The crossword solution for the term COST INCREASER is TAX, which is a three-letter word. TAX is a financial charge or other levy imposed upon a taxpayer by a state or the functional equivalent of a state to fund various public expenditures. Taxes are used to fund public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Taxation is one of the most common ways for governments to raise revenue, and it is an important factor in determining the cost of goods and services.