What is the cost of living?

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What exactly is the cost of living? I guess that depends on who you ask. The government figures it one way while news outlets put it another way. Here are the categories I've used: --rent/mortgage (got to have a place to live) --transportation (got to get around) --phone (basic service only-a must to get a job) --education (to get or keep a job-can't do without) --food (if people eat at home the cost is lower, I figure 50/50-home/eat out) --clothing (or you get arrested and need nice clothes for the job) --toiletries (I think you know why on this one) --utilities (the basics, nothing fancy) --home furnishings (again just the basics-some place to sit, tables, bookshelf, etc. - nothing fancy) -- appliances (stove, fridge, so forth) -- electronics (only those that are needed, no extras) -- vacation (can't live without some R&R, it also improves productivity by reducing stress which reduces medical costs - many employers are stupid when it comes to giving people time off, they just don't get it) -- medicine (all the things not covered or cost extra) -- retirement fund (as employers make employees take care of their own retirement funding then doesn't mean they shouldn't pay for it or we all end up paying higher taxes for people without money for their retirement) Did I miss anything? You tell me. I figure the cost of living in two ways: 1) what it actually cost, 2) what would it be if minimum wage had kept up with the cost of living. Either way, it comes out real close. Ready? It costs an individual $68,000 to $75,000 a year to pay for everything, and I am not talking about anything extravagant here like cable TV or real fancy clothes. I want to hear from you. Give me your feed back.