I commuted for four years and have lived in base for three years. My first year living in base I made $20k more than my last year as a commuter, and I didn't have to pay $200/month for hotel/crash pad.

Not commuting allowed me more time off which allowed me to pick up extra flying. It also allowed me to go after non-commutable trips that pay more. I was able to hold those being more junior because senior commuters don't want them.

Commuting for an extra $15-20k may actually not be worth it. It wouldn't have been for me.