COLA rates drop in Japan

I am curious to know how this will impact those USG Civilians living on the local economy in Japan. Please share your opinion!

Cost of living allowances dropped this week for civilian workers at Yokota, Iwakuni, Camp Zama and Misawa and on Okinawa, according to new rates released by the State Department.The change follows a similar drop at other military installations in Japan earlier this month as the dollar gained some strength against the Japanese yen.The civilian post allowance index in those five areas dropped from 50 to 42, meaning a decrease of about $195 per month for a civilian with a family of three making $55,000 per year.The post allowance is meant to offset higher costs of living overseas.The State Department updates the figures biweekly. To see rate tables, go to: http://aoprals.state.gov.Picture credit: Stars & Stripes[ad#468x60-ad]