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.

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 Word Forms

• cost-of-living adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cost of living¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

He will say Chancellor Rachel Reeves's statement will help to alleviate cost of living pressures, lower inflation and ensure economic stability.

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Some retirees choose to move in an effort to save money and prioritize cost of living, while others want a new adventure in this next chapter of their lives.

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He also pledged to lower the cost of living.

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It’s expensive feeding and housing a family of seven, especially with increases in the cost of living.

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The journalists' contract has not been renewed since 2014, so unions want minimum salaries to reflect a sharp rise in the cost of living since then.

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