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Happy Where You Are? Exploring Migration Intentions and Subjective Well-being Through a Discrete Choice Experiment

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  • Victor Iturra

    (Universidad de Talca)

  • Mauricio Sarrias

    (Universidad de Talca)

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of three subjective well-being measures—satisfaction with current city, life satisfaction and happiness—on intercity migration intentions. To achieve this, we use data from a discrete choice experiment, which infers migration intentions rather than relying on self-reported intentions. The experiment was conducted with a sample of the Chilean population across various regions, capturing their city preferences along with detailed individual information. Our main findings confirm the negative association between subjective well-being measures and migration intentions. Individuals with higher subjective well-being require better economic conditions and amenities to consider moving from their current city, especially those who are more satisfied with their current city. Additionally, preferences for amenities vary not only due to unobserved traits but also with subjective well-being measures, resulting in heterogenous willingness-to-pay for city attributes. Finally, we discuss the policy implications for our findings, highlighting the importance of considering subjective well-being in the design of local policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Victor Iturra & Mauricio Sarrias, 2025. "Happy Where You Are? Exploring Migration Intentions and Subjective Well-being Through a Discrete Choice Experiment," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(6), pages 1-23, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:26:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1007_s10902-025-00940-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-025-00940-1
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