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The cost of living for most basic goods and services hasincreased by 20% in the past three years.

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Nevertheless,consumers say they still feel the pinchdespitefalling inflation and interest rates.

The cost of living illustrates howexpensive or affordableit is to live in a particular place.

When the cost of living increases, it means you oughta spend more money to experience the same lifestyle.

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Inflation

Inflationis the rate of increase in prices over a given period of time.

It can be used as a broad measure or narrowly calculated.

Most people are familiar with inflation being used in narrow circumstances.

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For example, how much did a carton of eggs cost last year compared to this year?

Government agencies like theU.S.

In contrast, inflation measures more recent price increases.

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The cost of living is more expensive today than three years ago.

Both perspectives are correct, but they measure different things.

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