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

Along with affordable homes, Lupo said, the best cities for first-time buyers also provide lower crime rates, good schools and a lower overall cost of living. — Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026

Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama became familiar names for Americans seeking a lower cost of living, better weather, or simply a different pace of life. — Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Analysts have said that between 60 and 70 percent of consumers are turning to second-hand shopping specifically to buffer their cost of living and maintain premium brand access at lower financial inputs. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 20 July 2026

In April 2026, 79% of adults in Great Britain reported an increase in their cost of living compared with the previous month. — Callum Sutherland, Time, 20 July 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