cost of living

noun phrase

: the cost of purchasing those goods and services which are included in an accepted standard level of consumption

Examples of cost of living in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The cost of living in Fort Worth is increasing at astronomical rates, while the increase in salaries and wages are not. — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025 That’s largely due to differences in the cost of living across states, which is primarily driven by housing prices. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2025 Cesar says the political climate in the US and cost of living in the Los Angeles area both contributed to their decision to leave. — Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2025 Millennials in many ways are trapped at the moment, with most of their income being gobbled up by a higher cost of living. — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cost of living

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cost of living was in 1796

Rhymes for cost of living

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Browse Nearby Words

costo-
cost of living
cost-of-living index
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Cite this Entry

“Cost of living.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cost%20of%20living. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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Legal Definition

cost of living

cost of liv·​ing
: the cost of purchasing those goods and services which are included in an accepted standard level of consumption

More from Merriam-Webster on cost of living

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cost of living

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