WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
ˈcost of ˈliv•ing, n. [countable* usually singular: the + ~]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Businessthe average that one pays for necessary goods and services, as food, clothing, and rent:The cost of living has risen faster than the average working family's income.
cost′ of liv′ing,
cost′-of-liv′ing, adj.
- Businessthe 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.
- 1895–1900