MCRD SAN DIEGO
MARINES
San Diego, CA
United States
MCRD SAN DIEGO
MARINES
San Diego, CA
United States
MCRD San Diego
Where Marines Are Made
Base Essentials
The Marine Corps Recruit Depot where West Coast Marines are made — a small urban installation embedded in San Diego with full access to America's Finest City and California's higher cost of living.
Base Details
Type
Marine Corps Base
Branch
MARINES
Command
TECOM
Status
Active
Est.
1919
Acres
428
Active Duty
4,000
Civilian
1,500
Population
3,300,000
Economic Impact
—
MCRD San Diego History
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego has been making Marines since 1919. Located on a compact site along San Diego Bay, it trains all male Marine recruits from west of the Mississippi River. The depot's Iwo Jima flag-raising arch is an iconic symbol of the transformation from civilian to Marine. Recent policy changes require the depot to train both male and female recruits by 2028, driving facilities modernization and training adjustments.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
—
—
Historic Timeline
1542
Cabrillo Explores San Diego Bay
1769
Father Serra's First Mission
1850
California Statehood and Incorporation
1867
Horton Develops Downtown San Diego
1922
Naval Base San Diego Established
2013
Naval Base Coronado Environmental Award
—
View Key Moments
(6)
1542
Cabrillo Explores San Diego Bay
Portuguese navigator Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into San Diego harbor in September 1542, naming it San Miguel after arriving on the eve of the feast of St. Michael the archangel.
1769
Father Serra's First Mission
Father Junipero Serra established the first California mission, San Diego de Alcala, at what is now Presidio Park, marking the beginning of Spanish settlement on the West Coast.
1850
California Statehood and Incorporation
When the United States gained control of California in 1850, both San Diego and Los Angeles became incorporated cities.
1867
Horton Develops Downtown San Diego
Alonzo E. Horton arrived and purchased 1,000 acres, on which present-day downtown San Diego rests, shifting the city's center from Old Town toward the bay.
1922
Naval Base San Diego Established
Naval Base San Diego was established by Acting Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt Jr., beginning its enduring mission to support the fleet, fighter, and family.
2013
Naval Base Coronado Environmental Award
NBC won the Secretary of the Navy's environmental award for natural resources conservation for a large installation, recognizing success in supporting military readiness while sustaining natural resources.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for MCRD San Diego.
MCRD San Diego Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for MCRD San Diego.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from MCRD San Diego.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to MCRD San Diego.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Marine Corps Family Services (MCFS) — Relocation Assistance
In-Processing
Marines and Sailors arriving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego report to their gaining unit's administrative section during duty hours. MCRD San Diego is the West Coast recruit training installation and has a large permanent party of drill instructors, training cadre, and headquarters staff. Unit S1 initiates check-in and coordinates in-processing appointments.
In-processing covers Military Personnel, Finance, medical enrollment at the Branch Medical Clinic, and housing. MCFS at (619) 524-1735 coordinates the mandatory Newcomers Orientation and welcome packets. As a training installation in a major metro area (San Diego), housing costs are among the highest in the Marine Corps — begin housing research well before your report date.
MCRD San Diego is located within the City of San Diego, adjacent to San Diego International Airport and the waterfront. The San Diego metro area is one of the most desirable military assignments in the country, offering world-class beaches, weather, and quality of life. However, BAH-to-rent ratios are challenging — plan finances carefully and consider all available housing areas.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for MCRD San Diego.
9,000
units
/
CA038
MHA
MCRD San Diego is a recruit training installation with minimal permanent-party family housing. Most permanent-party personnel live off-post throughout the San Diego metro area, which encompasses one of the country's largest and most expensive housing markets. The San Diego MHA BAH rates are among the highest in the Marine Corps system. San Diego offers extensive off…
Local Market
$3,200/mo
rent
/
$900,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around MCRD San Diego
160
60% Above National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near MCRD San Diego.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
2
High Schools
View schools
2
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
2
Other Schools
View schools
Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego sits on San Diego Bay in the heart of one of America's most desirable military cities. San Diego's climate, beaches, and lifestyle make it perennially one of the top-rated duty station cities. However, the cost of living — particularly housing — is among the highest in the US military system. BAH rates are correspondingly high.
Linda Vista / Mission Valley
Urban
The communities immediately north of MCRD along I-8 — Linda Vista and Mission Valley — offer the shortest commutes with urban character. San Diego Unified serves the area. Mission Valley's Fashion Valley mall, SDSU proximity, and the Mission Bay and Pacific Beach beaches are nearby. Housing is dense and expensive, but for singles and couples without school-age children, the central location is hard to beat.
Commute: 10 min
Schools: San Diego Unified School District
Single service members
Dual military
Retirees
Central San Diego location, Fashion Valley and Mission Valley retail, Mission Bay access, SDSU and University of San Diego proximity
Poway / Scripps Ranch
Suburban
North of San Diego, Poway Unified School District is consistently ranked among San Diego County's best. Poway and Scripps Ranch offer suburban single-family neighborhoods with excellent schools, a strong community culture, and access to the Cleveland National Forest. The commute to MCRD via I-15 and I-8 runs 30–40 minutes. Many career NCO and officer families choose Poway for the school quality investment.
Commute: 35 min
Schools: Poway Unified School District
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Top San Diego County schools, suburban family character, Iron Mountain hiking access, strong home values, cleaner air than coast
Chula Vista / Bonita
Suburban
South of San Diego near the Mexican border, Chula Vista has grown dramatically with planned communities in eastern Chula Vista (Eastlake, Otay Ranch) featuring newer construction and Sweetwater Union HSD schools. The commute to MCRD is 20–30 minutes via I-805. Mexican border proximity means incredible authentic Tijuana dining options just minutes away. Housing is slightly more affordable than north San Diego County suburbs.
Commute: 25 min
Schools: Sweetwater Union High School District / Chula Vista Elementary
Families with kids
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Outdoorsy types
Newer east Chula Vista planned communities, Otay Ranch retail, Tijuana border dining culture, more affordable than north county
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at MCRD San Diego.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully taxed
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
California taxes active duty military pay for California legal residents at rates up to 13.3% — among the highest margin…
Spouse Income Tax
California taxes military pay if stationed in CA. Spouses may claim domicile elsewhere under MSRRA.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military can keep home-state plates but may owe use tax on vehicle purchase.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemption. Prop 13 limits assessment increases.
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Pet Policies at MCRD San Diego
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at MCRD San Diego.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Temporary Lodging
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at MCRD San Diego.
Commissary
3
North Island Commissary
Exchange
MCX
Medical
11
Naval Medical Center San Diego — Medical Center
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
4
Fitness Center
Golf Course
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MCRD San Diego.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Gate 5 (Main Gate / Washington Street) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for MCRD San Diego.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near MCRD San Diego.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.