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The cost of living in Pennsylvania is relatively lower than other states in the Northeast region. For Carlisle, energy expenses are 8.4% lower than the national average; foods costs 24.8% less than the national average; healthcare is 4.6% lower than the national average; housing is 15.1% lower than the national average; and, transportation costs 11.9% less than the national average. (Data Source: Salary.com Cost of Living Calculator)
The cost of living in Carlisle, PA increased by 1.5% from a year ago in 2025. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, Housing. Carlisle, PA has a Best Places Cost of living score of 95.4, which is 4.6% lower than the U.S. average and 0.8% lower than the average for Pennsylvania. The median rent in Pennsylvania is roughly $1237.00 and the median home sales price is $292.100. Source: Consumeraffairs.com.
The Carlisle Barracks directory can be reached by calling 717-245-3131 or DSN 312-242-3131.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. The operator can also be reached at (717) 245-3131. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.
U.S. Army Garrison Carlisle Barracks provides integrated base support to the U.S. Army War College and surrounding military communities to enhance readiness.
Carlisle Barracks is the second oldest Army installation, dating back to 1745, when British soldiers created the "Camp near Carlisle." In December 1776, the Continental Congress authorized establishment of an ordinance center at Washingtonburg, as the Barracks was called during the Revolutionary War. Carlisle Barracks was the home of the Indian Industrial School where the All-American football halfback Jim Thorpe attended. Carlisle Barracks now supports the U.S. Army War College, a field operating agency of the U.S. Army, which educates and prepares military officers for leadership at the highest levels.
Carlisle's population, based on 2022 Census estimate is 22,203. The Harrisburg-Carlisle metro statistical area has a population of 606,055.
As of March 2025, Carlisle Barracks serves 744 full-time military as well as 1,172 full-time civilians, (to include DA, PCS Students Civilians, Contractors and Others). On average 91 TDY full -time military and 4 TDY Student civilians. Total Post Population of 2011.
Carlisle Barracks is located in Cumberland County in South Central Pennsylvania, near the state capital of Harrisburg. Agriculture, tourism, industry, and services all play vital roles in the local economies. Harrisburg, and nearby Hershey, combine to form a nucleus of culture, education, healthcare, and government. Carlisle Barracks, is one of the oldest active military posts in the United States. The cost of living in Cumberland County compares favorably to those of the metropolitan areas and adjacent counties. Carlisle Barracks sits in the Cumberland Valley with the Appalachian mountains to the south and the Blue Ridge mountains to the north.
If you're traveling by air, Harrisburg International Airport serves the Cumberland Valley with more 120 flights daily and is just a thirty minute drive from Carlisle. For more information visit the airport's website.
From Harrisburg International Airport
Carlisle Barracks is adjacent to Carlisle, Pennsylvania: 18 miles west of Harrisburg, PA - 27 miles north of Gettysburg. The Army installation is located almost two miles west of the Carlisle interchange of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-81.
Map your route to 870 Jim Thorpe Road, Carlisle 17013 (open 24 hours/7 days)
NOTE: Do not map your route directly to an on-base address - you risk that your mapping system will direct you to make an unauthorized entry, with resulting police intervention and possible citation.
Carlisle Barracks is located approximately 18 miles west of Harrisburg, on US-11 and I-81. The main gate is the Claremont Gate, located at 875 Jim Thorpe Rd.
Map your route to 875 Jim Thorpe Road, Carlisle, PA 17013 (open 24 hours/7 days)
DO Use '875 Jim Thorpe Road' ... and then follow signage on post to your destination.
From Harrisburg International Airport or via PA Turnpike (I-76)
From North or South on I-81
From DC area
ALTERNATE ROUTE
No public transportation is provided on the installation.