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

Millions of Americans are borrowing money or draining their savings to buy groceries, highlighting the financial strain many households face as the cost of living rises, new research has found. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 13 July 2026

But vetoing the bill could have been politically damaging for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections, with the rising cost of living and housing on the top of voters' minds. — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Politics, climate change, employment challenges posed by AI, the cost of living, migration, and food and water security are all set to be significant issues in upcoming decades. — Al Kingsley Mbe, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Families are feeling squeezed by rising housing costs, worsening traffic, and the increasing cost of living. — Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 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