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Biloxi
The overall cost of living in Biloxi is approximately 14% lower than the national average. A typical home costs around $278,000. This is about 31.0% less expensive than the 2026 national average of $403,100 and 70.8% more expensive than the updated average Mississippi home price of $162,800. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Biloxi costs approximately $1,240 per month, which is about 17.3% cheaper than the national average of $1,500 and 27.2% more than the state average of $975.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs' cost of living is about 10% less expensive than the national average. A typical home in 2026 costs around $270,000. This is roughly 33.0% less expensive than the national average of $403,100 and 65.8% more expensive than the average Mississippi home at $162,800. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Ocean Springs costs approximately $1,320 per month, which is 12.0% cheaper than the national average of $1,500 and 35.4% more than the state average of $975.
Gulfport
The cost of living in Gulfport is about 15% lower than the national average. A typical home costs approximately $202,000, which is 49.9% less expensive than the national average of $403,100 and 24.1% more expensive than the average Mississippi home at $162,800. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Gulfport remains affordable at around $1,080 per month. This is 28.0% cheaper than the national average of $1,500 and about 10.8% more than the state average of $975.
Hurricane Season: The Gulf Coast's hurricane season is June 1st - November 1st. It is mandatory for base housing residents to either evacuate to another location or go to an identified shelter when so directed. The base provides a wealth of information and offers frequent training to properly prepare individuals for the hurricane season.
Cell phone use is strictly prohibited while driving on base.
No weapons or explosives are allowed to be transported on the installation. Housing residents must register weapons with 81 SFS upon arrival. Dorm residents must secure all weapons in the base armory.
Notes for NPS Technical Training Students and their Spouses at Keesler:
Concurrent travel is approved for non-prior service airmen whose course length is 20 weeks or more. Check with the 81 LRS/TMO office and finance before moving family to ensure you receive reimbursement/entitlements you may be eligible for.
Transportation Management Office (TMO) for NPS Technical Training Students:
Commercial 228-377-1263, DSN 312-597-1263
NPS Technical Training Students Finance Office:
Commercial 228-377-2770., DSN 312-597-2770
Check with the Military and Family Readiness Annex (in the rm 130 of the Levitow bldg.) for helpful information on family support and general information.
The major command at Keesler is the Air Education and Training Command. The 81st Training Wing's mission is to train, develop and inspire warfighters. The 81st Training Group is responsible for nearly 500 training courses both locally, at detachments and satellite locations.
The 81st Training Group Mission Statement: Train, develop and inspire warfighters.
Keesler is part of Air Education and Training Command, and our primary mission since 1941 has been training. The emphasis is on high-technology training in a number of fields, primarily in the electronics specialties. Technical resident courses include career fields such as personnel, information management, air traffic control, finance, manpower, communications-electronics maintenance, computer operation, maintenance and programming, weather, metrology, aircraft warning and control systems and radio operations. For a thorough history of the installation visit Keesler's homepage.
There are approximately 5,100 active duty military, 1,625 civil service employees, 13,000 retirees, 4,763 family members and 2,700 contractors on Keesler AFB.
Local population numbers according to Neilson Research:
Keesler AFB is located in Biloxi, Mississippi on the Gulf Coast. There are strong military ties throughout the area. Thirteen miles to the west is the Naval Construction Battalion "Seabee" Base. Additionally, there are large military contractors in the area. Keesler AFB is located approximately 1 hour east of New Orleans, LA; 1 hour west of Mobile, AL; and 3 hours south of Jackson, MS. The base operator's phone number is 228-377-1110, DSN 312-597-1110. For more information on the Biloxi area, visit the City of Biloxi webpage https://biloxi.ms.us/.
From Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
There are no flights arriving or departing on Keesler AFB. The closest commercial airport is the Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport. Airlines servicing Gulfport-Biloxi Airport include: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines. With year-round direct flights to Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and Houston; seasonal nonstop flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul and Orlando; recently announced nonstop flights to Las Vegas and Tampa; as well as connections to hundreds of locations in the US and Worldwide, there is no easier way to fly! Taxi Cabs do service Keesler from the airport and Uber / Lyft are both popular here.
From Regional Airports
There is also an airport in New Orleans approximately one hour west of Keesler AFB. New Orleans Airport is served by most major carriers including American, United, and Southwest Airlines. Mobile, AL also hosts a regional airport and is approximately 1 hour east of Keesler AFB. There are no shuttle services from the New Orleans Airport; taxi fares are $200 or more.
Please contact your sponsor and advise them of your estimated arrival time and flight information if applicable prior to your arrival at Keesler AFB.
From the West
Travelers leaving from the Gulfport-Biloxi Airport, New Orleans Airport, and anywhere west of Keesler should take I-10 East. Proceed to I-110 South and follow signs to Keesler Air Force Base.
From the East
Travelers leaving the Mobile Airport and anywhere east of Keesler should take I-10 West and proceed to I-110 South. Signs on the Interstate will direct you to the I-110 connector that leads to Biloxi and Keesler. Exit I-110 at Division Street and follow Division St. directly to the gate. You will travel straight into the base and turn right on Larcher Blvd. Tyer House, where you check in for lodging, is the 24-hour arrival point. Tyer House can be located by driving straight on Larcher until you come to the Medical Center, turn left and Tyer House will be located on your right. Upon checking in, please remember to contact your sponsor for additional direction and information.
The Base Shuttle can transport you to most locations on base during duty hours Monday through Friday.
There is a shuttle for TDY students who must billet off base. Please check with Billeting and/or Base Transportation for information on pick up times at your hotel in the morning and times it can return you to your hotel in the afternoon.
228-377-1110 and then follow prompts accordingly.