If you're considering living off base but are still "on the fence" so to speak, the decision might have just become a little tougher.

In January 2010, an OHA increase was announced for Guam. Although the housing offices haven't yet acknowledged it (as of Jan 20), it's been made official and is available to the public on the internet.

E-5's and E-6's with saw the biggest increase (from $1700 to $2250 without dependents, and from $1900 to $2450 with dependents) and are now on par with the officer ranks. Even junior enlisted members saw an increase from $1700 per month to up to $2132 per month with dependents.

If you're considering off base housing, what this means to you is a little more home for your money. It's probable that the rents on Guam will now go up to keep pace with the increase in OHA. But maybe not.

Lately, Guam's landlords have been finding out the hard way that properties priced over the OHA level don't rent easily. Military members willing to get into their own money to supplement their OHA so they can afford nicer rentals pretty rare (and pretty smart).

What we saw in 2009, was the asking price of rentals being just above the OHA rate. For instance, instead of $1900 per month, properties were listed at $2000. Why? In hopes a service member would use and additional $100 out of their pocket to make up for the shortfall. After all, what's $100 per month? It's exactly $3600 at the end of a 3 year tour.

And if you're considering off base housing on Guam as an option during your assignment, let us know, we're happy to help you.