Okinawa - Post Report Question and Answers
What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
My house was pretty large. We had four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a large living room, and a separate laundry room. We had to drive to the Air Force in Kadena and that could take 20 to 45 minutes depending on the traffic. If you are part of DOD your house is tied to how much money you are entitled to according to rank and family size. If you are on active duty you will probably live on base. If you are civilian with DOD you will live off base. The housing companies know how much everyone gets for housing depending on rank so they will charge you accordingly. It is a lot cheaper for the japanese. It is different for contractors who don't have a housing allowance but you need to let the housing agency know that you they can give you a cheaper price. I am not sure how it works for consulate workers. - Jul 2021
