I would argue a slightly different angle to that. Despite all the accusations thrown around not many people actively think about the origins of their goods and services (and thus whether they are keeping others "down"). What I see in this argument is the relative security each group enjoys compared to the other. The higher amount of perceived security, the more happiness (which doesn't apply to the Sunbelt. I'm sure that has some scientific reason like greater exposure to the sun minus cancer). But seriously, happiness is objective and I sure don't need Pew to tell me who has it and who doesn't. I'll leave that to Cosmo.

Pew Research Center: Are We Happy Yet?