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.
On Wednesday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and core CPI data will be published, shedding light on inflationary trends and the cost of living. Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024 Some residents also expressed reluctance to support the measure, citing the already high cost of living as their main deterrent. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024 Republicans blast Harris' handling of economy Walz said Harris would prioritize lowering the cost of living for families and putting money back in people’s pockets. Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 4 Nov. 2024 Trump has promised to get the cost of living under control by shaking things up. Matt Egan, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near cost of living

Cite this Entry

“Cost of living.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cost%20of%20living. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!