Imagine having two choices.
The first is a simple life. You have a comfortable home, a stable income, good health, a few people you genuinely love, enough money to meet your needs and plenty of time to enjoy ordinary moments. You are not necessarily wealthy, but you have peace of mind and are reasonably satisfied with what you have.
The second is a life filled with luxury and adventure. You travel to different countries, stay in beautiful hotels, drive expensive cars, attend exclusive events, explore exciting destinations, enjoy fine dining and experience things that many people only dream about.
Which would you choose?
For some people, the first option sounds like the perfect life. For others, the second represents everything they want to achieve. Some may even argue that a combination of both is the ideal way to live.
But beyond personal preferences, there is a more interesting question: Which lifestyle is more likely to make us happy?
Does research suggest that people who live simple lives are happier than those who pursue luxury, expensive possessions and adventure? Or does having more money and access to exciting experiences make life more satisfying?
The answer is not as straightforward as choosing one lifestyle over the other. Research suggests that happiness is influenced by several factors, including financial security, relationships, personal freedom, meaningful experiences and the extent to which people feel satisfied with their circumstances.
The short answer
- There is no scientific evidence that everyone who lives a simple life is happier than someone who enjoys luxury.
- Research suggests that material possessions alone are not a reliable source of lasting happiness. [1, 2]
- Experiences such as travelling, attending events and exploring new places can provide more lasting satisfaction than buying physical possessions. [3]
- A 2023 systematic review of 23 studies found a consistent positive relationship between voluntary simplicity and personal well-being. [1]
- Money still matters. Financial resources can improve people’s quality of life by providing security, access to opportunities and freedom of choice. [4]
- Strong relationships, social support, generosity and a sense of belonging are also important parts of a satisfying life. [5]
The bigger lesson is that a fulfilling life is not necessarily the most expensive or the most adventurous one. It is a life in which people have the resources, freedom and relationships to experience what genuinely matters to them.
1. What does it mean to live a simple life?
A simple life does not necessarily mean living in poverty, rejecting modern conveniences or refusing to enjoy good things.
It is better understood as a lifestyle in which someone deliberately prioritises what matters to them instead of constantly pursuing more possessions, status or unnecessary consumption.
This approach is sometimes called minimalism or voluntary simplicity.
Minimalism involves reducing unnecessary possessions and distractions so that people can focus on the things they consider important.
Voluntary simplicity goes further by encouraging people to make deliberate choices about consumption, work, spending and lifestyle. The objective is to have enough rather than constantly feel the need to acquire more.
For example, someone who chooses a modest house because they prefer spending money on family experiences may be practising voluntary simplicity.
Another person may own an expensive house but avoid unnecessary purchases, maintain meaningful relationships and prioritise personal time.
Both individuals may be living relatively simple lives, even though their financial circumstances are different.
What does research say?
A systematic review published in the Journal of Positive Psychology in 2023 examined 23 empirical studies investigating the relationship between minimalism, voluntary simplicity and well-being.
An empirical study is research that uses collected evidence, such as surveys, observations or experiments, rather than relying only on opinions or theories.
The researchers found a consistent positive relationship between voluntary simplicity and well-being.
They identified two possible explanations.
First, people who practise voluntary simplicity may become less controlled by the desire to continually acquire new possessions.
Second, reducing unnecessary consumption may help people focus on important psychological needs, including personal freedom, meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose. [1]
However, the findings do not prove that adopting a simple lifestyle automatically makes everyone happier. People may choose simplicity because they are already satisfied with their lives, and financial circumstances can also influence their ability to practise it.
Nevertheless, the research suggests that having fewer possessions does not necessarily mean having a less fulfilling life.
2. Does having more money and luxury make people happier?
This is one of the most interesting parts of the discussion.
Money can make a significant difference in people’s lives. It can provide access to better housing, healthcare, education, transportation, food and opportunities.
For someone struggling to afford basic necessities, earning more money can reduce considerable stress and improve their quality of life.
Financial security can also give people more freedom to make decisions about where they live, what they do and how they spend their time.
However, there is a difference between having enough money to live comfortably and constantly pursuing wealth as a measure of personal success.
Luxury consumption refers to spending money on high-end goods and services, often associated with exclusivity, quality, prestige or exceptional experiences.
Examples include expensive cars, designer clothing, luxury watches, private travel, premium hotels and exclusive entertainment.
There is nothing inherently wrong with enjoying these things. The important question is whether they contribute to a person’s actual happiness or simply create a temporary feeling of satisfaction.
What does recent research reveal?
A 2026 systematic literature review published in Psychology & Marketing examined 109 academic articles on luxury consumption and consumer well-being.
The researchers explored how luxury products and services can influence happiness, personal development and longer-term well-being.
An interesting finding was that not all forms of luxury have the same relationship with happiness.
Traditional luxury consumption, which often focuses on status, prestige and immediate pleasure, may provide temporary satisfaction.
Other forms of luxury, particularly experiences, ethical consumption and sustainable choices, may be more closely connected to deeper satisfaction and personal development.
The researchers also highlighted important gaps in existing evidence, particularly the need for more long-term studies to establish how different forms of luxury affect people’s well-being over time. [2]
This is an important distinction.
Buying an expensive watch may make someone feel excited and accomplished. However, the excitement may gradually disappear as the watch becomes part of everyday life.
On the other hand, an experience that creates meaningful memories or strengthens relationships may continue to provide satisfaction long after it has ended.
This does not mean luxury is meaningless. It means that the reason behind the purchase and what someone gets from it matter.
3. Why experiences may make us happier than possessions
Have you ever purchased something you had wanted for a long time, only to discover that the excitement eventually disappeared?
Perhaps it was a new phone, a television, a designer outfit or another expensive item.
Initially, you were excited. You admired it, showed it to friends and enjoyed using it.
But after some time, it became an ordinary part of your life.
Now compare that with a memorable holiday, a concert, a road trip, a special birthday celebration or an opportunity to explore a new country.
Years later, you may still remember the experience, the people you were with and how you felt.
This difference has attracted considerable attention from researchers.
A 2022 research review published in Current Opinion in Psychology examined the relationship between experiential purchases and material possessions.
Experiential purchases are things people spend money on primarily to experience something, such as holidays, outdoor activities, entertainment and dining experiences.
Material purchases are physical possessions such as clothing, furniture, electronics and jewellery.
The review found that experiences often provide greater and more lasting satisfaction than material purchases.
One explanation is that experiences can generate happiness at three different stages:
- Before the experience, when someone looks forward to an upcoming trip or event.
- During the experience, when they are actively enjoying it.
- After the experience, when they remember it and reflect on what happened.
A holiday, for example, may provide excitement weeks before departure, enjoyment during the trip and pleasant memories long after returning home. [3]
This helps explain why spending money on doing something can sometimes provide more satisfaction than spending the same amount on owning something.
However, this does not mean every experience is enjoyable or that all physical purchases are disappointing.
A reliable car, a comfortable mattress, a useful computer or a good home can improve everyday life for years.
The important distinction is between possessions that genuinely improve our lives and purchases made mainly to impress others.
4. Is travelling and experiencing adventure better than living quietly?
For people who enjoy adventure, life may feel incomplete without discovering new places, meeting different people and experiencing unfamiliar environments.
Adventure can mean different things to different people.
For one person, it may involve climbing mountains, exploring forests or travelling across continents.
For another, it may mean attending a major music festival, visiting a new city, trying unfamiliar food or taking a spontaneous road trip.
These activities can introduce people to new environments, ideas and perspectives.
Travelling can also create opportunities to spend quality time with friends and family, develop independence and learn about different cultures.
However, adventure is not automatically associated with happiness.
A person may travel frequently but feel lonely, financially pressured or emotionally exhausted.
Another person may rarely travel internationally but find considerable satisfaction in their community, relationships, hobbies and everyday experiences.
The important issue is not how many countries someone visits or how many exciting activities they undertake.
It is whether those experiences contribute meaningfully to their lives.
Research on experiential consumption suggests that experiences can be particularly satisfying because they help people build relationships, develop their identity and create memories. [3]
This means that adventure can be valuable, but it does not have to involve expensive international travel.
Exploring a nearby town, visiting a cultural attraction, attending a local performance or discovering a new outdoor location can also create meaningful experiences.
5. Why do some people prefer peace while others crave excitement?
People do not all have the same personalities, interests, ambitions or definitions of happiness.
Some individuals genuinely enjoy predictable routines.
They prefer knowing what their day will look like, having a comfortable home, spending time with familiar people and avoiding unnecessary complications.
Others feel more fulfilled when they are exploring, experimenting, taking risks and experiencing something new.
Neither preference is automatically better.
Psychologists sometimes discuss this difference in terms of personality traits.
Personality traits are relatively consistent patterns in how people think, feel and behave.
One particularly relevant personality trait is called openness to experience.
It describes how willing someone is to explore unfamiliar ideas, appreciate different forms of art and culture, try new activities and embrace new experiences.
People with higher levels of openness may be more attracted to travel, adventure, creativity and unfamiliar environments.
However, personality is only one influence. Financial circumstances, upbringing, responsibilities, culture and personal experiences also shape lifestyle preferences.
For example, someone who grew up with limited financial opportunities may see international travel as an important personal achievement.
Someone else who has travelled extensively may eventually discover that what they value most is spending quiet time at home with family.
Our preferences can also change as we grow older and experience different stages of life.
A person may enjoy adventure in their twenties, prioritise career development and family responsibilities in their thirties, and place greater importance on peace and stability later in life.
These are possibilities rather than fixed rules.
The point is that people can have different definitions of a good life without one definition being universally correct.
6. Does constantly wanting more make us less satisfied?
There is an important psychological concept that helps explain why some people never seem satisfied, even when they achieve considerable financial success.
It is called hedonic adaptation.
Hedonic adaptation describes the tendency for people to become accustomed to changes in their circumstances, including positive changes.
For example, imagine someone who has always wanted to own a luxury car.
After years of saving, they finally purchase it.
Initially, the excitement may be enormous. They enjoy driving it, appreciate its features and feel proud of the achievement.
However, after months or years, the car may become an ordinary part of everyday life.
The excitement that accompanied the purchase may no longer be as strong.
The person may then begin thinking about purchasing an even more expensive vehicle.
This process can happen with houses, clothing, holidays, technology and other possessions.
The problem is not that people want to improve their lives. Wanting a better home, more comfortable transportation or greater financial security is perfectly reasonable.
The problem arises when satisfaction is constantly postponed until the next purchase, achievement or lifestyle upgrade.
A 2024 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Consumer Behaviour examined the relationship between materialism and social well-being.
A meta-analysis combines findings from several studies to identify broader patterns in the available evidence.
The researchers examined 55 research reports covering 72 independent studies and 44,376 participants.
They found a negative relationship between materialism and social well-being.
Materialism refers to placing excessive importance on acquiring wealth and possessions, particularly when these are treated as the main measures of happiness, identity or success.
The researchers also found that the relationship worked in both directions. Poor social relationships could encourage materialistic values, while excessive focus on possessions and status could also be associated with weaker social well-being. [4]
This suggests that constantly pursuing material success may sometimes distract people from other important parts of life.
It does not mean that everyone who enjoys expensive things has poor relationships or is unhappy.
Rather, it highlights the potential problems of allowing possessions and status to become more important than meaningful human connections.
7. Are relationships more important than luxury?
Imagine having enough money to travel anywhere in the world, stay in the finest hotels and enjoy almost any experience you desire.
But imagine doing all of it without anyone you genuinely feel comfortable sharing those moments with.
Would the experience be just as satisfying?
For some people, travelling alone can be deeply fulfilling. However, for many others, sharing experiences with people they care about adds another dimension to enjoyment.
Relationships are an important part of human well-being.
Family connections, friendships, romantic relationships and supportive communities can provide companionship, emotional security and a sense of belonging.
The 2025 World Happiness Report examined the relationship between caring, sharing and happiness across different countries and populations.
One of its chapters examined the relationship between sharing meals and well-being.
The report found that people who frequently shared meals with others generally reported higher life satisfaction and more positive emotions, alongside fewer negative emotions.
These relationships were observed across different ages, genders, countries and cultures.
The researchers also highlighted the importance of social support, generosity and meaningful connections. [5]
This is particularly interesting because sharing a meal does not necessarily require wealth or luxury.
It could be a family gathering, a meal with friends, a community celebration or an ordinary evening spent with people who matter.
The experience may be simple, but the relationships surrounding it can make it meaningful.
This reminds us that some of life’s most valuable experiences are not necessarily expensive.
8. Can a simple life be fulfilling without financial comfort?
This is where the discussion requires some balance.
It is easy to praise simplicity when someone has enough money to meet their needs.
But what happens when someone cannot afford decent housing, healthcare, education or reliable transportation?
Can we honestly tell that person to appreciate a simple life when their basic needs remain unmet?
Financial difficulties can create stress, restrict opportunities and make everyday decisions more difficult.
A person who struggles to pay rent may not experience the same sense of peace as someone who has secure housing and sufficient savings.
Therefore, simplicity should not be confused with economic hardship.
There is a significant difference between choosing to live with fewer possessions because it reflects your values and having fewer possessions because you cannot afford what you need.
Financial security matters because it gives people greater control over their circumstances.
It can provide the freedom to leave an unhealthy working environment, access medical care, support family members, pursue education and enjoy leisure activities.
A 2024 international study published in the Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics examined socioeconomic factors associated with happiness across 166 countries.
The researchers identified income and social support among the important factors associated with happiness.
Their findings also suggested that the relationship between income and happiness was not identical across all countries, highlighting the importance of economic and social circumstances. [6]
The lesson is not that people should reject money or ambition.
It is that money is an important resource, but it is not the only ingredient in a fulfilling life.
9. Is it possible to enjoy luxury and still live a simple life?
Absolutely.
One of the biggest misconceptions about this discussion is that people must choose between simplicity and luxury.
In reality, the two are not always opposites.
Someone can enjoy expensive holidays, own a beautiful house, drive a comfortable car and still value simplicity.
The difference may be in their attitude towards these things.
Consider two individuals.
The first person purchases expensive items primarily to demonstrate wealth and gain recognition from others.
They constantly compare their lifestyle with what other people own and feel dissatisfied whenever someone appears to have more.
The second person enjoys quality possessions because they appreciate comfort, craftsmanship and convenience.
They do not feel compelled to purchase something simply because it is fashionable or because other people have it.
Both may own expensive things, but their relationship with consumption is different.
The second person may enjoy luxury without allowing it to control their identity or sense of self-worth.
The 2026 review of luxury consumption and well-being also makes an important distinction between traditional status-driven luxury and forms of luxury that may contribute to personal development, meaningful experiences and wider social values. [2]
This suggests that the question should not always be whether luxury is good or bad.
A better question is whether the things we spend money on genuinely improve our lives.
10. What does research suggest is the ideal way to live?
There is no scientifically established lifestyle that guarantees happiness for everyone.
However, the research discussed in this article points towards several factors that can contribute to a fulfilling life.
Financial security
Having enough money to meet basic needs and handle unexpected expenses can reduce financial pressure and provide greater freedom.
Meaningful relationships
Maintaining supportive relationships with family, friends and other people can contribute significantly to emotional well-being.
Memorable experiences
Travelling, exploring, learning, attending events and spending time on enjoyable activities can create lasting satisfaction.
Personal freedom
Being able to make meaningful choices about how you spend your time and organise your life can contribute to a greater sense of control.
Contentment
Contentment means appreciating what you have without necessarily abandoning your ambitions or desire to improve your circumstances.
It allows people to pursue their goals without making their happiness entirely dependent on achieving the next milestone.
Purpose and personal growth
Having goals, developing skills, helping others and working towards something meaningful can make life feel worthwhile.
The important thing is that these factors do not have to exist separately.
Someone can enjoy financial success while maintaining close relationships. Another person can live modestly while travelling occasionally and pursuing personal ambitions.
A fulfilling life can contain comfort, excitement, stability, adventure and simplicity at different times.
Myths vs facts
| Claim | Verdict | What the evidence tells us |
|---|---|---|
| People who live simple lives are always happier than wealthy people. | Myth | Research finds positive links between voluntary simplicity and well-being, but this does not establish that every person living simply is happier. [1] |
| Money is completely incapable of buying happiness. | Myth | Money can improve living conditions, financial security and access to opportunities. Its relationship with happiness depends on circumstances. [6] |
| Experiences can provide more lasting satisfaction than material possessions. | True | Research reviews generally find an advantage for experiential purchases over material purchases. [3] |
| Luxury always makes people happier. | Myth | Different forms of luxury have different relationships with well-being. Status-driven consumption does not guarantee lasting satisfaction. [2] |
| People who constantly pursue wealth and possessions may experience weaker social well-being. | True | A 2024 meta-analysis involving 44,376 participants found a negative relationship between materialism and social well-being. [4] |
| Travelling internationally is necessary for a fulfilling life. | Myth | Experiences can be meaningful without expensive international travel. Research supports the value of experiences more broadly. [3] |
| Sharing meals and spending time with others can contribute to happiness. | True | The 2025 World Happiness Report found positive associations between shared meals and several measures of well-being. [5] |
| A person must choose between simplicity and luxury. | Myth | People can enjoy comfort, expensive experiences and financial success while maintaining simple personal values. [2] |
| Having more possessions automatically means having a better quality of life. | Unproven | Possessions can improve comfort and convenience, but the number or price of possessions does not establish overall happiness. [1, 4] |
Bottom line
So, do you prefer a simple life or a life filled with luxury and adventure?
Research does not establish one as universally better than the other. A simple lifestyle can provide satisfaction by reducing unnecessary consumption and allowing people to focus on what matters. Luxury and adventure can also contribute to happiness when they provide meaningful experiences, comfort, personal growth and opportunities.
However, the evidence suggests that constantly acquiring possessions and pursuing status should not be confused with living a fulfilling life.
Money matters. Comfort matters. Experiences matter. Relationships matter. Personal freedom matters.
Perhaps the real goal is not to live the simplest life possible or the most luxurious life imaginable.
It is to build a life in which you can enjoy the things you value without becoming a prisoner of the things you desire.
You can enjoy a quiet evening at home and still dream of travelling around the world. You can appreciate an ordinary meal and occasionally enjoy fine dining. You can work towards financial success without measuring your worth by the things you own.
Ultimately, the best life may not be the one that looks most impressive to other people, but the one that feels most meaningful to the person living it.
And perhaps that is the question worth asking ourselves: If nobody could see our possessions, compare our lifestyles or judge our achievements, what kind of life would we genuinely choose?
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace professional advice relevant to individual circumstances. If you notice an error or would like to send feedback or corrections, please contact us.
References
- [1] Minimalism, voluntary simplicity, and well-being: A systematic review of the empirical literature, The Journal of Positive Psychology (2023)
- [2] On the transformative nature of luxury consumption and consumer well-being: A systematic literature review and research agenda, Psychology & Marketing (2026)
- [3] The unmatchable brightness of doing: Experiential consumption facilitates greater satisfaction than spending on material possessions, Current Opinion in Psychology (2022)
- [4] Breaking the loop: A meta-analysis on the bidirectional effects of materialism on social well-being, Journal of Consumer Behaviour (2025)
- [5] World Happiness Report 2025: Executive summary, Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford and partners
- [6] Socioeconomic determinants of happiness: Empirical evidence from developed and developing countries, Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (2024)
