"Cost of Livin'" is the title of a song co-written by American country music

Country music

Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...

 singer Ronnie Dunn

Ronnie Dunn

Ronnie Gene Dunn is an American country music singer-songwriter, known for being one half of the duo Brooks & Dunn. In 2011, Dunn began working as a solo artist following the breakup of Brooks & Dunn...

. It was released in June 2011 as the second single from his self-titled album

Ronnie Dunn (album)

Ronnie Dunn is the title of the debut album from country music singer Ronnie Dunn. The album was released on June 7, 2011, via Arista Nashville...

, and his second release following the split of the duo Brooks & Dunn

Brooks & Dunn

Brooks & Dunn was an American country music duo consisting of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, who were both vocalists and songwriters. They were paired by record producer Tim DuBois in 1990. Before the duo's foundation, both members of the duo were solo recording artists...

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Background and writing

He had first had the song on hold in 2008, but decided against recording it because he thought that the economy would improve by then. Dunn was also told that by label executives that he was "too wealthy" for the song, a comment which Dunn said made him "furious." Phillip Coleman wrote most of the song, but Dunn changed the original chorus and hook

Hook (music)

A hook is a musical idea, often a short riff, passage, or phrase, that is used in popular music to make a song appealing and to "catch the ear of the listener". The term generally applies to popular music, especially rock music, hip hop, dance music, and pop. In these genres, the hook is often...

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Content

"Cost of Livin'" is about an ex-military man who is seeking employment. He tells the interviewer positive qualities about himself.

Critical reception

Giving it four-and-a-half stars out of five, Billy Dukes of Taste of Country said that it "tells a chillingly familiar story that one can’t help but stop and notice." He praised the "bare-bones production" and Dunn's "big voice". Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe gave the song an A grade, calling it "a masterpiece that is as timely as it is well written and performed."

Chart performance

Chart (2011)	Peak position