Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) 2026: How Salaries Keep Pace
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Survey
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
All figures are estimates based on publicly available data. Use the linked calculators to model your own situation.
Related Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How is COLA calculated for 2026?▼
Government COLAs use the year-over-year change in CPI-W for the third-quarter reference period. Private employers often reference general inflation benchmarks or skip formal COLA calculations entirely.
Will my private-sector job get a COLA in 2026?▼
Most private employers do not grant automatic, labeled COLAs. Instead they bundle inflation coverage into annual review pools, so you must explicitly ask how much of any raise represents inflation neutralization.
How do I know if my raise kept up with inflation?▼
Compare your raise percentage to the CPI and also run a personal spending comparison for your biggest categories. Your personal inflation rate may differ from the official index.
What should I do if my raise trails inflation?▼
Document the gap using budgeting or cost-of-living tools, prepare evidence of your work contributions, and schedule a conversation about base pay or explore comparable openings at other firms.