Santa Barbara: The Price of Paradise
While happiness is often considered priceless, the cost of achieving it can vary significantly depending on where you reside. Recent studies have highlighted the cities where the price tag on happiness is the steepest, and Santa Barbara, California, tops the list in the United States.
The Price of Happiness in Santa Barbara
According to a report by S Money, an Australian-based money exchange service, Santa Barbara is the most expensive U.S. city to find happiness. This conclusion is based on data from a 2018 Purdue University study that explored the relationship between happiness and income. The study aimed to determine the "price of happiness" in various cities, adjusting for the cost of living in each area.
In Santa Barbara, the cost of living is a staggering 57% above the national average, as the Economic Research Institute reported. Consequently, the price of happiness in this picturesque city is estimated at $162,721, per the S Money analysis.
Santa Barbara's Unique Charm
Photo Courtesy of @eliasonphotos
Despite its high cost, Santa Barbara has long been associated with contentment and well-being. The city is nestled within the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara region, which has been recognized as one of the happiest places globally based on The Blue Zones Index. This index identifies regions where inhabitants tend to live longer than the average lifespan.
Often dubbed "The American Riviera," Santa Barbara boasts a climate reminiscent of the northern Mediterranean Sea coast. This comparison is not just about the weather; the city offers a blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and a relaxed lifestyle that many find irresistible.
Comparing with Other U.S. Cities
While Santa Barbara holds the top spot, other U.S. cities also come with a hefty price for happiness. Honolulu, Hawaii, is the second most expensive city, with an annual happiness cost of $148,943. New York City follows closely, rounding out the top three with a yearly happiness price tag of $145,028. Scroll down the table below to see the rest of the cities.
| City | Average Personal Income | Price of Happiness |
|---|---|---|
| US | $37,638 | $105,000 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | $54,426 | $162,721 |
| Honolulu, HI | $40,339 | $148,943 |
| New York, NY | $43,952 | $145,028 |
| San Francisco, CA | $77,267 | $144,448 |
| Seattle, WA | $68,836 | $134,731 |
| Oakland, CA | $49,970 | $130,670 |
| Anchorage, AK | $43,125 | $127,624 |
| Sacramento, CA | $35,793 | $122,838 |
| Boston, MA | $50,344 | $122,693 |
| Irvine, CA | $53,857 | $121,823 |
| Washington, DC | $63,793 | $121,533 |
| San Jose, CA | $53,574 | $120,663 |
| San Diego, CA | $46,460 | $120,228 |
| Miami, FL | $34,295 | $118,778 |
| Nashville, TN | $39,509 | $118,778 |
| Denver, CO | $50,642 | $118,488 |
| Portland, OR | $47,289 | $117,327 |
| New Orleans, LA | $34,036 | $116,747 |
| Raleigh, NC | $42,632 | $116,167 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $32,344 | $115,007 |
| Chicago, IL | $41,821 | $114,572 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $39,378 | $114,137 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $37,655 | $112,831 |
| Charlotte, NC | $43,080 | $112,541 |
| Cleveland, OH | $23,415 | $112,106 |
| Buffalo, NY | $27,157 | $111,816 |
| Dallas, TX | $37,719 | $111,816 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $31,538 | $110,946 |
| Baltimore, MD | $34,378 | $110,801 |
| Tampa, FL | $40,962 | $110,656 |
| Omaha, NE | $36,749 | $110,076 |
| Birmingham, AL | $26,746 | $108,771 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $32,569 | $108,771 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $43,925 | $108,626 |
| Detroit, MI | $20,780 | $107,320 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $33,718 | $107,320 |
| Atlanta, GA | $54,466 | $107,030 |
| Chattanooga, TN | $34,080 | $107,030 |
| Austin, TX | $48,550 | $106,160 |
| Columbus, OH | $32,481 | $105,870 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | $48,407 | $105,725 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $33,363 | $105,435 |
| Spokane, WA | $32,991 | $105,435 |
| Reno, NV | $39,104 | $105,290 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $37,979 | $104,565 |
| Fresno, CA | $26,368 | $104,420 |
| Madison, WI | $42,693 | $104,275 |
| Orlando, FL | $36,596 | $103,550 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $25,564 | $103,405 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $33,162 | $102,535 |
| Boise, ID | $40,056 | $101,809 |
| Houston, TX | $35,578 | $101,374 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $32,654 | $101,374 |
| Tucson, AZ | $26,373 | $99,054 |
| Kansas City, MO | $35,352 | $98,909 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $33,494 | $98,764 |
| St. Louis, MO | $33,326 | $98,329 |
| San Antonio, TX | $28,579 | $98,039 |
| Louisville, KY | $34,195 | $96,443 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $42,081 | $95,428 |
| Memphis, TN | $28,258 | $94,413 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $34,060 | $93,398 |
| Knoxville, TN | $29,277 | $88,032 |
SOURCE: US Census Bureau, per capita personal income in past 12 months (2017-2021), S Money
A Global Perspective on the Cost of Happiness
The quest for understanding the relationship between money and happiness is not limited to the U.S. A recent study highlighted that, on average, an annual salary of $105,000 is deemed sufficient for happiness in the U.S. However, this figure can vary based on the city of residence. Globally, the ideal average income for contentment is estimated at $95,000. Interestingly, happiness in Iran is the most expensive worldwide, with a staggering cost of $239,700, while Sierra Leone in Africa offers the most affordable happiness at $8,658 a year.
While Santa Barbara's high cost of happiness might be daunting for some, it's essential to remember that happiness is multifaceted. Factors like social relationships, personal fulfillment, and life experiences play a crucial role in determining one's overall well-being. As the age-old saying goes, money can't buy happiness, but it certainly can influence it.
To read more about Santa Barbara, check out our previous blogs HERE.
Sources: CNBC, USA TODAY