How Much Does Happiness Cost In New York?

A recent study determined the minimum salary you need to be happy in the Empire State.

According to an MSN report, Go Banking Rates has determined $140,595 is the minimum salary needed to bring happiness to a resident of New York. They came to this number utilizing the average cost of living, unemployment rates and crime rates.According to the study, New York has the 3rd highest salary number nationwide that equates to happiness.

Now, we have to factor in the high cost of living in New York City leading to this number being so high. Plus, the study says we also have the 9th highest unemployment rate in the nation. That said, it certainly is not cheap to live here in the Capital Region so you have to imagine our number is somewhere in the $100,000 range. If you compare New York to other Northeastern states in the study like Massachusetts ($133,980) New Jersey ($124,320), New Hampshire ($117,600) one would assume we are somewhere around these.

When it comes down to it, no, money does not buy happiness. But it certainly doesn't hurt, right? Let's be honest - a certain comfort level financially does create less stress which can equate to being happier.  That is one of the beauties of living in America - if you don't have that comfort level, you can always hustle to get there.

That and lower taxes!!! ;)