Abstract

Traditional tools of welfare economics identify the envy-related welfare loss from conspicuous consumption only under very strong assumptions. Measured income and life satisfaction o*ers an alternative for estimating such consumption externalities. The approach is developed in the context of luxury car consumption (Ferraris and Porsches) in Switzerland. Results from household panel data and *xed e*ects panel regressions suggest that the prevalence of luxury cars in the municipality of residence has a negative impact on own income satisfaction.