cemetery | San Diego, CA | 2 mi |
| San Diego Vet Center 858-642-1500 | vet_center | San Diego, CA | 3 mi |
| San Diego VA Domiciliary 855-297-8397 | Residential Care Site (MH RRTP/DRRTP) (Stand-Alone) | San Diego, CA | 4 mi |
| Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Site at Naval Medical Center San Diego 619-532-6635 | IDES Site | San Diego, CA | 4 mi |
| VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office at Naval Medical Center San Diego 619-532-5122 | Satellite Office | San Diego, CA | 4 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 North Island
What is the 2026 BAH rate at NAS North Island?
For 2026, monthly BAH at NAS North Island ranges from $3,666 with dependents ($2,763 without) for junior enlisted (E-1 to E-4) up to $4,671 for an E-9 with dependents. For example, an E-5 with dependents receives $3,975, an E-7 with dependents $4,446, and an O-3 with dependents $4,518. Rates are tax-free and effective 1 January 2026 — confirm your exact figure with the DTMO BAH calculator.
Does NAS North Island get BAH or OHA?
NAS North Island 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 North Island?
On-base family housing at NAS North Island is currently scarce, 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 NAS North Island?
The local cost-of-living index near NAS North Island is about 158.40 (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 North Island?
Expect a mediterranean, mild year-round climate at NAS North Island. Factor seasonal weather into your PCS timing and your housing search.
What cities are near NAS North Island?
NAS North Island is close to Coronado, San Diego, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, where many families look for off-base housing, schools, and amenities.
PCSing to NAS North Island?
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 North Island.
Explore NAS North Island on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the NAS North Island community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.