As a Marine veteran who has navigated the stress of relocating, I know that receiving PCS orders to Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, or the 7th Special Forces Group means you have to make every dollar of your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) count. In my latest Emerald Coast Unfiltered video, I broke down exactly what you can expect when analyzing the cost of living in Crestview, Florida.
Overall, living in Crestview is about 6% cheaper than the national average, but the real advantage for military buyers is the housing market. Housing costs here sit at 21.1% below the national average. While the national average for a home is around $403,000, Crestview's average is a much more accessible $318,000. When you compare that to neighboring markets like Niceville ($500,000), Fort Walton Beach ($375,000), or Destin ($700,000), Crestview offers the best opportunity to maximize your purchasing power and get more square footage for your VA loan.
Taxes, Utilities, and Daily Expenses
Florida’s zero state income tax is a massive benefit that feels like an immediate pay raise when you move here. Total sales tax is 7%, broken down into 6% for the state and 1% for Okaloosa County.
If you are calculating your monthly mortgage payment, understanding property taxes and utilities is critical:
Property Taxes: The average tax rate in Crestview is approximately 0.795%. For a $285,000 home, expect to pay around $2,200 annually, and that is before applying your Florida homestead exemption.
Zip Code Differences: Crestview is split into two zip codes: 32536 (0.84% tax rate) and 32539 (0.75% tax rate).
Utility Providers: Outside city limits, Chelco typically costs $120 to $150 per month, while FPL inside the city limits runs between $200 and $250 per month.
Groceries: The area is expanding with two Walmarts, two Publix locations, two Aldis, and some CVS, Walgreens, and Dollar General locations as well. Healthcare Costs: It is important to note that North Okaloosa Medical Center consistently ranks as one of the most expensive hospitals in the country, which is something to consider for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Renting vs. Buying With Your BAH
If you prefer to rent while getting a feel for the Florida Panhandle, expect to pay roughly $2,000 a month for a three-to-four-bedroom house around 1,800 square feet. Apartment rentals range from $1,300 to $1,500 for a one-bedroom and up to $2,000 for a three-bedroom unit.
However, with VA loan benefits offering zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance, using your BAH to build equity in a Crestview property is a strong financial strategy. When you are shopping from out of state, my team utilizes 3D Matterport tours, virtual staging, and twilight photography to give you a completely accurate feel for a property before you ever arrive in town so you can confidently make offers remotely.
The Crestview Compromise: Traffic and Entertainment
Crestview will stretch your BAH the furthest, but it requires a few compromises.
Highway 85 Commute: The biggest drawback is the traffic on Highway 85. From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday, expect heavy congestion as everyone leaves the military bases and heads north.
Local Entertainment: Crestview has a lack of family entertainment options directly within the city. Most locals drive down to Fort Walton Beach, Destin, or Pensacola for weekend activities.
For a complete breakdown of neighborhoods, gate commutes, and housing options, download my free Unfiltered Eglin AFB Relocation Guide directly from this site.
