Cost of living in GUM is misunderstood by many, IMO. Just realize you’re not likely going to be living in a spacious 5BR w/ a yard as very few of those exist out there. So if that’s what you’re used to, paying a similar cost for a smaller condo comes with a lot of up front sticker shock. Eventually, though, it’s about adjusting your expectations of space more so than your budget. My guess is that if that McMansion lifestyle is really that important to you it’s a good indicator that the base may not be a good fit.

Having said that, private schools are where the break even really starts to make itself felt. Depending on where you send them, a couple of kids can eat through that $3500 pretty quickly. If you’re out there without kids, or doing the homeschool thing that island pay can feel like gravy. If you’ve got a litter of kids in tow, not so much.