Money Buys Happiness In Different Ways, In Different Places

The University of British Columbia recently completed multinational study which results show money can buy you happiness- but it depends on what you spend your money on and where you live.

It was shown that happiness achieved through spending varies significantly between higher and lower income groups. When individuals from wealthier nations spend money on gifts and time-saving services, such as housekeeping, it leads to a greater boost in happiness. However, other expenditures such as paying off debt or paying for housing was perceived as bringing individuals less happiness in wealthier countries. Regardless of of region it was shown that came from purchases was long- lasting and led to high feelings of well-being even months after the purchase.

“The study, funded by an anonymous donor couple and the TED organization, is the largest to date examining spending and happiness across diverse cultural and economic settings. The researchers examined the happiness impacts of a one-time $10,000 US windfall spent by 200 participants across seven countries, on 3,225 purchases ranging from smartphones to housing. The participants recorded their purchases and rated how happy each made them. Six months later, the researchers reassessed their overall well-being.

The findings reveal intriguing cultural and economic differences in what brings people joy.” (UBC, 2025).

Certain Types of Purchases Bring Happiness Word Wide

The study highlighted how cultural and practical realities in different contexts shape happiness people feel while spending. Some purchases such as donations and experiences increased feelings of happiness regardless of where the participant lived, other types of purchases had more impact based on where the participant called home.

Individuals in wealthier countries such as Canada and the England found experienced the most happiness when spending money on gifts and time- saving services as mentioned previously. In lower-income countries such as Kenya and Indonesia reported more feelings of joy when purchasing investing in basic needs and financial stability.

The most notable discoveries from the study include;

• Spending money of gifts brought high levels of joy globally, but had a stronger emotional impact in wealthier countries

• The costs of donations, experiences, education and personal care brought similar levels of happiness around the world.

  
  

• Time saving services were more valued in wealthier countries where time scarcity is reported as being a common stressor.

• Housing and debt relief brought the most joy lower-income countries, but did not have the same effect in wealthier countries.

The researchers are hoping that the information gathered will be used to create more inclusive advice on happiness and financial well-being. After all what works in Toronto may not apply to those in Laos. Happiness should not be shaped by how much money we have, but how align our spending with our unique values and needs.