Study Breaks Down the Cost of Happiness in Every Country

The saying goes that the best things in life are free. While that may be true, they don't pay the bills, and people around the world have to confront the reality of putting a roof over their head while trying to enjoy some non-free things in life like restaurants and shows. 

S Money compiled research findings from a 2018 Purdue University study that sought to determine just how much money is needed for people to be satisfied with their lives in countries around the world. It's not just about being able to survive; it's being able to spend your money in ways that make you happy, and just how far your money will go. 

Related: 'Happiest Cities' Lists Are BS

In the end, the team found a wide discrepancy between different parts of the globe. 

"There was substantial variation across world regions, with satiation occurring later in wealthier regions for life satisfaction,” study lead author Andrew T. Jebb said. "This could be because evaluations tend to be more influenced by the standards by which individuals compare themselves to other people.” 

The U.S. squeaked in the top 10 of countries with the highest cost of happiness. Among American cities, Santa Barbara, CA ranked the highest in amount of necessary funds to lead a satisfied life, at $162,721 per year. Bringing up the rear is Knoxville, TN at $88,032. 

The 10 countries with the highest cost of happiness are: 

1. Iran ($239,700)
2. Yemen ($172,140)
3. Australia ($121, 191)
4. Zimbabwe ($118,342)
5. Norway ($117,724)
6. Switzerland ($115,745)
7. New Zealand ($114,597)
8. Israel ($112,506)
9. Iceland ($111,908)
10. United States of America ($105,000)

Meanwhile, the 10 countries with the lowest cost of happiness are as follows: 

1. Sierra Leone ($8,658)
   
2. Suriname ($10,255)
3. Madagascar ($11,355)
4. Guyana ($11,707)
5. Sudan ($11,845)
6. Nicaragua ($11,941)
7. Colombia ($12,159)
8. The Gambia ($12,597)
9. Bolivia ($12,795)
10. Ghana ($12,949)