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

Childcare providers say permanent business rate relief is a positive step, but does not take into account the impact the cost of living crisis and increased wage bills are having on the sector.

From BBC

High food and fuel prices have increased the cost of living for millions of citizens, increasing their frustration with the status quo.

From BBC

But it also found the number of people who mainly used cash for day-to-day spending hit a four year high owing to the cost of living.

From BBC

The ban was later delayed to 2025, with the Conservative government saying it wanted to give the food and drink industry time to prepare for the change because of the cost of living crisis.

From BBC

Reversing enrollment decline is a tall order given the high cost of living in L.A. and the slowdown in immigration.

From Los Angeles Times