Overseas COLA Data Collection & Surveys

To help determine COLA, data is collected from active duty Services members and representatives at OCONUS DoD locations.

Market Basket Price Data

The Retail Price Schedule was previously used to collect the costs of approximately 150 goods and services. As of 2026, market basket price data will be provided by a private contractor. Previously, pricing data was collected by Country Allowance Coordinators in each OCONUS location.

Living Pattern Survey

The annual Living Pattern Survey asks active duty Service members to identify how and where they purchase certain goods and services.

Active Living Pattern Surveys

The next Living Pattern Survey will be conducted from January 1 to March 30, 2026.