What Is Air Force Cost of Living Allowance Calculator

The Air Force Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is a monthly payment provided to service members and their families to help offset the higher cost of living in certain locations. This calculator helps you determine your estimated COLA based on your duty station and family size.

What is Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)?

Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is a financial benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Defense to military personnel and their dependents to help cover the additional expenses of living in areas with higher than average costs of living. The allowance is based on the Base Level Cost of Living (BLOC) and the cost of living differential for the specific duty station.

The Air Force COLA is calculated using the following formula:

COLA = (BLOC × COLA Rate) + (COLA Rate × Cost of Living Differential)

The BLOC is the base cost of living for a single person without dependents. The COLA rate is determined by the number of dependents and the cost of living differential for the duty station. The cost of living differential is the percentage difference between the cost of living at the duty station and the national average.

How to Calculate Air Force COLA

Calculating your Air Force COLA involves several steps:

Determine your duty station's cost of living differential
Identify your family size (number of dependents)
Find the current COLA rate for your family size
Calculate the BLOC for your family size
Apply the formula to get your estimated COLA

You can use our calculator below to quickly estimate your COLA based on your specific circumstances. The calculator uses the most recent COLA rates and BLOC values provided by the Department of Defense.

Factors Affecting COLA

Several factors influence the amount of COLA you receive:

Duty station location: The cost of living differential varies significantly between different locations
Family size: COLA increases with the number of dependents
COLA rates: These rates change periodically based on economic conditions
Base Level Cost of Living: The base amount varies by family size

It's important to note that COLA is not a fixed amount but is calculated based on these factors. The calculator provides an estimate based on current data, but actual amounts may vary.

Example Calculation

Let's look at an example to illustrate how COLA is calculated. Suppose you're stationed in San Diego with two dependents:

Given:

Cost of Living Differential for San Diego: 25%
Family size: 3 (you + 2 dependents)
Current COLA rate for 3 dependents: 1.25
BLOC for 3 dependents: $2,500

Calculation:

COLA = ($2,500 × 1.25) + (1.25 × 25%) COLA = $3,125 + $312.50 COLA = $3,437.50

This example shows that with a 25% cost of living differential and three dependents, the estimated monthly COLA would be $3,437.50.

FAQ

How often does COLA change?: COLA rates are typically updated annually based on economic conditions and changes in the cost of living.
Is COLA taxable?: Yes, COLA is considered taxable income and must be reported on your military tax form.
Can I receive COLA if I'm single?: Yes, even single service members can receive COLA if they're stationed in an area with a higher cost of living.
How do I find my duty station's cost of living differential?: You can find this information on the Department of Defense's official website or through your military installation's housing office.
Is COLA the same for all branches of the military?: Yes, the calculation method is similar across all military branches, though specific rates and BLOC values may vary slightly.