cost of living

Meaning

This term refers to the amount of money needed to sustain a basic standard of living, including expenses like housing, food, taxes, and healthcare. It is commonly used when comparing different cities or discussing the economy.

Examples

• The cost of living in New York is much higher than in most other cities.

  The cost of living in New York is much higher than in most other cities.

• Many young people are struggling due to the rising cost of living.

  Many young people are struggling due to the rising cost of living.

• We decided to move to a smaller town where the cost of living is more affordable.

  We decided to move to a smaller town where the cost of living is more affordable.

• Does your new salary package cover the high cost of living in Tokyo?

  Does your new salary package cover the high cost of living in Tokyo?

• Inflation has caused a sharp increase in the general cost of living this year.

  Inflation has caused a sharp increase in the general cost of living this year.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The living cost is very high here.

  ✓ The cost of living is very high here.

  While 'living cost' is occasionally understood, 'cost of living' is the standard, natural collocation used in English.

• ✗ The cost of life has increased recently.

  ✓ The cost of living has increased recently.

  Do not confuse 'life' with 'living' in this phrase. 'Cost of life' sounds like a philosophical or life-and-death concept.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Before moving to London, you should research the ___ there.

  💡 The average price of rent, food, and transport.

  Show answer

  cost of living

• Salaries should ideally increase to match the rising ___.

  💡 The daily expenses of maintaining a standard life.

  Show answer

  cost of living