standard of living

American  

noun

1. a grade or level of subsistence and comfort in everyday life enjoyed by a community, class, or individual.

   The well-educated generally have a high standard of living.

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standard of living British  

noun

1. a level of subsistence or material welfare of a community, class, or person

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standard of living Cultural  

1. A term describing the amount of goods and services that an average family or individual views as necessary.

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Etymology

Origin of standard of living

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Zug is even more beautiful today, with a high standard of living and broad cultural possibilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

The trade body estimates the level of income needed to have a minimum, moderate or comfortable standard of living as a pensioner each year.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

They argue consumers are just running in place; higher inflation means their standard of living isn’t getting any better.

From MarketWatch • May 16, 2026

"Mortgages aren't cheap, your standard of living isn't cheap," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

The only bright spot is, I get Haymitch to hire Hazelle as a housekeeper, resulting in some extra money for her and greatly increasing Haymitch’s standard of living.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins