Cookie Policy
Last updated: April 22, 2026
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies CostOfLiving.data uses, why we use them, and how you can control them. It complements our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work, improve user experience, measure audience, and deliver relevant advertising. Cookies can be:
- First-party cookies — set directly by the website you are visiting.
- Third-party cookies — set by a different domain (for example, Google).
- Session cookies — deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies — stored until they expire or you delete them.
Similar technologies include web beacons, local storage, and device fingerprinting. References to "cookies" below include these technologies where applicable.
2. Cookies We Use
2.1 Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are essential for the Site to function and cannot be switched off. They do not require consent.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| XSRF-TOKEN | CostOfLiving.data | CSRF protection on forms | 2 hours |
| uscostofliving_session | CostOfLiving.data | Session identifier (contact form) | 2 hours |
| cookie_consent | CostOfLiving.data | Stores your consent choices | 12 months |
2.2 Analytics cookies (consent required)
These cookies help us understand how visitors use the Site so we can improve content and usability. They are set only if you consent.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users | 13 months |
| _ga_<container-id> | Google Analytics 4 | Session state for GA4 property | 13 months |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes users (daily) | 24 hours |
2.3 Advertising cookies (consent required)
These cookies are used by Google AdSense and its advertising partners to serve personalized and non-personalized ads, measure ad performance, and prevent fraud. They are set only if you consent.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| __gads | Google AdSense | Ad delivery and frequency capping | 13 months |
| __gpi | Google AdSense | Ad personalization identifier | 13 months |
| IDE | Google DoubleClick | Ad measurement and targeting | 13 months |
| NID | User preferences and ad personalization | 6 months | |
| ANID | Ad delivery and reporting | 13 months |
Google and its advertising partners may also use additional cookies and similar technologies as described in the Google Advertising Technologies documentation.
3. How to Manage Your Cookie Choices
3.1 Through our consent banner
When you first visit the Site, a consent banner allows you to accept, reject, or customize non-essential cookies. You can change your choices at any time by clicking the consent link in our footer.
3.2 Through your browser
Most browsers allow you to view, delete, and block cookies. Instructions are available for:
Note: blocking all cookies may affect the functionality of this and other websites.
3.3 Through industry opt-out tools
- Google Ads Settings — disable personalized Google ads.
- optout.aboutads.info (Digital Advertising Alliance, US).
- youronlinechoices.com (European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance).
- Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
4. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal. There is currently no industry consensus on how to honor DNT. We respond to your preferences as expressed through our consent banner and the opt-out tools listed above.
5. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in the cookies we use or in applicable law. The "Last updated" date at the top will reflect the most recent revision.
6. Contact
Questions about our use of cookies? Reach us at contact@uscostofliving.com or through our contact form.