” Does money bring happiness ? ». This is not one of the philosophy subjects of the 2024 baccalaureate but rather the subject of a survey published by INSEE on June 10, 2024 and relayed by Moneyvox . “Is there a level of income beyond which money no longer improves felt well-being? » : here is more precisely the question raised by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies.
This study, based on five surveys, shows that the French are far from being the most “greedy” people. Their “satiety threshold” for life satisfaction amounts to €30,000 (per consumption unit) compared to €40,000 in Germany, €45,000 in the United Kingdom, €60,000 in Australia and €80,000 in the UNITED STATES. “Beyond this threshold, increases in income cease entirely to improve the frequency of moments of happiness”explains INSEE.
You don’t have to be rich to be happy
This report establishes a difference between the satiety threshold for happiness (€25,000 in France) and that for life satisfaction (€30,000). It also highlights differences based on age, residential area, or even family situation. Thus, the youngest (16-29 years old) have a satiety threshold which amounts to €28,480 on average, much lower than the €32,590 for 55-66 year olds. French people living in a town of less than 5,000 inhabitants can “make do” with €26,059 while Parisians need €31,800 so that the extra money no longer really improves their well-being.
In a recent study, the Observatory of Inequalities revealed the income to be earned to be considered rich, that is to say to be part of the 7 to 8% of the wealthiest. For a single person, without children, this threshold rises to €3,860 net per month (after taxes), or €46,320 per year. So it seems that being rich does not necessarily make you happier. At €30,000 per year, the French say they are satisfied with life.
