living-standard scale
nounUK /ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈstændəd skeɪl/
US /ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈstændərd skeɪl/
A living-standard scale is a way to measure how well people can buy the things they need.
The report used a living-standard scale to compare families in different cities.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A ranking system that shows how comfortable or wealthy a group of people is.
On the living-standard scale, the village moved up after the new school opened.
3. A tool economists use to compare how much people can afford in different places.
Economists applied a living-standard scale to adjust wages for each region.
4. A set of levels used to judge whether basic needs like food and housing are met.
The charity checked each household against a living-standard scale.