7 Difference between Needs and

Wants (With Table)

Comparison Table (Needs Vs Wants)
Basic Terms Needs Wants

Refers to those things that

Refers to those basic
people desire to have in
Meaning requirements that foster
order to lead an improved
survival
life

Nature Limited Unlimited

Importance A must-have for survival Desires or wishes of people

Represent Necessity Desires

Survival Essential Unessential

Tend to remain the same

Change Prone to changes with time
throughout

Non-fulfillment Result in diseases or death Result in disappointment

What Are Needs?

Needs refer to essential things that humans require to live a healthy life.
Examples of basic needs are food, clothing, and shelter.

Education and healthcare have become part of the basic needs to help human
beings lead an improved life.
What Are Wants?
Wants are those things that human beings would like to have either immediately
or at a later stage in life. These are the things that trigger business activities.

Wants are not universal the same. Someone may have the desire to own a car
and the other one desires to travel around the world in luxury hotels.

Main Difference between Needs and Wants

1. Needs refer to those basic requirements that foster survival whereas
wants to refer to human desires that foster improve life.
2. The nature of needs are limited while those of wants are unlimited
3. Needs are must things to have while wants are simply the desires of
human beings
4. Wants tend to represent wishes whereas needs represent
necessities
5. Needs are essential for human beings whereas wants are non-
essential
6. Needs tend to remain the same throughout whereas wants are
prone to changes with time
7. Non-fulfillment of needs may lead to death or illness whereas wants
have no impact in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Love a Want or a Need?
Humans have the desire to be loved and nurtured. Therefore, love is the most
basic and fundamental need to bring comfort in a relationship.

What are the Basic Needs of Man?

Human beings have basic needs. Examples of these basic needs are food,
shelter, clothes, water, air, and medication to enhance survival.  Failure to meet
these basic needs might result in death.

Can One be Happy without Love?

Romantic relationships do not guarantee a happy life. Some people are happier
living alone while others find it fulfilling. Happiness has some close correlation
with love but not that much.

Can a Human Survive without Love?

Absolutely. Some people can live without love when they lack the ability to
recognize and identify their emotions. But love is the most beautiful thing in
human life.

In Conclusion
The core difference between needs and wants is that needs are basic
requirements and essential for survival whereas wants are human desires and
non-essential for survival.

The level of importance between needs and wants helps to make the distinction.
We hope the information in the article was helpful in understanding these
economical terms.