Irish adults believe it takes a lot of money to be wealthy and that owning a home is more important than having children, according to a new poll.
The poll also reveals that people in Munster are happiest with their lot compared to people from other parts of the country.
The Money National poll, carried out by Millward Brown Irish Marketing Services, found that the Irish believe it takes a lot of money to be wealthy.
On average respondents viewed that a family of two adults and two children needs to earn a pre-tax annual income of €145,000 before it could be considered wealthy.
Dubliners reckoned that this should be higher, at €158,690, while residents of Ulster and Connacht said that €124,440 would be enough
Meanwhile, the poll found that people believe a family needs to earn less than €17,700 a year before it can be considered poor, while 29 per cent of people set that level at below €10,000.
Although most Irish earn less than what they believe would make them wealthy, 78 per cent are either satisfied or very satisfied with the lifestyle they can currently afford.
Dissatisfaction is highest among 15-24 year olds, students, low-income earners or those educated only to primary-school level.
Those who live in rented accommodation are almost three times more likely to be unhappy with their lifestyle than owner-occupiers.
Munster people are particularly contented, with 70 per cent satisfied with their situation compared to a national average of 54 per cent.
Fewer than half of Dubliners said they were satisfied with the lifestyle they could afford.
When asked what they would consider necessary factors for a successful life, the Irish put "good friends" at the top of the list, followed by a good marriage and owning their own home.
"Having children" was fourth on the list of priorities, while "helping people in need" came seventh, behind "earning a lot of money" but above "being well-educated".
"It is a bit bizarre that property is more important than having children," said Bettina MacCarvill of Millward Brown Irish Marketing Services.
"But our population has a high number of under-30s for whom having children may be a lower priority than getting a house."
Despite 75 per cent saying that there is too much emphasis on materialism in society, 64 per cent agreed with the statement that "accumulation of money and possessions are indicators of success".
Although 55 per cent of Irish adults believe that money can "buy" less stress in life, romantics will be cheered to know that only 4 per cent said that money can buy you love.
