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cost of living

noun phrase
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Definition of cost of living

: the cost of purchasing those goods and services which are included in an accepted standard level of consumption

First Known Use of cost of living

1796, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of cost of living was in 1796

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Dictionary Entries Near cost of living

costo-

cost of living

cost-of-living index

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Cite this Entry

“Cost of living.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cost%20of%20living. Accessed 6 Dec. 2021.

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More Definitions for cost of living

cost of living

noun

English Language Learners Definition of cost of living

: the amount of money that is required in a particular area or society to pay for the basic things that people need (such as food, clothing, and housing)

cost of living

cost of liv·​ing

Legal Definition of cost of living

: 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

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