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
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For years, public-school teachers in Florida’s cities were paid more than those in rural areas, to compensate for their higher cost of living.
—
Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Worst States New Jersey was named the worst state to retire in due to the high cost of living and one of the nation’s steepest personal income tax rates.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
One way to economize in retirement is to find a state with a lower cost of living.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
According to the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, average monthly rent is $3,000, and the cost of living is 55 percent higher than the national average.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
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Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Worst States New Jersey was named the worst state to retire in due to the high cost of living and one of the nation’s steepest personal income tax rates.
—Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
One way to economize in retirement is to find a state with a lower cost of living.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
According to the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, average monthly rent is $3,000, and the cost of living is 55 percent higher than the national average.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cost of living
Cite this Entry
“Cost of living.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cost%20of%20living. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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