Valuing Social Isolation using the Life Satisfaction Approach

Utilizing data from the 2020 Canadian General Social Survey (Cycle 35 – Social Identity), this study applies the Life Satisfaction approach to estimate the monetary valuation of social isolation. The findings suggest that, on average, a compensatory income of CAD $33,796 would be required to neutralize the reduction in life satisfaction associated with social isolation. Gender-disaggregated estimates reveal monetary equivalents of CAD $29,402 for males and CAD $39,072 for females. Age-specific analyses indicate valuations of CAD $18,578 for individuals aged 35–54, CAD $38,845 for those aged 55–74, and CAD $23,326 for respondents aged 75 and above. These findings underscore the substantial subjective well-being costs of social isolation and provide a quantitative foundation for conducting cost–benefit analyses of public health interventions.