39 Of The Most Expensive Hobbies In The World
There’s no limit to the thrill and enjoyment you can get if you’re willing to spend huge amounts of money. So if you’re looking for expensive hobbies that will give you access to unique experiences, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, I have compiled a list of the most expensive hobbies in the world that will help you get the best return for the money you’re willing to spend.
You’ll get an idea of how expensive each hobby is and find useful links that will show you how to get started. So let’s begin!
39 Of The Most Expensive Hobbies In The World
1. Sky diving
Sky diving is a hobby that requires a great deal of courage. After all, you’re jumping off from a plane that is thousands of feet above the ground, hoping that your parachute will safely help you land.
The only thing that matches this risk is the rush of adrenaline you get while diving through the sky. If you want to jump twice a week, you will have to shell out around $24,000 per year. Here are 10 tips you should keep in mind before you do.
2. Scuba diving
Even though we are creatures of the land, nothing is stopping us from taking a dive inside the sea and exploring its depths. Scuba diving lets you swim among fish and enjoy the beauties that lie on the sea beds.
If you’re good at swimming underwater, then scuba diving is the perfect hobby for you to try out. You’ll be paying about $3,000 per trip underwater. This useful blog will help you take the right first steps!
3. Yacht racing
Yacht racing is easily one of the most expensive hobbies on this list for the simple reason that yachts are not cheap. They range anywhere between $2 million to $800 million in price, so make sure you’re rich enough for this hobby.
It’s also more than just about hopping on top of a yacht and racing it away. You will need a trained crew to participate, so read through this guide to understand all the essential information!
4. Mountain climbing
Mountain climbing is a lot like hiking, just that you try to climb to the summits of some of the highest peaks in the world. This hobby will test your resilience and fortitude, so make sure you are cut out for it.
Other than buying supplies for the journey, you will need to pay guides who will keep you safe, bringing the expenses to as much as $35,000. Check out this guide to learn the best way of getting started!
5. Ice sculpting
Making real-life structures and shapes out of ice is nothing short of an art form. It requires a high level of skill as well as specific instruments that help you sculpt the ice and shape it to your will.
If you’ve ever wanted to sculpt figures as the ancient Greeks did, this is your opportunity to do something similar. A single block of ice will cost you about $375, and you’ll have to take some courses to train yourself.
Read through this wikiHow guide to quickly begin the sculpting!
6. Collecting cars
There is a wide range of popular, antique, and collectors’ edition cars that you can collect, given that you can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on each. Apart from cars, you will also be collecting parts and tools to maintain them.
If you’re a big fan of cars and have loads of money, this hobby will keep you busy. Here is a long list of 100 collector cars to help you start your search!
7. Traveling
Depending on where you’re traveling to, you may get to visit exotic natural locations or bustling metropolises that have unique cultures. Plus, if you’re willing to sacrifice some luxury, you can do a lot more traveling in a single year.
For people who love to explore new cultures and destinations, traveling is a natural hobby to pursue. Head over to the Travel 101 guide to find more information and get started!
8. Collecting antiques
Antiques can involve old watches that hang from your pocket with the help of chains as well as telescopes that are plated with gold. In any case, you will have to spend upwards of $10,000 to start your own collection.
People who are obsessed with such antiques (and have the money to afford them) enjoy making this into a proper hobby. If you’re one such person, here’s a beginner’s guide to help you begin!
9. Country clubbing
Country clubs provide a peaceful and greenery-filled experience that helps clubbers let go of stress and relax. You can even engage in activities like golf, swimming, horse-riding, and so much more.
Just make sure you’re willing to pay the yearly membership fee which can range anywhere between $5,000 and $250,000. In case you’re confused about country clubs, here’s an article that will help you decide whether you should join one or not!
10. Flying a plane
Flying a plane is the closest you can come to experiencing what it’s like to fly like a bird. However, this hobby will require you to take flying lessons, obtain a license, and buy (or rent) a good plane.
All of this will cost you at least $30,000 but will give you a hobby to stick by for the rest of your life. If you’re ready to get started, check out this article to learn about the 7 steps you need to take!
11. Collecting art
Pieces of art – especially world-class and top-tier ones, are worth millions of dollars. People still collect them because of the mesmerizing creativity they contain.
If you’re someone who appreciates the subtlety of paintings and drawings, this could be your hobby. Get ready to take out at least $250,000 for every piece of art that attracts your eye.
Head over to this guide to learn the best way to start an art collection!
12. Car racing
Car racing is a hobby reserved for those who love the adrenaline rush that comes during a race and the prize money after it. Along with the actual racing, you also have to spend time maintaining, fixing, and upgrading your car.
People who love to modify their cars with upgrades enjoy this hobby because it allows them to test out their car’s performance as well. If you’re ready, here are 10 ways you could get started in racing!
13. Speedboat racing
Speedboats take the thrill of racing to the next level, but they also come with a hefty price tag which can lie anywhere between $50,000 and $600,000. However, know that you may end up crashing your speedboat, so be wary of the recurring expenses.
If you’re bored with the slow speed of regular boats and are up for a thrilling challenge, speedboat racing is the hobby you should pursue. Here’s a sneak peek into the life of a racer, in case you’re wondering what it is like!
14. Archery
Archery is among the more accessible expensive hobbies on this list, and so appeals to a larger audience than most hobbies. You need a target and a good bow, and then it’s just you and your slow practice to get better.
For starters, a recurve bow works best but you can even buy a compound one (costing upwards of $300) if you’re willing to spend more. For more information, check out this comprehensive guide!
15. Skiing
Skiing on smooth white snow has its own fun. You get to slide down at high speeds, swerving around objects and holding your balance.
This is the perfect hobby for you if you happen to live near a skiing range. You could buy the equipment for about $1,000, or rent it every day for anywhere between $50 and $100.
If you’re ready to begin, here are 10 tips to help you start strong!
16. Drone racing
Drone racing is exactly what the term suggests – controlling a drone remotely as you try to race it along a course, beating the other drones to the finishing line.
All you need to dive into this thrilling hobby is a drone, and you can get one for less than $300. If you want a top-of-the-line drone, be prepared to spend a lot more than $500.
There are a lot of technical details involved in buying a good drone, so check out this useful guide before you go ahead and purchase one!
17. Car restoration
Car restoration is one of those expensive hobbies that also require a lot of knowledge and skill. It involves taking a complete wreck and restoring it, making it into a shiny and functional car again.
Depending on how much restoration you’ll have to do, you will be spending at least $30,000. So make sure you’re passionate about cars before you dive in. Read through this guide so that you can make the best decisions when starting out!
18. Shopping
The more shopping you do, the more money you spend. However, for people who love to buy new clothes, footwear, digital devices, and other accessories, shopping can be an incredibly exciting hobby.
Explore the areas around your neighborhood for new markets or head over to your favorite malls. Before you do, read this article to learn some smart shopping tips!
19. Model rockets
You may not be able to visit space inside a rocket, but there is no reason why you can’t build your own miniature rockets and launch them into the sky.
This is an excellent hobby for people fascinated by rocketry. You can buy rocket-builder kits for under $200, or collect all required materials and make your own.
Head over to this article on Wired to explore the process of launching a rocket!
20. Cosplaying
Fans of anime, video games, movies, and TV shows regularly attend conventions, taking the appearance of a particular character, right down to the smallest of details.
This can take hours and more than $1,000 to pull off properly, but passionate fans find it enjoyable to make this into a regular hobby.
If you’re a complete beginner and want to get started, you can take help from this useful tutorial on wikiHow!
21. Golf
Golfing is a sport where you get to spend time in large green fields, taking in the fresh air while enjoying the challenge of striking the golf ball in the right direction. However, it is also an expensive hobby to take up.
If you go for public golf courses, you may have to pay a fixed rent every time. Private golf clubs cost a lot more (up to $100,000 per year). To take the first step in the right direction, go over this list of dos and don’ts from the Golf.com blog!
22. Polo
Polo is a lot like hockey except that you go around on horseback instead of your feet. This is why it is one of the most expensive hobbies to sustain, with a single horse costing over $20,000.
You will love the thrill of the sport if you love horseback riding. Here is a list of gear you’ll need along with other instructions to get you started!
23. Sailing
Sailing allows you to explore new places (even new countries) while traveling on the sea instead of on land. You get to marvel at the beauty of the ocean and the islands which pop up along your way.
To get into sailing, you’ll need a sailboat which will cost you around $80,000 – $150,000, depending on the quality you go for.
Here are the 5 ways in which you can get started with this new hobby!
24. RC planes
It can be quite satisfying to watch a plane you built yourself obeying your commands as it flies around in the air. RC planes can be made from off-the-shelf kits or built from scratch using all the basic materials.
If you’ve always been fascinated by the huge planes you see flying up in the sky, this hobby will serve you daily doses of excitement. Here is a useful blog to read in case you’re wondering how to get started!
25. Photography
Photography has become quite common these days, thanks to the cameras on smartphones. However, you can leave this behind and get into the world of powerful DSLRs and experience the completely different level of quality to be found.
People who enjoy taking photographs of beautiful scenes and moments will love to get into this hobby. Check out this list of 12 essential things you’ll need to start strong!
26. Gaming
Modern-day video games can take you through immersive mega-universes full of spell-binding stories and interesting characters. If you prefer to stay indoors, gaming could be the perfect hobby for you.
You will need a console, games to play, and supporting stuff like gaming chairs. All of this can easily cost you around $1,000.
Here is a list of the best 50 games in 2020 for you to choose from!
27. Astronomy
There is only so much you can spot in the clear night sky with your naked eye. However, if you can buy a powerful telescope, you will be amazed at the amount of detail you can make out – from constellations to even the craters on the moon.
Buying a good telescope will cost you anywhere around $200 to $500. Go through this detailed guide to learn how to best make use of one!
28. Fencing
Sword fighting is no longer in fashion, but if you’re longing to try it out, you can turn towards fencing as an excellent alternative. Using a blunt weapon, you will have to defend yourself while hitting your opponent as many times as you can.
Fencing is highly technical, so you will need to take lessons (and buy the necessary gear). One-on-one lessons can cost up to $400 per day.
If you’re ready to dive in, here’s an informative guide about the basics of this Olympic sport!
29. Trapshooting
Trapshooting is all about using a shotgun to target pieces of clay gliding through the air. If you want to experience the thrill of target-shooting, trap shooting should be your go-to hobby.
You have two options if you want to get started: either visit a gun club and pay rent per shot or buy your own shotgun for about $2,000 and find a clear space to make your own shooting range.
In either case, you should first get your knowledge up-to-date about all the basics of trap shooting. Here’s a guide that will help you do exactly that!
30. Record collecting
There is a smoothness and a quality to the sound of record-players that modern mp3 players have not been able to match. So why not get yourself a $300 record-player and hunt for records of your favorite music?
If you’re someone who loves music and has never listened to a record, this could be a hobby that you keep for the rest of your life. In case you’re confused about the right way to proceed, check out this article about building a killer record collection!
31. Cooking
Cooking, at first glance, does not seem to belong in a list of expensive hobbies. However, if you’re ambitious enough, you will be surprised to see how much you can experiment and do.
Go beyond making basic meals, and start trying out different kinds of cakes and exotic dishes. You will find yourself buying special equipment and costly ingredients.
To learn more, you can check out my post on some great online cooking classes!
32. Home aquaria
Take your home aquarium game to the next level and replace your fishbowl with a large aquarium containing a wide variety of fish. You will have to take care of the fish, feed them daily, and maintain the aquarium.
A moderately-large aquarium will cost you around $2,000, and you can spend more than that for bigger ones that can house even more varieties of fish and sea creatures.
Go through this detailed blog to get a primer on the methods and equipment used for fish-keeping!
33. Horseback riding
Being able to ride a horse was considered a noteworthy achievement in previous centuries before the invention of vehicles. However, you can still make it your hobby and enjoy the experience of riding on the back of a horse.
Getting a horse will take anywhere between $5,000 and $100,000 from your pocket, depending on the breed and size of the horse. This is why horseback riding is one of the most expensive hobbies.
To get started, follow this comprehensive guide on Amateur Equestrian!
34. Hot air ballooning
Hot air balloons offer a unique way of traversing the sky and taking in all the beauty of nature. However, it does not come without its huge price tag.
You will have to pay about $45,000 for a hot air balloon if you want to make it a hobby, not to mention the amount you will pay for training and crew.
Here is an article that will guide you about becoming a hot air balloon pilot!
35. High stakes poker
Playing poker while putting money (loads of it) on the line is a sport reserved for only the very rich and the astutely clever. Apart from being one of the most expensive hobbies, this is also one of the most rewarding hobbies.
If you know how to play poker well, you are ready to make this a proper hobby. Check out these expert tactics that will surely help you improve your game!
36. Exotic pets
Nowadays, people have started to turn towards animals like lions, tigers, octopuses, and lizards to keep as pets. If you’re fascinated by wildlife and love pets, this could be a suitable hobby for you.
Just keep in mind that an exotic pet can cost you as much as $300,000, and this does not include the food, license, and professional handlers you will need to take care of it.
Here is a list of exotic pets you can consider making a part of your home!
37. Ballroom dancing
Ballroom dancing is more than just about moving your body in different ways. It is a form of art that requires a high level of flexibility as well as synchronization.
So make sure you have the necessary physical mobility required to get into this hobby. Taking lessons will cost you around $50 – $200 per hour.
If you’re unsure how to start, head over to this introduction for beginners!
38. Investing
Investing requires you to put out huge amounts of money, but if done carefully, your money will double and triple in value as enough years go by.
For people who think they understand stocks and finances well, this hobby is an excellent way to apply their expertise.
Regardless of your level of expertise, this guide will help you take your understanding of investing to the next level!
39. Producing music
The final entry in my list of expensive hobbies is music production. It involves using high-end electronic instruments to compose your own music.
This is a hobby you should definitely go for if you’re well-versed with music theory and know how to play a few instruments already.
Here’s a detailed guide that will get you up and running with this hobby in no time!
