The objective of the present study was to know the nature of hope, purpose, life goals and life satisfaction, and the relationship among these variables in emerging adults. The sample included 60 emerging adults, 18 to 25 years, from resource-rich and resource-poor backgrounds. A mixed-methods design was adopted. Three scales and an interview schedule were used to gather the data. These included Hope Scale, COA Purpose and Life Goals Scales, Diener’s Life Satisfaction Scale, and a structured open-ended interview schedule. ANOVAS were computed to assess socioeconomic and gender differences and correlations were applied to know the relationships among the variables. Results showed that emerging adult men and women from resource-poor backgrounds have higher hope and are more satisfied with their lives compared to resource-rich emerging adults. Women across the two backgrounds and men from resource-poor background prioritized goals and activities related to family, faith/spirituality and religious domains. The results have significant implications for positive youth development across different resource contexts and gender.