Individual welfare in the Soviet Union

World Values Survey data, collected June-October 1990, are used to explore determinants of individual welfare in various regions of the Soviet Union. Emphasis is placed on the role of household income and perceived health status in determining the happiness of an individual. Comparisons are made across five Soviet regions and between the Soviet Union, the U. S., and West Germany. The data indicate similar patterns existed regarding welfare determinants though Soviet citizens were relatively unhappy. There are also differences between the two market economies and the Soviet Union regarding the extent to which income influenced health and happiness.