cost of living

American  

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.

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cost of living British  

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

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cost of living Cultural  

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

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Discover More

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

Derived Forms

• cost-of-living
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of cost of living

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Australia's economy minister said this week that "legitimate" concerns over housing and the cost of living were driving support for the party.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

“The cost of living and the cost of doing business will have likely increased, weighing on activity and investment”, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The election comes at a time when many are struggling to make ends meet in the Golden State, which has the highest cost of living in the country.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

As in prior years, the pollsters noted, each of the voters’ priority issues for elected officials to address — from cost of living to healthcare to housing — “are all driven by pocketbook concerns.”

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

“We want you to organize a committee against the high cost of living ...” “The high cost of living?”

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright