CONUS COLA Calculator
Check if your duty station qualifies for CONUS COLA and see your approximate monthly rate using official 2026 DTMO data.
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E-5 · w/dep · Monterey, CA
Annual: $5,160· Taxable
CONUS COLA Lookup
How Much CONUS COLA Does an E-5 at Monterey, CA Receive?
Scenario: E-5 stationed at the Naval Postgraduate School or Defense Language Institute, Monterey, CA (ZIP 93940). Monterey is one of the highest-tier CONUS COLA locations — one of the most expensive duty stations in the continental U.S.
What this means:An E-5 with dependents at the Naval Postgraduate School receives $5,160/year in additional pay specifically because Monterey's cost of living far exceeds the national average — even accounting for BAH. Unlike BAH, CONUS COLA is taxable income, so the net value after federal taxes at the 12% marginal bracket is approximately $4,541/year. It is still a meaningful supplement for one of the most expensive duty stations in the country.
What is CONUS COLA?
CONUS COLA (Continental U.S. Cost of Living Allowance) is a supplemental pay entitlement for service members stationed in high-cost CONUS locations where the cost of living substantially exceeds the national average. It is paid in addition to BAH and BAS — it does not replace or reduce those allowances.
CONUS COLA is governed by 37 U.S.C. § 403b and administered by the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), which publishes official rates by location, grade, and dependency status each fiscal year.
How CONUS COLA differs from BAH
| Feature | BAH | CONUS COLA |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Offset housing costs | Offset overall high cost of living |
| Who receives it | All members assigned to CONUS duty stations | Members at specific high-cost CONUS locations only |
| Taxable? | No — tax-free | Yes — taxable income |
| Basis | Pay grade + ZIP code + dependency status | Pay grade + qualifying area + dependency status |
| Updated | January 1 each year | Annually by DTMO |
| Paid together? | Yes — both can be paid simultaneously | Yes — paid in addition to BAH |
Which areas qualify for CONUS COLA?
CONUS COLA is authorized for locations where the cost of goods and services exceeds the national average by a threshold defined by DTMO. The qualifying areas are predominantly in California (Bay Area, Monterey, Los Angeles, San Diego, and surrounding counties), the Northeast (New York City metro, Boston, and Connecticut), and the National Capital Region.
Most CONUS duty stations do not qualify — CONUS COLA is a relatively narrow entitlement compared to BAH. Members stationed at installations like Fort Bragg (Fayetteville, NC), Fort Hood (Killeen, TX), or most Midwest and Southeast installations do not receive CONUS COLA.
DTMO updates the qualifying areas list annually. If your duty station is near a borderline area, verify using the official DTMO tool at travel.dod.mil.
CONUS COLA and your tax picture
Unlike BAH and BAS, which are excluded from federal income tax, CONUS COLA is fully taxable. This is an important distinction when calculating your total take-home compensation.
If you receive $300/month in CONUS COLA and are in the 22% federal tax bracket, your after-tax benefit is approximately $234/month ($300 × 0.78). Factor this in when comparing duty station financial packages — the pre-tax COLA amount overstates the actual take-home value.
Related calculators
- Total Military Compensation Calculator — See your full compensation package including BAH, BAS, and tax advantages
- BAH Calculator — Look up your Basic Allowance for Housing by ZIP code and pay grade
- PCS Cost Estimator — Estimate DLA, MALT mileage, per diem, and PPM net proceeds for your next move
Disclaimer
MilPayTools calculators use official DoD and VA rate tables (2026) for educational purposes only. Results are estimates and may not reflect your exact situation. Always verify your pay and benefits with your unit's Finance Office, your MyPay account, or an accredited military financial counselor. Tax calculations are illustrative estimates — consult a tax professional for personalized advice. This tool is not affiliated with the Department of Defense, the VA, or any government agency.
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