Do you have a hobby that you love? Whether it’s collecting art, going yachting, or skiing in the Alps, there’s no doubt that hobbies can be expensive. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most expensive hobbies in the world. We’ll discuss what makes them so costly, and how much money people can expect to spend on them. If you’re looking for an expensive pastime and unique experiences to indulge in, you’ll want to read this post!
How Much Do People Spend on Their Hobbies?
The amount of money that people spend on their hobbies varies widely. According to a survey by Statistic Brain, the average person spends $200 per month on their hobbies. However, this number doesn’t take into account people who have expensive hobbies like yachting or skiing.
For these types of activities, the cost can be much higher. In fact, some people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars per year on their hobbies and learning new skills!
The Most Expensive Hobbies
Whether it’s ballroom dancing, trap shooting, wine collecting, or yachting, some hobbies are just more expensive than others. But what makes a hobby expensive? In most cases, it’s the cost of the equipment or gear that you need to participate in the hobby.
For example, if you want to go yachting, you’ll need to purchase or rent a yacht, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Similarly, if you want to take up skiing, you’ll need to buy a ski pass, equipment, and clothing, which can also add up.
Of course, the cost of a hobby is relative. What may be expensive for one person may not be for another.
Someone who loves art may already have a collection of paintings that they’ve amassed over the years. To them, buying a new painting for their collection may not be that expensive. However, someone who doesn’t have any art in their home may find the cost of purchasing a painting to be quite high.
What Is The Most Expensive Hobby?
It really depends how much you spend on your favorite hobby, but yacht racing is one of the most expensive pass times out there. This elite hobby is not for the faint of heart (or wallet).
With luxurious sailboats costing upwards of tens of millions of dollars, the investment alone is enough to make even the wealthiest balk. But that’s just the beginning.
Add in the cost of maintenance and repairs, plus the hefty fees for participation in premier races and regattas, and it’s easy to see why yacht racing is the undisputed king of ultra-expensive hobbies. So if you’re looking for a truly opulent pursuit, look no further than the world of competitive sailing. But be warned: only the most dedicated and daring need apply.
1. Playing Polo
Polo is often called the sport of kings, and it’s not hard to see why. It is one of the oldest team sports in the world, dating back to ancient Persia, and it has long been associated with luxury and wealth.
Today, polo remains one of the most exclusive sports, with high-end equipment and facilities that can cost millions of dollars. And yet, despite the barriers to entry, the popularity of learning how to play polo has only grown in recent years.
In many ways, the sport is the perfect blend of athleticism and strategy, requiring players to master horsemanship while also making split-second decisions on the field. For those who have the means to pursue it, polo can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
2. Collecting Art
For many people, art is a source of beauty and inspiration. However, collecting art can also be one of the most expensive hobbies.
A single painting or sculpture can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, and even minor repairs can add up quickly. Furthermore, the value of an art piece can fluctuate greatly over time. As a result, collectors need to be prepared to make a significant financial investment if they want to build a meaningful collection.
Despite the high cost, many people find that collecting art by famous painters or upcoming artists is a rewarding experience. Not only does it give them access to unique and often one-of-a-kind pieces, but it also allows them to support artists and build a connection to the art world. For some people, being an art collector is less about the financial investment and more about the emotional value.
3. Yachting
Another expensive hobby is yachting. This pastime typically requires a large boat, as well as a crew to maintain it. The average cost of buying and operating a yacht can easily reach into the millions of dollars.
But for those who love the sea, there is nothing quite like the experience of cruising on your own yacht. The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the waves crashing against the hull – it’s an exhilarating feeling.
Yachting also provides a unique opportunity to see the world from a different perspective. When you’re on a yacht, you can explore remote coves and deserted islands that are inaccessible by land.
Yachting is a popular hobby among the wealthy because it allows them to travel in luxury and style. Many people who own yachts also enjoy taking part in yacht racing, which can be another significant expense.
4. Sky Diving
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of jumping out of a plane and freefalling through the air. Of course, skydiving is also a pricey hobby.
A typical jump can cost anywhere from $200 to $300, and that’s not including the cost of equipment rentals or lessons. The most expensive type of skydiving is wingsuiting. The skydiver wears a webbing-sleeved jumpsuit known as a wingsuit which optimizes lift. This extreme sport allows you to enjoy the sensation of gliding rather than simply free falling. A wingsuit costs around $1200.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, skydiving might be just the thing for you. Just be sure to do your research and choose a reputable company to jump with – you want to make sure you have a safe and memorable experience.
5. Wine Collecting
Collecting wine can be an expensive pastime, but it can also be a incredibly rewarding one. For many collectors, the joy comes not only from acquiring rare and valuable wines, but also from the opportunity to drink them. After all, what’s the point of owning a first-growth Bordeaux if you’re never going to pop the cork?
Of course, wine collecting also requires a certain amount of knowledge and expertise. Although there are no hard and fast rules, collectors generally try to focus on wines that they enjoy drinking and that they feel have potential to age well.
This can be a difficult balancing act, as some of the most desirable cuvées are also some of the most expensive wines. But for those who are willing to do their homework,wine collecting can be a delicious and rewarding hobby.
6. Go-Karting
Go-karting is a popular but very expensive hobby. Many F1 drivers start out doing go kart racing from as young as 6 years old.
A go-kart typically costs around $8000, and that’s not including the cost of gear which can be another $1000. For those taking part in go-kart races, add on travel expenses, competition entry fees, fuel and the cost of maintenance. The total cost of a year’s go-kart racing may cost up to $11,000.
However, go-karting can be a very exhilarating adventure sport. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to be in good shape to handle the demands of racing.
7. Downhill Skiing
Depending on where you go, skiing can be a fun and relatively inexpensive way to enjoy the outdoors. However, if you want to ski in North America, you’ll need to be prepared to spend a significant amount of money. A one day pass at Vail is a whopping $220.
While a day pass for skiing in the Alps is cheaper, you’ll need to factor in the air fare or train ride to get there. To get more bang for your buck, avoid the most luxurious ski resorts and choose somewhere lesser known.
Wherever you choose to stay, downhill skiing is an exhilarating experience. The apres-ski can be a lot of fun too!
8. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, but it is also one of the most expensive. The cost of scuba diving gear can easily exceed $1,000, and the price of scuba diving lessons can also be quite high.
In addition, scuba diving trips can be quite expensive, as you have to factor in travel costs to remote locations. As a result, scuba diving is typically a hobby that is reserved for those with a significant amount of disposable income.
However, for those who are able to afford it, scuba diving can be an incredibly rewarding experience. There is nothing quite like exploring the underwater world, and scuba diving provides a unique opportunity to see things that most people will never get to see. In
9. Horseback Riding
Riding a horse is an expensive pastime, but it can be a lot of fun. There are many different types of horseback riding, from dressage to eventing, show jumping and horse racing.
Horse riding can be a great way to relax and get some exercise. If you’re thinking about getting into horseback riding, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, you’ll need to buy or lease a horse, and you’ll need to pay for lessons, training, and boarding. Second, horseback riding is time-consuming. You’ll need to dedicate several hours each week to taking care of your horse and riding.
Finally, you’ll need to be aware of the risks and take precautions to stay safe while you’re riding. Despite the cost and time commitment, horseback riding is a great hobby for those who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.
10. Collecting Cars
For some people, collecting cars is less about the cars themselves and more about the experience. Car collectors often enjoy attending car shows such as Salon Privé, meeting other collectors, and researching the history of their cars.
Of course, collecting modern and vintage cars is also an expensive hobby. The cost of buying and maintaining a classic car can easily exceed $100,000. In addition, if you’re looking to add rare and expensive cars to your collection, you could be looking at a price tag of several million dollars.
However, for those who are passionate about cars, the cost is often worth it. Whether you prefer American cars, British cars or vehicles from other European countries, having a car collection can be a fun and rewarding hobby.
11. Flying a Plane
Flying is an expensive hobby, whether you go to a flying school or own your own plane. It requires a lot of expensive equipment, and it takes a lot of time to become proficient.
However, the experience of flying is unlike anything else. There’s something thrilling about being up in the air, looking down at the world below.
For many people, flying is a lifelong passion. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a way of life. If you’re considering taking up flying, be prepared to make a significant investment of time and money. But if you’re willing to make that investment, you’ll be rewarded with an unparalleled experience.
12. Playing Golf
Golf is a sport that many people enjoy, but it can be an expensive hobby to get into. The necessary equipment needed to play golf can be costly and green fees or membership fees can add up quickly.
However, there are ways to save money on golf expenses. One way to cut costs is to find a cheaper place to play. A public golf course is generally a lot less expensive than joining a private country club.
Another way to save money is to buy used equipment. There are many sites online where you can find used golf clubs for a fraction of the cost of new ones.
Finally, lesson packages can be a great way to get started in golf without breaking the bank. By following these tips, you can enjoy playing golf without spending a fortune.
13. Stamp Collecting
Although it may seem like a quaint and old-fashioned hobby, stamp collecting can be a surprisingly expensive endeavor. To the casual observer, a stamp may simply look like a small piece of paper with an image on it.
However, to the seasoned collector, each stamp is a valuable piece of history. Many collectors are willing to pay large sums of money for rare and unique stamps.
In fact, some of the most sought-after stamps can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on their condition.
14. Mountain Climbing
Mountain climbing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the world. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy the challenge and exhilaration of scaling a mountain.
However, it is also one of the most expensive hobbies, requiring specialized equipment such as ropes, helmets and harnesses. Climbing a mountain is a physically and mentally demanding task, and it should not be undertaken lightly.
Although some people are naturally gifted climbers, most people need professional instruction and guidance to safely reach the summit. The cost of mountain climbing can be significant, but for many people, it is worth it for the experience of a lifetime.
15. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Have you ever wanted to float away into the sky like a dandelion tuft on a breezy day? If so, then a hot air balloon ride might be just the thing for you.
If you want to take your family on a hot air balloon ride, it will cost you around $400. That is expensive for most families, so they save up for it and take their vacation around the same time.
The benefits of taking a hot air balloon ride are that you get to see the world from a different perspective and you don’t have to worry about the weather. If it is a clear day, you will be able to see for miles in all directions.
And don’t worry, hot air balloon rides are actually quite safe. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable way to spend your spare time, why not give it a try.
16. RC Planes
For anyone interested in aviation, RC planes provide a thrilling way to indulge that passion. But potential RC airplane owners should be warned: this is a pricey hobby.
Not only do the remote control planes themselves come with a hefty price tag, but you’ll also need to invest in a fuel-powered engine, radio transmitter, and other accessories.
Of course, there’s also the cost of membership to a local model flying club, where you can take advantage of their runway and flight instructors. So before taking the plunge, make sure you’re prepared to make a significant investment of both time and money. But for those who are willing to make the commitment, flying an RC plane is an exhilarating experience that will provide hours of enjoyment.
17. High Stakes Poker
High stakes poker is an expensive pastime that can often be found in casinos. The game is typically played with a standard 52-card deck, and the objective is to win money from other players by having the best hand or by betting that one’s hand is the best.
Players can bet any amount of money, but the minimum bet is typically set at $100. High stakes poker can be a very exciting and suspenseful game, but it is also very risky.
Players can easily lose large sums of money in a single hand, and the game can be expensive to partake in on a regular basis.
18. Ballroom Dancing
Anyone who has ever ballroom danced knows that it is not a cheap hobby. Between the cost of dance lessons, practice sessions, and competition entries, it is not uncommon for dancers to spend hundreds of dollars each month.
If you enter ballroom dancing competitions, the cost of the costumes and travel to the venues can be very expensive. However, many dancers feel that the experience is worth the cost.
There is something special about the thrill of gliding across the dance floor, moving as one with a partner. For many people, ballroom dancing is more than just a hobby – it is a passion. While it may be pricey, it is an enjoyable and rewarding pastime.
19. Collecting Sneakers
Sneaker collecting can be an expensive hobby. The most coveted sneakers can cost several hundred dollars, and even less rare shoes can fetch a high price.
For some people, the appeal is simply in the designs of the shoes. Others enjoy the challenge of tracking down hard-to-find styles. And still others see sneakers as a valuable investment, one that can pay off handsomely if the right pair is sold at the right time.
Whatever the reason, sneaker collecting can be a rewarding hobby for those who are willing to put in the time and effort. With a little patience and perseverance, even the most elusive pairs can be found. And when that perfect shoe is finally added to the collection, it’s all worth it.
20. Trap Shooting
Trap shooting is one of the most costly hobbies there is. The cost of shells, alone, can be quite prohibitive.
But, for the passionate trap shooter, the high cost is worth it. The thrill of hitting a clay target as it flies through the air is unlike any other feeling.
And, the sense of camaraderie among trap shooters is hard to beat. Trap shooting requires a great deal of concentration and focus.
In order to be successful, shooters must be able to tune out all distractions and focus solely on their target. This takes a great deal of practice and discipline. But, for those who are willing to put in the work, trap shooting can be an extremely rewarding experience.
21. Owning a Pet
There’s no denying that pets can be costly. There are some extremely expensive cat and dog breeds out there.
What’s more, from food and toys to vet bills and obedience classes, the expenses can quickly add up.
However, pet ownership also comes with a number of benefits. Studies have shown that spending time with animals can help to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
In addition, pets can provide companionship and promote social interaction. They can also help to increase physical activity levels, which is beneficial for both physical and mental health.
For all of these reasons, owning a pet can be a rewarding experience despite the associated costs. The most expensive types of pet to own are exotic pets, however it is illegal to own them in many states in the United States and most countries worldwide.
In Conclusion: The Most Expensive Hobbies in the World
So, there you have it – the most expensive hobbies in the world. If any of these appeal to you and your bank account balance, go ahead and give them a try in your free time! Just be warned that a luxury can quickly become addictive (and expensive).
Whether you’re looking to spend a little or a lot of money on your next hobby, there are plenty of options out there. Be sure to do your research to find the hobby that’s right for you and your budget.
Have you ever indulged in any of these high-end hobbies? What was your experience of these expensive activities like?
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I can’t believe that you did not include downhill skiing in general and only called out skiing in the Alps. Skiing in North America has become far more expensive. A one day pass at Vail is a stunning $220. Nothing in the Alps even comes close. $70 is typical. Multiplied over five days leaves you with enough to pay for airfare not to mention lodging is much cheaper.
Good point, we’ve edited our article which did already include a link to the most luxurious ski resorts worldwide, many of which are in the States.