-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
Currently, a shortage of inventory has driven up the cost of living in Maui with home prices clocking in at a whopping three times the national average, The Guardian reported.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 May 2024
Most Coloradans now live in an HOA or metro district and nothing has increased the cost of living in this state as much as the excessive taxes imposed by developers through metro districts, which often come in addition to HOA fees.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, The Denver Post, 3 May 2024
The post-pandemic economy appears to have kicked families’ concerns over cost of living into high gear.
—Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 3 May 2024
And while the cost of living here is a little higher than the nation's average, the median home value is lower—$302,958.
—Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2024
Total monthly cost of living for retirees in Waukesha is $3,379 per month with the average rent cost being $1,365, according to GOBankingRates.com.
—Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2024
The cost of living crisis exacerbated these trends, Griffiths pointed out, creating a perfect storm for Europe’s automakers.
—Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 16 Apr. 2024
That, coupled a cost of living crunch and concerns over immigration, has helped diminish public support for the two traditional parties that have dominated Irish politics over the last century.
—Rob Picheta, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
Metrics included the cost of living index score, average retirement income among adults 65+, tax-friendliness for retirees, and average Medicare spending on personal health care.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cost of living.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1796, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near 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 18 May. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on cost of living
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cost of living
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share