The region with the most modest needs for happiness is Europe. Germans only need $85,781 to be happy, placing them lowest on the list. The French need $114,000, while the British need $133,000.

The survey doesn't ask about total wealth needed to feel happy. But it does ask about the amount of wealth needed to feel "wealthy." Globally, the average amount needed to feel wealthy was $1.8 million.

Singaporeans took the lead on the "wealth" needs, with $2.91 million needed to feel wealthy. Dubai ranked second with $2.5 million, followed by Hong Kong with $2.46 million. (Read more: Where to Live If You Want to Be a Millionaire)

Surveys show that among Americans, most say they need $1 million or more to feel wealthy.

All of this shows that wealth and financial happiness is not an absolute number, but is relative to your peers and surroundings. Living in Dubai, with all those oil barons and oligarchs, the needs are higher. In Germany, where wealth is more evenly distributed, the needs are not as high.

How much wealth or income would you need to feel happy?

-By CNBC's Robert Frank

Follow Robert Frank on Twitter: @robtfrank