CONUS COLA (Cost of Living Allowance)

When a military member is assigned to a high cost of living area within the continental United States (CONUS), they may be entitled to CONUS COLA. By law, a high-cost area is a location where a Service member’s cost of living is at least 8% higher than the average cost of living in the CONUS.

The allowance may also be paid to a member serving an unaccompanied assignment outside the continental United States (OCONUS) if a dependent resides in the high-cost area. The DODFMR Volume 7, Chapter 67 covers the rules regarding CONUS COLA. You can use the CONUS COLA Rate Lookup tool at CONUS COLA Rate Lookup. CONUS COLA is a taxable entitlement.

Military Pay & Entitlements Series
1. Introduction
2. Basic Pay
3. Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) – Food Allowance
4. Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAH) – Housing Allowance
5. Common Deductions
6. How to Read Your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
7. Uniform and Clothing Allowances
8. Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
9. Special and Incentive Pays
10. Additional Special and Incentive Pays
11. Overseas or Station Allowance
12. PCS and Travel
13. Special Situations

Military Pay & Entitlements Series – Printable Version of the Whole Series

Explore More with My Military Lifestyle and Finances!