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

In Marquette's poll, 35% of Americans said inflation and the cost of living was their top issue, and the economy was right behind it, with 15% listing it as their second highest concern. — Emily R. Condon, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

For young people just entering the workforce, high-unemployment coupled with the high cost of living added to their dissatisfaction. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Economic pain and the high cost of living were among the factors driving Iranians to protest on the streets earlier this year, in demonstrations that were met with a deadly government crackdown. — Emily Feng, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026

Her performance in her reelection bid against Democrat Troy Jackson will hinge on both the president’s popularity and cost of living, the latter of which Collins warned could rise in her state. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 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