Even though money may not be able to buy happiness, it sure can help make things easier.
While happiness is a relative term, GoBankingRates, a financial planning organization, found the salary needed to be happy in all 50 states. Based on this study, Tennessee is among the cheapest states to achieve happiness financially. However, the salary needed remains well above what median earners make in the Volunteer State.
Here's what the study found about being happy in Tennessee.
What salary do you need to be happy in Tennessee?
GoBankingRates determined the salary needed to be happy in Tennessee is $94,920. It found that the salary needed to achieve emotional wellbeing is $54,240, but the salary needed to be able to make life evaluations is $85,880.
According to the U.S. Census, the median household earns $67,097 which is almost $28,000 less than the amount to be happy in Tennessee, but almost $13,000 more than the emotional wellbeing salary.
Least expensive states to be happy in
West Virginia is the "easiest" state to achieve happiness in with a salary of $89,460. This is 14.8% below the United States average of $105,000.
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West Virginia: $89,460
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Mississippi: $91,035
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Oklahoma: $91,140
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Kansas: $91,770
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Alabama: $92,610
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Missouri: $92,715
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Arkansas: $92,925
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Iowa: $94,395
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Tennessee: $94,920
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Louisiana: $95,235
Most expensive states to be happy in
Based on GoBankingRates' study, the cost of living in Hawaii is 79.2% above the national average, making it especially costly to be happy there. To be happy in the Aloha State, you will need to earn almost $190,000. To achieve emotional well-being, a person can earn a more reasonable $107,520.
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Hawaii: $188,160
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Massachusetts: $155,400
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California: $143,220
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New York: $132,825
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Alaska: $132,720
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Washington: $121,485
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New Hampshire: $121,380
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Vermont: $120,645
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Maryland: $120,540
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Oregon: $120,435
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How much do you need to make to be happy in Tennessee?