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

The war has also contributed to higher global energy costs, which have fed into broader concerns over inflation and the cost of living. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

Although Vance said the war led Republicans to suffer losses, ABC News' Voter Poll of House voters found that voters nationally were more focused on other factors, including the cost of living, than the Iran war. — Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

The Democrat is running for Precinct 2 commissioner to create a government that works for everyday people, prioritizing lowering the cost of living, delivering excellent county services and protecting fundamental rights. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

The war in Iran, high gas prices, the stubbornly high cost of living, and blows to Trump’s popularity all contributed against the Republicans. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 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