PCS, TDY, and TLE-friendly rentals near military bases: Airbnb vs Crewdogs

When I was an active duty Air Force officer, I was constantly on the move. My wife and I road tripped across the United States more times than I can count. Whether we were headed to Altus, Oklahoma for a long-term TDY or PCSing coast to coast, we were always searching for reliable, per diem friendly rentals near military bases.

Over the course of my 12-year Air Force career, we PCS’d five times — twice OCONUS — and I went TDY hundreds of times, both CONUS and abroad. Finding a comfortable, affordable place to stay that aligned with government lodging rates was a consistent challenge. We tried everything: Airbnbs, hotel chains, even staying with friends and family when we could. But the reality of military life — always moving, never quite settled — made finding PCS and TDY housing feel like a full-time job.

There’s a real need for property owners who understand the unique lifestyle of military travelers and who are willing to offer flexible, TDY and PCS-friendly rentals near bases across the country.

Check out this Veteran owned pet friendly PCS, TDY, or TLE rental near Charleston AFB & Charleston NWS

If you’re traveling on orders — whether it’s a PCS move, TDY assignment, or arrival at a new duty station — your three main lodging options are: Airbnb-style rentals, hotels, or military crashpads. Each has its pros and cons, especially when you’re looking for something that fits within your per diem rate and offers more than just a bed and four walls.

Airbnb rentals often provide a kitchen and extra living space, which can be a huge quality-of-life boost during longer TDY assignments. Cooking your own meals helps maintain a healthy routine and avoid the fast food trap — something every seasoned traveler learns the hard way.

That said, Airbnb doesn’t offer military discounts, and availability near bases can be hit or miss.

Major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Hyatt do offer military rates, but the discount is often minimal. And for long-term TDYs, hotel life wears thin quickly. After months in a small room with no kitchen, no real space to relax, and nothing that feels like home — trust me, it gets old fast.

Crashpads are another option, typically priced to match your TDY per diem. These are especially popular among single servicemembers, but they’re not always family-friendly and can be difficult to track down. Most don’t list publicly on Airbnb or VRBO, choosing instead to cater exclusively to the military community.

During my time in uniform, I often wished there was a better solution — something that made finding TDY rentals near a military base as easy as booking a hotel, but tailored for our community.

Book a Veteran owned PCS, TDY, or TLE friendly rental near Lackland AFB in San Antonio

That’s where Crewdogs comes in. Designed specifically for the military community, Crewdogs connects verified hosts and guests — all with military affiliation — to create a trusted platform for PCS and TDY rentals.

Whether you’re a host looking for dependable guests or a traveler on orders searching for PCS lodging or per diem-friendly housing near base, Crewdogs bridges the gap. Every member is verified through ID.me or a military email, so you know you’re staying with someone who gets it.

The Crewdogs platform filters out noise and spam, ensuring that only military-connected users can list or book. That means no more guesswork, no more awkward explanations — just trusted rentals from one military member to another.

Start your search here for TDY rentals near base and PCS housing that fits your per diem with our 'Per Diem Friendly' category.