Living Expenses
Living expenses, including utilities and maintenance, are covered for Air Force members who choose to live in on-base housing/apartments. Based on rank and geographic location, a monthly tax-free housing allowance is provided for off-base residents.
Single military members are provided space in the barracks for living quarters. Lower enlisted military are often required to live on post when they are single. In addition, they are also provided all of their meals in the chow hall on post at no cost. For higher-enlisted single military members or officers, off-post privileges may be granted. If the military member is allowed to live off post, a housing allowance will be provided based on rank and the zip code of the military base or post. When living off post, a subsistence allowance is also provided for food that is no longer able to be consumed in the chow hall.
If the military member is married, he will have the option to live on post in family housing at no cost or he will be provided a housing allowance to live off post. It is important to note that the housing allowance is a set amount and is not dependent on the actual costs of living arrangements. Military members will need to budget accordingly when securing housing to ensure that the housing allowance covers the costs of living off post.
Food Allowance
Enlisted personnel receive daily food allowances, and single Airmen may opt to receive “Rations in Kind” meal accounts that allow them to eat as many as four meals a day in the on-base dining facility for free. These facilities provide a large selection of home-cooked meals along with a variety of fast-food options.
You’ll also save by shopping at tax-free grocery stores on base.