Someone was apparently BSing when they said money can't buy happiness.
In 2018, researchers at Purdue University found that there is an amount of money that “boosts emotional well-being” ($60,000 - $75,000). Importantly, they said this amount differs depending on where you live.
This year, S Money - an Australian foreign currency exchange company - took Purdue’s findings and adjusted them to the local cost of living in cities around the world.
In New Zealand, a household needs $193,741 to reach peak happiness. Jeepers weepers.
Auckland is the most expensive NZ city to be happy in ($207,560) and Christchurch is the cheapest ($180,187). Wellingtonians need $207,030 to have a smile on their dial, while those in Hamilton need $181,782.
These income levels are the point at which any increase in money made won’t lead to further happiness. So, @every-billionaire-ever: Give us regular people money since it’s literally proven it’s not doing you any good.
Overall, NZ has the 7th highest price of happiness in the world. Iran is at #1 ($405,000), then it goes Yemen ($291,000), Australia ($205,000), Zimbabwe ($200,000), Norway ($199,000) and Switzerland ($195,000).
Countries with the highest price of happiness (in $US). Credit: S-Money
Although you may think you are now doomed to a life of living on a quarter tank of happiness, most Kiwis are not close to reaching that peak happiness dollar amount and I’ve seen plenty of legends having the time of their life lately.
Just head to any moshpit in the country and you'll see some jovial humans.
Legendary English DJ Wilkinson said he loved New Zealand. I don't know how much he's making but he seemed to be happy doing simple shit like looking at our scenery.
"I was inspired by my trips to New Zealand, just like, you know what I love about the space that you guys have and I just always find it super inspiring coming back from there," he told George Breakfast earlier this year.
Happiness might just be as simple as scenic backdrops and filthy bass drops.
