New study shows just how much money you need to earn to be happy in Houston

Monday, November 11, 2019
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Do you think money can buy happiness? Well, according to a new Purdue University study, money can certainly play a factor.

The study examined how much money people need to be happy and whether or not happiness rises as one's income level increases.
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GOBankingRates then determined the minimum salary you would need to be happy in America's largest cities based on various income satiation levels, identified by Purdue University researchers.

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Based on the methodology, this is what you'll need to earn to be happy in Houston:

  • Salary you need to be happy: $110,040
  • Salary you need for life evaluation: $99,560
  • Salary you need for emotional well-being: $62,880-$78,600


The Purdue researchers determined that, globally, individuals would need an income of $60,000-$75,000 for emotional well-being and an income of $95,000 for life evaluation.

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The ideal income for life satisfaction in North America is $105,000, which was used as a benchmark for the "salary needed to be happy" category listed in this study.

In surrounding cities like Austin and Arlington, the study finds they need a little more to be "happy." In Austin, the salary needed to be happy is $136,500 and in Arlington, the salary needed to be happy is $114,345.



To find out how much you need to be happy in your city, visit the website.
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