What does the term "standard of living" refer to?

The term "standard of living" refers primarily to the degree of wealth and material comfort available to a person or community. It encapsulates various factors that contribute to the overall comfort and quality of life, including economic conditions, access to goods and services, housing quality, and income levels. When assessing the standard of living, one's ability to afford necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education is crucial.

While the other options touch on important aspects related to quality of life and societal well-being, they each represent narrower scopes. The level of education and skills, average income, and general health all influence the standard of living, but they do not fully encompass the broader concept, which signifies an overall state of economic and material prosperity.