&gt; I think studies have shown that past a relatively low (by SV standards) level of income ($75kish I think) the relationship between money and happiness breaks down.<p>This is true. But while that is low by SV standards, the $75k threshold from the study is targeted to &quot;median america&quot; cost of living.<p>If you adjust for cost of living and for purchasing power over the 6 years since the study was conducted, you end up with quite a bit more for areas like San Francisco. In fact, you&#x27;d probably be looking at more like 175-185k. [1]<p>1. <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.advisorperspectives.com&#x2F;dshort&#x2F;commentaries&#x2F;Happiness-Benchmark.php#ixzz37eM5xPxF" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.advisorperspectives.com&#x2F;dshort&#x2F;commentaries&#x2F;Happi...</a>