U.S. Air Force · Major Installation
Travis AFB — Fairfield, CA, United States
📍 Fairfield, CA, United States
⭐ 4.4/5 community rating · Rated by Airmen and families
About Travis AFB
Travis Air Force Base is the gateway to the Pacific, home to Air Mobility Command's 60th Air Mobility Wing and the busiest military airport in the nation. Located in Fairfield, California — between Sacramento and San Francisco in the heart of the California Central Valley — Travis moves more cargo and personnel than any other air base in the Air Force. It hosts 6,348 active-duty personnel. Fairfield's strategic location between two of California's major metro areas creates unique advantages and challenges. Service members can access both Sacramento (45 minutes east) and San Francisco and the Bay Area (60-90 minutes west), opening enormous employment and cultural opportunities. However, the Bay Area's world-class cost of living exerts upward pressure on the local housing market. The cost of living index is 128.4, reflecting Northern California's premium real estate market. BAH rates are calibrated accordingly, and housing in Fairfield, Vacaville, and Dixon provides more value than Bay Area communities while maintaining reasonable commutes. Military families stretching their BAH further consider Sacramento-area communities like Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, or Roseville. California's Central Valley climate features hot, dry summers (frequently above 100°F in Fairfield) and mild, wet winters. The Delta breeze moderates temperatures in the afternoon, providing relief on hot summer days. The Napa Valley and wine country of Sonoma are 30-40 minutes away, and Lake Tahoe is a 2-hour drive for skiing and summer recreation. Employment opportunities are exceptional given Travis's position between Sacramento and San Francisco. Technology, healthcare, agriculture, and defense sectors all support strong career paths for military spouses and transitioning veterans. BaseNeed connects Travis AFB families with Solano County and greater NorCal housing, BAH rate comparisons, and the Northern California military community.
Travis AFB at a Glance
Location: Fairfield, CA 94535, United States.
Branch & command: U.S. Air Force, AMC.
Active-duty military: 6,348 (source undated, retrieved August 2026).
On-base housing: Moderate, typical wait 4-8 months.
Cost-of-living index: 124.60 (100 = U.S. average).
Climate: Mediterranean, hot dry summers, mild winters.
Nearby cities: Fairfield, Vacaville, Suisun City, Vallejo.
Base operator: (707) 424-1110.
2026 BAH Rates for Travis AFB
The figures below are the 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for the military housing area covering Travis 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 | $3,090 | $2,412 |
| E-5 | $3,369 | $2,664 |
| E-6 | $3,498 | $2,838 |
| E-7 | $3,516 | $3,099 |
| E-8 | $3,525 | $3,402 |
| E-9 | $3,597 | $3,426 |
| W-1 | $3,513 | $2,997 |
| W-2 | $3,522 | $3,399 |
| W-3 | $3,540 | $3,435 |
| W-4 | $3,621 | $3,489 |
| W-5 | $3,729 | $3,510 |
| O-1 | $3,393 | $2,805 |
| O-2 | $3,495 | $3,279 |
| O-3 | $3,537 | $3,444 |
| O-4 | $3,762 | $3,498 |
| O-5 | $3,927 | $3,513 |
| O-6 | $3,960 | $3,516 |
| O-7 | $3,987 | $3,576 |
Confirm your exact entitlement with the official DTMO BAH calculator before signing a lease.
Quick Facts about Travis AFB
- Branch & location
- U.S. Air Force · Fairfield, CA, United States
- 2026 BAH (E-5)
- $3,369/mo with deps · $2,664 without
- Cost of living
- Index 124.6 — above average
- Climate
- Mediterranean, hot dry summers, mild winters
- Off-base housing
- moderate
- Nearest VA facility
- Fairfield VA Clinic (~2 mi)
PCS to Travis AFB — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Travis 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 Travis 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 Fairfield, CA is your housing budget ceiling. E-5 with dependents: $3,369/month. E-5 without dependents: $2,664/month. E-7 with dependents: $3,516/month. O-3 with dependents: $3,537/month. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In this above average area, Fairfield, 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 4-8 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 Travis 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 Travis 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 Travis 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 — Travis AFB
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Fairfield, CA ranges from $2,664/month for junior enlisted without dependents to $3,537/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: ~4-8 months.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near Travis 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 — Travis AFB (Fairfield, CA)
E-5 with dependents: $3,369/mo | Without dependents: $2,664/mo
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $3,090/mo | $2,412/mo |
| E-2 | $3,090/mo | $2,412/mo |
| E-3 | $3,090/mo | $2,412/mo |
| E-4 | $3,090/mo | $2,412/mo |
| E-5 | $3,369/mo | $2,664/mo |
| E-6 | $3,498/mo | $2,838/mo |
| E-7 | $3,516/mo | $3,099/mo |
| E-8 | $3,525/mo | $3,402/mo |
| E-9 | $3,597/mo | $3,426/mo |
| W-1 | $3,513/mo | $2,997/mo |
| W-2 | $3,522/mo | $3,399/mo |
| W-3 | $3,540/mo | $3,435/mo |
| W-4 | $3,621/mo | $3,489/mo |
| W-5 | $3,729/mo | $3,510/mo |
| O-1 | $3,393/mo | $2,805/mo |
| O-1E | $3,519/mo | $3,366/mo |
| O-2 | $3,495/mo | $3,279/mo |
| O-2E | $3,531/mo | $3,420/mo |
| O-3 | $3,537/mo | $3,444/mo |
| O-3E | $3,636/mo | $3,486/mo |
| O-4 | $3,762/mo | $3,498/mo |
| O-5 | $3,927/mo | $3,513/mo |
| O-6 | $3,960/mo | $3,516/mo |
| O-7 | $3,987/mo | $3,576/mo |
Source: DFAS 2026 BAH rates for Fairfield, 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 Travis AFB
The cost of living index near Travis AFB is 124.6 — 25% above the U.S. national average (100 = national average). This places Fairfield, CA in the above average category. Cost of living is 25% above the U.S. national average.
At 124.6, 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 Travis AFB
The climate near Travis AFB is Mediterranean, hot dry summers, mild winters. Factor seasonal weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search. Research seasonal conditions in Fairfield 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 Travis AFB on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at Travis AFB
As a U.S. Air Force installation, Travis 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 Travis AFB
The military community around Travis 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 Travis AFB, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near Travis 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 Fairfield. 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 Travis AFB · → Join the Travis AFB community on BaseNeed
Nearby Communities & Off-Base Living
Service members at Travis 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 Travis AFB Stands Out
- Airlift Hub
- Bay Area Access
- Family Services
- Recreation
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)
- → MCB Camp Pendleton (Oceanside)
- → MCAS Miramar (San Diego)
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 Travis AFB
Veterans, retirees, and eligible family members stationed at or transitioning near Travis 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield VA Clinic 707-437-1800 | Multi-Specialty CBOC | Travis AFB, CA | 2 mi |
| Pre-Discharge Site at Travis Air Force Base 800-827-1000 | Pre-Discharge Site | Travis Air Force Base, CA | 2 mi |
| Solano County Vet Center Outstation 707-864-5360 | vet_center | Fairfield, CA | 11 mi |
| Sacramento Valley National Cemetery 707-693-2460 | National Cemetery | Dixon, CA | 11 mi |
| Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery 707-693-2460 | Post Cemetery | Benicia, CA | 19 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 — Travis AFB
What is the 2026 BAH rate at Travis AFB?
For 2026, monthly BAH at Travis AFB ranges from $3,090 with dependents ($2,412 without) for junior enlisted (E-1 to E-4) up to $3,597 for an E-9 with dependents. For example, an E-5 with dependents receives $3,369, an E-7 with dependents $3,516, and an O-3 with dependents $3,537. Rates are tax-free and effective 1 January 2026 — confirm your exact figure with the DTMO BAH calculator.
Does Travis AFB get BAH or OHA?
Travis 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 Travis AFB?
On-base family housing at Travis AFB is currently moderate, with typical wait times around 4-8 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 Travis AFB?
The local cost-of-living index near Travis AFB is about 124.60 (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 Travis AFB?
Expect a mediterranean, hot dry summers, mild winters climate at Travis AFB. Factor seasonal weather into your PCS timing and your housing search.
What cities are near Travis AFB?
Travis AFB is close to Fairfield, Vacaville, Suisun City, Vallejo, where many families look for off-base housing, schools, and amenities.
PCSing to Travis 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 Travis AFB.
Explore Travis AFB on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the Travis AFB community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.