cost of living

noun phrase

: the cost of purchasing those goods and services which are included in an accepted standard level of consumption

Examples of cost of living in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As with most Californians, the rising cost of living and especially the price of housing are major concerns for constituents. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Republicans have to campaign without having done much to address the cost of living. — Amber Phillips, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026

Perriello is trying to make the campaign about healthcare and the cost of living, particularly the challenges facing rural communities. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026

And some Republicans are pushing to take up other bills to address voters' frustrations with the cost of living. — Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cost of living

• unforgiving
• almsgiving
• caregiving
• forgiving
• misgiving
• nonliving
• reliving
• thanksgiving
• giving
• sieving

Legal Definition

cost of living

cost of liv·​ing

: the cost of purchasing those goods and services which are included in an accepted standard level of consumption