CONUS Cost-of-Living Allowance

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To help offset the cost of living in higher cost areas, military members may be eligible for a Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA). COLA is designed to compensate for being stationed in certain "high-cost" locations in the continental United States (CONUS).

CONUS COLA Eligibility

You may qualify for CONUS COLA under any of these conditions:

  • You are assigned to a high-cost area in the Continental United States (CONUS). As of this writing, there are 20 such locations (military housing areas, or MHAs) in the U.S.
  • You are assigned to an unaccompanied tour of duty outside the continental United States if the primary dependent of the member resides in a high cost area in the continental United States.
  • It is determined that your primary dependent must reside in a high cost area in CONUS due to your duty location or other circumstances.

Important COLA Details

  • CONUS COLA is based on the ZIP code of your duty station, not your home address.
  • CONUS COLA is taxable
  • COLA is computed separately for members with and without dependents.

Calculate Your CONUS COLA Payment

To see out if you qualify for a CONUS COLA payment check out Military.com's Military Pay App.

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