45 of the Most Expensive Hobbies in the World & How to Afford Them

Once upon a time, being a “hobbyist” was a distinctly middle-class pursuit. Today, however, the idea of saving money by piddling time on hobbies is being embraced by tons of diverse people. However, some hobbies really can require hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, to indulge. As such, the following list identifies the most expensive hobbies in the world, and its nearly impossible to afford all of them.

Some hobbies are cheap; some hobbies cost a lot of money. This list ranks the most expensive hobbies in the world today, based on how much money the hobby costs to participate in. The most expensive hobby on this list is collecting fine champagne and liquor, which costs over $100,000 per year, and you can only do this hobby if you happen to own a private, luxury jet.

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45 most expensive hobbies in the world:

1. Ballroom dancing

Unlike what you see on TV, ballroom dance classes take more than a few weeks to learn the exercises. You have to spend a lot of money to learn intense moves that involve physical and emotional stories.

According to HobbyHelp, classes cost between $50 and $200 per hour, and the cost of a contest can range from $30,000 to $100,000.

2. Skydiving

This experience provides an adrenaline rush that most people dream of experiencing at least once in their lives.

If you are interested in the magical hobby of skydiving, be prepared to pay $24,000 a year to jump twice a week.

3. recreational diving

While some like to explore the sky, others like to discover the secrets of the depths of the sea.

If you want to make diving your hobby, the experience will cost you about $3,000 per trip – more if you want to go to exotic dive sites.

4. Exotic animals

These days, the vast majority of affluent people seem to want more than the usual dogs and cats as pets. Instead, they use white lions, tigers, squids, etc. to fill the role of man’s best friend.

If you want to get into this hobby, you can buy an exotic animal for between $150,000 and $315,000. Oh, and don’t forget the pet license, as well as the training, professional staff, and all the paraphernalia needed to keep your wild animals happy, fed, and safe.

5. Sailing

If you own a yacht, yacht racing can be an interesting hobby. It is the favorite engagement of the rich and famous.

But when you consider that yachts in this category cost between $2 million and $800 million, depending on the level of luxury, it’s an expensive hobby!

6. Mountaineering

Few hobbies are as exciting as climbing the world’s highest peaks.

If you want to go mountaineering and climb Everest, your cost will be more than $35,000, including the guides who will ensure your safety and success on the way to the top.

7. Ice sculpture

Cutting ice takes more than skill and talent. You’ll also need special high-tech equipment to easily cut the ice and display the art inside.

Plus, there are expensive courses, and you pay about $375 for a block of ice!

8. Railway modelling

Contrary to what many people think, model railroading is a fairly expensive hobby. If part of the kit costs up to $300, can you imagine how much you will have to pay for the whole kit?

If this hobby is close to your heart, you can get ready to spend some money on an impressive train set.

9. Autoracen

This hobby may sound exciting, but it can quickly put holes in your pockets. The cars used in these races usually cost between $3,000 and $20,000.

You should also consider the cost of maintenance and the cost of using the car.

10. Retrieval of vehicles

It’s a very expensive hobby, not only collecting cars, but all kinds of parts and tools to make them work. It is not surprising that few of the richest souls indulge in this hobby.

Collector cars start around $300,000 and run up to models worth millions.

11. Poker with high stakes

High stakes poker is an attractive game with a high entry threshold. It’s a fascinating hobby that only the rich can afford. You need to be an experienced player and be prepared to lose all the money on the table.

High stakes games can start with blinds of $300-$600 and include a $100 ante.

12. Balloons

If you’re not afraid of heights or spending thousands of dollars, this hobby could be perfect for you. That is, if you can spend $45,000 on a ball.

You will also need about $3,500 for the flight institute you will have to attend, as well as money for the crew.

13. Travel around the world

Most people dream of seeing more of the world than the little place where they were born. If you want to take a trip around the world, the cost per person on that trip for a year can be between $20,000 and $30,000.

FrugalForLess says this number can be much lower if you’re willing to sacrifice luxury and comfort.

14. Collecting antiques

This is a great hobby that many people take up. However, most rare antiques have a very high price.

It costs about $10,000 or more to start a collection, which makes this kind of hobby unaffordable for many ordinary people.

15. Equestrian

Horseback riding is generally a hobby reserved for the wealthy. When you consider that the average horse costs between $5,000 and $100,000, not to mention maintenance, you can understand why horse racing has a reputation for being prohibitively expensive.

16. Country Club

It’s a great way to relieve stress and relax. According to CountryInc, if you want to enjoy staying at your local country club, be prepared to pay membership fees ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 per year.

Not everyone can afford it, which is why these clubs remain so exclusive.

17. Aquariums for domestic use

Most households have had an aquarium or fish tank at some point, but the home aquarium reaches a whole new level.

You can set up a pretty big aquarium for about $2,000, or you can buy a $4.8 million gold dinosaur aquarium and keep rare fish, squids, etc. in it.

18. Flight of aircraft

Almost everyone dreams of flying like a bird. Since we can’t grow wings, the best solution is to invest in flying lessons so you can fly the plane yourself.

Flying lessons will cost you about $7,000. A license costs $5,000 and an aircraft can be purchased for $15,000 to $200,000.

19. Collecting art

As an art collector, you have to spend a lot of money to acquire works by famous artists and emerging talents from around the world.

A piece of art like this in your collection could be worth between $250,000 and several million dollars.

20. Sprint boat sailing

Finally, a popular pastime is speedboat racing. If you want to spend $50,000 to $600,000 on a speedboat that crashes on the first run, this is the sport for you!

21. Archery

Thanks to popular TV shows like Game of Thrones, Arrow and Vikings, archery has gained a lot of attention. Still, it should be included in this list of expensive hobbies.

To get started, you need to buy a bow. The two most common types of bows are recurve bows and compound bows.

A simple recurve bow, similar to those used by Olympic athletes, can cost up to $200. Advanced bows, often used by hunters, can cost upwards of $300.

22. Ski

Skiing is one of the most popular pastimes, but it can also be one of the most expensive. The cost of equipment alone, including skis, helmet, ski boots, goggles and appropriate outerwear, can easily run to $1,000 or more.

If you don’t have your own equipment, you can usually rent everything you need on the mountain. However, please note that ski boot and ski rental costs between $25 and $45 per day. Add to that the price of a daily lift ticket, which can range from $40 to $80, and a single day of skiing can cost upwards of $100.

23. Drone racing

As the name suggests, drone racing involves drones flying over a course with the goal of overtaking other unmanned robots and crossing the finish line.

Drones first appeared on the market in 2010, but in recent years the best models have been continuously improved.

While in theory any drone can be used for racing, a state-of-the-art drone used in Drone Racing League competitions can cost as little as $500.

24. Restoration of antique cars

Many people love the idea of turning a car wreck into a beautiful classic, but it is one of the most expensive hobbies.

In addition to restoration costs that can reach $40,000 or more, you need to understand that not all cars cost the same.

So while the Pontiac GTO can triple in value when recovered from an accident, the Shelby GT 500 can cost $150,000 or more. When new, however, it can sell for between $117,000 and $160,000.

25. Cooking

Many people claim that cooking should be on the list of cheap hobbies. That’s true if you just want to make a simple dish, but if you want to dive deeper into the kitchen, it will cost you more.

If you want to make bread, you need a mixer that can knead the dough. To decorate the cake, you will need various tools, etc. Just go to a kitchenware store to see how expensive the hobby of cooking can be.

26. Trade

We all have to buy necessary things, but if we consider shopping a hobby, it can get expensive. If you are constantly following the latest fashion trends or buying the latest gadgets, you can spend over $10,000 per quarter.

Of course, you can save money by shopping around and comparing prices. But if you calculate the cost of your purchases, you may be surprised at how much this hobby costs you.

27. Sneaker collection

Many people think of shoes as something you put on when you go out the door. But there are also those who have taken their love of shoes to a whole new level. Sneakerheads consider these shoes to be collectible pieces of art.

A pair of designer sneakers can cost thousands of dollars. For example, the 2019 Nike Air Max 97 may cost $4,000 today.

This niche has grown into a resale economy of an estimated one billion dollars.

28. Rocket Model

Amateur rocket builders make projectiles and launch them. You can buy kits with rocket parts that can cost $120 or more. You will also need additional launch equipment, such as. B. Racks, which cost about $100.

Fortunately, rockets can be launched more than once. However, fuel must be taken into account. It can cost up to $25 per pass.

If you really get into the hobby, you might want to build rockets without a kit. This solution is potentially more dangerous and can be much more expensive.

29. Collection of documents

Even though many people have switched to online streaming or MP3 files, audiophiles still prefer the quality of recordings.

Whether it’s nostalgia or a preference for the warmer analog sound, turntable technology still exists.

You can buy a turntable for $200 or $300, but high-end devices can cost $1,000 or more.

Once you have a record player and speakers, you need to buy records to listen to. Its price can vary considerably. You can expect to pay between $30 and $40. But rare albums can cost $100 or more.

30. Cosplay

The convention draws comic book, movie, video game and other fans from all over the country. Many of these participants got all into the spirit of the event and dressed up as their favorite characters.

Cosplayers strive to mimic the appearance of a character down to the smallest detail. You can spend hours and up to $1,000 to get the look you want.

Although many cosplayers make their own costumes, the more intricate details should be left to professional artisans.

31. Trap shooting

Pigeon shooting is shooting with a shotgun at clay targets flying through the air. This sport can be played in designated areas, such as shooting clubs or state parks. You will probably find that you are charged by the shot.

If you have enough land to safely shoot on your property, you can purchase the necessary equipment, but it can be expensive. Guns can cost up to $2,000. You’ll also need a launch mechanism, which can cost around $3,000.

After this initial investment, you should also buy buckshot ammunition and clay. They are relatively inexpensive and usually cost $10 for 25 shots.

32. Golf

Golf is a popular destination: More than 24 million people play it in the United States alone. Before you consider this hobby, you should know that it can be one of the most expensive hobbies in America.

You can expect to spend at least $300 on a bag of clubs. You should also replenish your bag and replace your clubs as needed. Even if you decide to play indoors, you would need to invest in a decent golf simulator like Skytrak golf launch monitor for best experience.

Plus, you have to pay to play. The most economical option is to book tee times at a public golf course. The average price for an 18-hole course is $36. A more expensive option is to join a private golf club. They can be very exclusive, with one-time entrance fees and membership fees up to $100,000 per year.

33. Fencing

Fencing is an Olympic sport that has developed from its historical roots. The goal of this sport is to hit an opponent with a blunt weapon and dodge a blow.

There are three types of fencing weapons: Saber, rapier and sword. Each weapon has its own styles and disciplines.

Not only do you need a weapon to start with, but also a complete fencing outfit. This could be around $200 or more. These devices don’t last forever, so you will need to replace them fairly often. Bus fares can also be as high as $400 per day. You will probably do individual training and exercises.

34. Polo

Polo has long been considered the sport of the upper class and the wealthy, and for good reason. Membership in a polo club alone can cost $8,000 a year.

As a player, you also need a polo horse, which can cost $20,000 or more, with a maintenance fee of $1,500 per month.

Polo may not be the most expensive pastime in the world, but it’s easy to see why it’s popular with the nobility and upper class.

35. Bicycles

Cycling is a healthy form of exercise and a great hobby. There are different types of cycling, including road cycling, mountain biking and solo cycling. Each requires a specific type of bike.

Bikes can cost up to $10,000 or more, depending on features and quality. You will also need a helmet, a rack and suitable outdoor clothing.

Fortunately, the cost of this hobby will be minimal once you have this equipment. The only exceptions are if you are participating in a race and have to pay an entry fee or if you are going downhill and using a chairlift.

36. Sailing

Sailing is a great way to discover the beauty of the world. The average cost of a new 26-foot sailboat is about $80,000, while a 36-foot cruiser will cost you $150,000.

You can save money by buying a used boat. In the examples above, you can expect a payment of $20,000 and $40,000 respectively.

To enjoy this hobby, you should also consider the annual operating costs. For most courts, this amount is $7,000 per year. Remember that if you sail to different countries, you will have to pay for visas and other travel expenses.

37. Blackjack

Just like in poker, you can win or lose a fortune in blackjack. As with all card games: The higher the stake, the higher the potential winnings.

Remember that playing blackjack requires skill and luck. So you will probably find that this hobby is costing you more than you earn.

38. Cigarette boat racing

Cigarette boats offer the thrill of flying over water. This type of boat can reach speeds up to 100 mph. But this exhilarating experience comes at a price.

The average price of a cigarette boat is about $1.2 million. The 2018 Mercedes Benz Super Power boat is out at a price of $2 million.

You should also consider the cost of storage, insurance and even running hours. If you want to participate in high-level competitions, you also have to pay an entry fee. They can cost $1,000 or more per event. All these costs combined make cigarette boat racing one of the most expensive hobbies.

39. Airplane RC

RC airplanes are a great hobby if you like the idea of building your own plane and controlling it remotely. You have to use your creativity and knowledge to build and fly the plane. But once it’s up and running, you can impress your family and friends.

You can buy ready-made RC planes for less than $200. If you want to build your own system, the cost of a basic option starts at $700.

As aircraft development skills are acquired, costs can increase dramatically.

40. Woodworking

In the past, simple tools like axes and a little elbow grease were common for woodworking. Modern woodworkers usually use expensive equipment to make more precise patterns.

Even if you are just starting out, you will need a drill and hand tools. This basic package can cost up to $300 or more.

When you start investing in lathes, grinders, chainsaws and other equipment, you can expect your hobby to be worth $10,000 or more.

41. Image

The average person only needs the camera of a smartphone to take selfies and pictures of gatherings with family and friends. If you want to make it a serious hobby, you will quickly realize that it is not enough.

An entry-level digital SLR camera can easily cost $200 or more. You may also need to upgrade your lenses for certain types of photography, for example. For example for portraits or with a long zoom. They can add up to $1,000 or more. You will also need a bag to carry all your equipment, a tripod and other accessories.

Although you can upgrade your camera equipment after this initial investment, you can enjoy your new hobby at virtually no cost.

42. Motor glider

Motor gliders are fixed wing aircraft, with or without engine. This makes a long flight without thrust possible.

If you like the idea of having a motor glider as a hobby, be prepared that it will be one of the most expensive hobbies. To buy your own little glider, you have to spend about $500,000.

Don’t forget to include the cost of insurance, tuition and storage. It can go up to $100 an hour.

43. Games

Video games are a popular pastime, especially among young people. It’s easy to forget how expensive a hobby can be. The latest consoles cost between $400 and $500, not including the price of games. New games for the major consoles generally cost between $50 and $60.

In addition, many game franchises require access to online play to play them optimally. It’s not free, and you can pay up to $20 a month for a subscription.

Finally, you may need some accessories to play comfortably. From gaming chairs, which can cost between $400 and $500, to extra controllers, hard drives, and headsets, you can expect to pay up to $1,000 more for your kit.

44. Astronomy

Many of us like to look at the night sky, but if you want to see those bright spots, you first need a telescope.

With a telescope, you can take a closer look at the heavenly bodies and have a beautiful view of the sky.

A basic telescope for beginners usually costs $200, but it can be quite limited. You may need to purchase new lenses, eyepieces and filters to enhance your viewing experience. This could add $500 or more to the cost of the device.

If you want to take pictures of what your telescope shows, you need a decent DSLR camera and a compatible telescope.

Light pollution is another problem. If you live in the city, the light from nearby houses, streetlights and even passing cars can prevent you from getting a good image with the telescope. Therefore, you should move the unit to another location with little or no light pollution. You will need an equipment bag, a tripod and other accessories.

45. Paintball

Paintball consists of competitions in specially designated areas with paintball guns. Instead of firing ammo, the guns fire paintballs that mark the other team.

This is a great option for parties, but many people take it a step further and turn it into a regular hobby. You can rent equipment at a paintball resort, but if you play regularly, you may want to buy your own.

The required equipment consists of a paintball gun, a bunker, a compressed air cylinder and a protective mask. It could cost you $200 or more. Plus, you have to pay about $20 for 1,000 paintballs.

If you are really passionate about this hobby, you may need to invest in knee pads and other protective gear like gloves. This will protect you as you crawl across the field to avoid the enemy team. This could add over $100 to the cost of the device.

Here are some creative strategies for making money with 45 of the world’s most expensive hobbies without selling your soul (and kidneys) to do it.

Related: 64 Hobbies That Make Money

Related: 55 easy ways to make $1000 fast.

Related: How do you invest your money?

Marked studies

0.50 to $3.00 average per survey + Branded Elite Program – additional points for active participants

Average survey time – 15 minutes, minimum payout – $10.

LifePoints

Earn an average of $20 per month

The duration of the survey varies between 10 and 20 minutes

Surveys are available in over 40 countries

PriceRebel

Most surveys report up to $1. Earn up to $50 per month

Up to 30% of the earnings of attracted users.

Rewards are sent within 24 hours and the payment threshold is only $2.

How to afford an expensive hobby:

Not all of the hobbies on this list are available to everyone, but there are a few ways to try out the ones that interest you without breaking the bank.

Here are some of the best tips for saving money and enjoying the adventure of your dreams.

– Rent the equipment you need instead of buying it.

For most hobbies, such as scuba diving and skydiving, it is better to rent a nice piece of equipment than to buy it yourself.

Ask if you can rent the equipment you need from local shops or dive instructors.

– Search for offers and discounts.

For those who want an expensive experience without paying the price, it’s always a good idea to start looking for discounts.

Check out sites like Groupon, where you can probably find great deals on the types of activities you want to try.

– Purchase of second-hand equipment

If you absolutely must buy appliances, one of the most economical things you can do is not buy new.

You can probably find significantly lower prices for used equipment.

– You will not receive any additional equipment.

It’s easy to fall into a scam where you buy all sorts of accessories that you don’t actually need for your new hobby.

If you can keep this hobby alive, you can always do it later.

– Borrow if you can.

While we do not encourage you to become a chronic borrower, you can always contact other enthusiasts from time to time to borrow their equipment.

The best way to spend money is to buy prints

If you’re ready for a great adventure, use this list as your primary source for expensive entertainment!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most expensive hobbies to have?

The most expensive hobbies are those that require a lot of time and money. For example, collecting fine art can be very expensive.

What is the expensive hobby?

The expensive hobby is golf.

Are expensive hobbies worth it?

Some hobbies are worth the money. Some hobbies are not worth the money. Some hobbies are worth the money.