José "Pepe" Ávalo, a Cuban native residing in Sarasota, Florida, and a member of the United States Army, has released a video outlining the housing arrangements for troops stationed in Italy, which is known for its high living costs in Europe.
Through his Facebook profile, Ávalo explained that married soldiers, regardless of whether they have children, or those with a rank higher than Staff Sergeant, typically reside in houses within military base neighborhoods. However, these homes are currently undergoing renovation.
Due to this situation, the Army provides already contracted homes in nearby communities, allowing military personnel to live without paying rent or utilities—benefits that are added to their salary.
If these houses are unavailable or unsuitable, soldiers have the alternative of finding their own accommodation with the help of a realtor provided by the Army.
In such cases, military members receive additional monthly allowances to cover rent and utilities—an option Ávalo himself utilized. To give an example, he mentioned that even a junior enlisted soldier stationed in Italy with their family could receive $1,768 monthly for rent and another $1,807 for utilities, reflecting the high European costs, especially for gas.
Ávalo noted that military personnel often face higher rent charges than local residents, but the system is designed so that, with good management, soldiers can cover expenses and still have funds for travel, investments, or savings.
He clarified that this housing scheme operates similarly at other U.S. bases worldwide, though the amounts differ according to the cost of living in each location. Within the United States, rent and utilities are combined into a single monthly allowance.
Regarding single soldiers or those ranked below Staff Sergeant, Ávalo stated that they are housed in modern dormitories or barracks, far from the shacks or makeshift structures some might imagine.
The service member emphasized that quality of life is not determined by base salary but by the array of benefits that come with service, including the housing program.
He encouraged anyone with questions to leave them in the comments.
Ávalo's video is part of his growing public presence in recent months. A few weeks ago, he shared memories on social media of his time as an emergency teacher in Cuba, describing it as a "failed experiment of the dictatorship," where at 16, he was placed in charge of a classroom after just a six-month course.
His story, which went viral, coincided with the announcement of his promotion to sergeant in the U.S. Army—a contrast that many users highlighted as part of a journey marked by breakthroughs, effort, and social mobility.
Understanding U.S. Army Housing Benefits in Italy
How does the U.S. Army assist soldiers in finding housing in Italy?
The Army provides contracted homes in nearby communities or assists soldiers in finding their own housing with the help of a realtor. Soldiers receive additional allowances to cover rent and utilities if they choose the latter option.
What are the housing options for single soldiers in Italy?
Single soldiers or those ranked below Staff Sergeant are accommodated in modern dormitories or barracks, offering comfortable living conditions while stationed in Italy.
Do housing allowances differ based on location?
Yes, the allowances vary according to the cost of living in each location. This ensures that soldiers can maintain a standard of living appropriate to their assigned area.