cost of living

noun

1. the average cost of food, clothing, and other necessary or usual goods and services paid by a person, family, etc., or considered as a standard by the members of a group.

cost of living

noun

1. 1. the basic cost of the food, clothing, shelter, and fuel necessary to maintain life, esp at a standard regarded as basic or minimal
   2. ( as modifier )

      the cost-of-living index

2. the average expenditure of a person or family in a given period

cost of living

1. The average cost of the basic necessities of life, including food, shelter, and clothing.

Notes

In the United States, the cost of living is monitored in the consumer price index (formerly called the cost-of-living index), published monthly by the federal government.

Other Words From

• cost-of-living adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cost of living¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

But you would be wrong to think the cost of living crisis is over.

From BBC

The inflation rate, which charts the rising cost of living, increased to 2.3% in October.

From BBC

Khan launched the scheme in 2023 as a one-year emergency measure to help families with the cost of living, paid for using higher than expected business rate receipts.

From BBC

Darren Jones, chief secretary to the Treasury, said the government knew "families across Britain are still struggling with the cost of living".

From BBC

“Enough is enough. The state’s voters continue to support so-called progressive policies, but are drawing the line when it impacts their cost of living or quality of life.”

From Los Angeles Times