2026 CONUS COLA Calculator

Find Location By

Years of Service: 4

Dependency Status

Select a location, pay grade, and years of service to calculate your CONUS COLA.

Note: CONUS COLA is a taxable allowance for non-housing costs in high-cost areas within the continental United States. Unlike BAH, COLA eligibility is determined by your duty station ZIP code, not just the military base.

2026 CONUS COLA by Location
Years of Service: 4

San Francisco, CA

$384

Oakland, CA

$288

Santa Clara County, CA

$240

New York City, NY

$192

Seattle, WA

$192

Staten Island, NY

$192

Los Angeles, CA

$144

Sacramento, CA

$144

Long Island, NY

$96

Westchester County, NY

$96

Baltimore, MD

$48

Camp Pendleton, CA

$48

Chicago, IL

$48

Everett, WA

$48

Marin/Sonoma, CA

$48

Nantucket, MA

$48

San Diego, CA

$48

Warrenton, VA

$48

Monthly CONUS COLA amounts for E-5 with 4 years of service (with dependents).

Understanding CONUS COLA

CONUS COLA (Continental United States Cost of Living Allowance) is a tax-free allowance paid to military members stationed in high-cost areas within the continental United States. It helps offset the higher cost of living at certain duty stations.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is CONUS COLA?

CONUS COLA is a tax-free allowance paid to military members stationed in high-cost areas within the continental United States where the cost of living exceeds the national average.

How is CONUS COLA calculated?

CONUS COLA is calculated based on the cost of living index for your duty location compared to the national average. It factors in housing, goods and services, and varies by pay grade and dependency status.

Is CONUS COLA taxable?

No, CONUS COLA is a tax-free allowance, similar to BAH. This makes the effective value higher than the stated amount.