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

But voters have consistently said that the cost of living and economy, not crime, are their top priorities. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2026

For Denver metro area buyers, that leaves the decision to purchase in a market where borrowing costs, home prices, and the overall cost of living are all competing factors. — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Many Americans, coping with the high cost of living, are increasingly relying on credit cards to help maintain their spending. — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Democrats hold an advantage on key issues like healthcare and the cost of living, according to the poll. — Terry Collins, USA Today, 15 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