The World’s Most Expensive Hobbies
While some people have modest hobbies, like reading or hiking, others collect things like spaceflight tickets, vintage Ferraris, and whisky bottles worth more than a house. For those with the means, hobbies aren’t just ways to unwind, they’re immersive pursuits that blur the line between passion and extravagance.
Whether it’s speeding down a racetrack, or sipping centuries-old spirits in a climate-controlled cellar, these pastimes are anything but ordinary. Here’s a closer look at some of the world’s most outrageously expensive hobbies, and what makes them so expensive:
Reaching For The Stars: Space Tourism
Going to space was once reserved for astronauts, but today space travel is becoming a reality for ultra-wealthy adventurers.
Companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin offer suborbital flights priced between $450,000 and $600,000, giving you a few minutes of weightlessness and a view of Earth that few ever see. But, if you want a private mission these can range from anything upwards of $100 million. Cost aside, some say the experience is worth every penny.
The Need For Speed: Formula 1 And Motorsport
For adrenaline junkies with deep pockets, motorsport is the ultimate thrill. Formula 1 sits at the top, with team budgets often exceeding $100 million per season. But even those racing at the Formula 3 or 4 level can expect to spend at least $500,000 a year.
Race-ready cars can cost millions, and each weekend on the track brings more expenses: crew, logistics, and entry fees that can add tens of thousands more. It's a sport where performance and precision are everything, and the cost of entry is sky high.
Life At 40,000 Feet: Owning A Private Jet
Flying private isn't just about convenience; it's about control, comfort, and lifestyle. A light jet might cost $3 million, while ultra-long-range jets like Gulfstreams or Bombardiers easily hit $75 million or more.
That's before you factor in $2,000–$8,000 per flight hour in operating costs, $500,000+ in annual maintenance, hangar fees, and crew salaries that can total $500,000 a year. It adds up quickly, but for those who value time, privacy, and being able to take off whenever they please, it is the true luxury.
Superyacht Racing: The Sport Of Billionaires
Owning a superyacht is one thing. But racing one is a whole different league. These yachts can cost anywhere from $10 million to over $500 million, with annual running costs typically amounting to 10–15% of the yacht's value.
When you're racing, you'll likely spend millions more on upgrades and modifications, plus another $100,000+ just to enter a single regatta. You will also need professional crews, often earning six-figure salaries.
The Sport Of Kings: Polo
Polo is a sport where horsepower meets heritage. A top-tier polo pony can cost anywhere between $25,000 and $250,000, and serious players need at least four to six horses to compete.
Keeping them in peak condition requires a small team of trainers, vets, and grooms, totaling up to $30,000 a year per horse. Then there are club memberships (sometimes $50,000+), tournament travel, and gear, which can push annual costs well into six figures.
The Allure Of Collecting: Fine Art
Art collecting sits at the intersection of taste, emotion, and investment. While some collectors spend thousands, others invest millions, like the $450 million paid for Da Vinci's Salvator Mundi. But the purchase price is only the beginning.
Authenticating a piece can cost tens of thousands, and storage in climate-controlled, secure facilities often runs into six figures a year. Add shipping, installation, and sky-high insurance premiums, and the world of high-end art becomes a fascinating and costly commitment to beauty and legacy.
Liquid Assets: Collecting Wine And Rare Whiskies
For some, a great bottle of wine or whisky is meant to be savored. For others, it's meant to be collected, stored, and maybe even auctioned off for a small fortune. Rare whiskies regularly sell for $5,000 to $100,000, while prized vintages of wine can fetch over $500,000 per bottle. Proper storage is essential, think professional cellars with temperature and humidity control, which can cost $5 to $50 per bottle per year.
Authentication, insurance, and auction fees stack up quickly, turning this refined pleasure into a serious financial undertaking. One standout collection, aptly named "The Perfect Collection," sold for over $9 million.
A Garage Full Of History: Car Collecting
From a Ferrari from the '60s to a pre-war Mercedes, collecting cars blends nostalgia, appreciation for engineering, and significant investment. A single vintage icon can cost more than $1 million, while some have hit nearly $30 million at auction.
Keeping these cars road-ready means storing them in climate-controlled garages (anywhere from $200 to $2,000 per car per month) and spending tens of thousands annually on maintenance and restoration. Adding to that is the insurance, event transport, and detailing.
Race Days: Horse Racing And Breeding
Thoroughbred racing isn't just about the thrill of race day; it's about pedigree, performance, and the long game.
A top-tier racehorse can cost $100,000 to over $10 million, and training bills can easily exceed six figures every year. Breeding rights for champion studs often cost hundreds of thousands, while boarding, nutrition, and healthcare for horses add even more to the annual spend. Throw in race entry fees and jockey commissions, and it's clear that this hobby is one that requires patience, strategy, and deep resources.