Cost of Living Adjustment 2018 Calculator

Use our Cost of Living Adjustment 2018 Calculator to determine how much your salary should increase in 2018 to account for rising living expenses. This tool helps you understand the COLA percentage and how it applies to your current salary.

What is Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)?

Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is a percentage increase applied to salaries, pensions, or other fixed-income payments to account for inflation. It ensures that the purchasing power of the money remains consistent with rising living expenses.

COLA is typically based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or similar inflation measures. For 2018, the COLA percentage was determined by government agencies or private organizations that track inflation rates.

Key Points

COLA is not the same as a salary raise - it's specifically tied to inflation
COLA percentages vary by year based on inflation rates
COLA is often applied to government benefits and some private sector contracts

How to Calculate COLA

The basic formula for calculating COLA is:

COLA Calculation Formula

COLA Amount = Current Salary × (COLA Percentage / 100)

Adjusted Salary = Current Salary + COLA Amount

For example, if your current salary is $50,000 and the 2018 COLA percentage is 2.5%, your COLA amount would be $1,250, and your adjusted salary would be $51,250.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Determine your current salary
Find the 2018 COLA percentage (typically provided by your employer or government agency)
Multiply your current salary by the COLA percentage (as a decimal)
Add the COLA amount to your current salary to get the adjusted salary

Important Notes

The actual COLA percentage for 2018 may vary depending on your location and specific circumstances
Some employers may apply COLA differently than the standard formula
COLA is not guaranteed and may be subject to change

COLA vs. Salary Raise

While both COLA and salary raises increase your income, they serve different purposes:

Feature	COLA	Salary Raise
Purpose	Accounts for inflation	Performance-based or company decision
Frequency	Annual (or more frequent)	Varies (often annually)
Determination	Based on inflation data	Based on company policy or performance
Guarantee	Not guaranteed	Not guaranteed (unless in contract)

In some cases, you might receive both a salary raise and COLA. The total increase would be the sum of both amounts.

Historical COLA Percentages

Here are the COLA percentages for recent years to give you context:

Year	COLA Percentage	Inflation Rate
2017	2.0%	2.1%
2018	2.5%	2.3%
2019	2.8%	2.4%
2020	1.3%	1.4%

Note that these percentages are approximate and may vary by location and specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2018 COLA percentage?: The exact 2018 COLA percentage varies by location and specific circumstances. You should check with your employer or government agency for the most accurate figure.
Is COLA the same as a salary raise?: No, COLA is specifically tied to inflation and accounts for rising living expenses, while a salary raise is typically based on performance or company policy.
How often is COLA applied?: COLA is typically applied annually, though some organizations may apply it more frequently based on quarterly or monthly inflation data.
Can I negotiate a higher COLA percentage?: In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a higher COLA percentage, especially if you have a strong case for needing additional compensation to cover rising costs.
What if my employer doesn't offer COLA?: If your employer doesn't offer COLA, you may need to advocate for a salary increase that accounts for inflation, or look for a new job that offers better benefits.