Starting a new hobby is an exciting way to learn new skills, relax, or even meet new people. However, before diving into a new activity, it’s essential to understand the initial investment required. The cost of getting started with a hobby can vary significantly based on the type of activity, the equipment needed, and whether or not you need to take lessons.
Here’s an overview of 100+ popular hobbies and their estimated startup costs, so you can plan your next hobby adventure wisely!
Understanding Hobby Costs
The cost of starting a new hobby can depend on several factors:
- Initial Equipment/Materials: The most significant part of the cost is usually the initial purchase of necessary items.
- Lessons or Training: Some hobbies may require you to pay for lessons, tutorials, or courses.
- Ongoing Expenses: For some hobbies, such as sports or crafting, you may need to replenish materials regularly.
- Memberships and Club Fees: If your hobby involves joining a club, gym, or group, that could come with an additional cost.
Comprehensive List of Hobbies and Their Estimated Startup Costs
Below is a table with over 100 popular hobbies, their categories, and estimated startup costs. This table includes a variety of activities, from creative and intellectual pursuits to outdoor adventures and physical sports.
Hobby |
Category |
Estimated Startup Cost (USD) |
Cost Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
Reading |
Intellectual |
$0 – $50 |
Library membership (often free), or purchasing a few books. |
Gardening |
Outdoor |
$50 – $200 |
Basic tools, seeds/plants, soil, and pots. |
Painting |
Creative |
$75 – $300 |
Brushes, paints, canvases, and easel. |
Photography |
Creative |
$500 – $1,500 |
Entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera, memory card, and basic accessories. |
Cooking |
Culinary |
$100 – $300 |
Essential kitchen tools, utensils, and initial ingredients. |
Knitting/Crocheting |
Craft |
$20 – $100 |
Needles/hooks, yarn, and patterns. |
Cycling |
Physical |
$300 – $1,000 |
Bicycle, helmet, and basic safety gear. |
Hiking |
Outdoor |
$50 – $200 |
Suitable footwear, backpack, and water bottle. |
Yoga |
Physical |
$20 – $100 |
Yoga mat and comfortable clothing. |
Fishing |
Outdoor |
$50 – $200 |
Rod, reel, tackle, and necessary permits. |
Woodworking |
Craft |
$200 – $1,000 |
Basic tools like saws, chisels, and materials. |
Playing a Musical Instrument |
Creative |
$100 – $1,000+ |
Instrument purchase (e.g., guitar, keyboard) and beginner lessons. |
Bird Watching |
Outdoor |
$20 – $150 |
Binoculars and field guide. |
Running |
Physical |
$50 – $150 |
Running shoes and appropriate attire. |
Scrapbooking |
Craft |
$50 – $150 |
Albums, decorative paper, adhesives, and embellishments. |
Model Building |
Craft |
$30 – $200 |
Kits, glue, paint, and tools. |
Chess |
Intellectual |
$20 – $100 |
Chess set and possibly a beginner’s guide. |
Calligraphy |
Creative |
$20 – $80 |
Calligraphy pens, ink, and paper. |
Baking |
Culinary |
$50 – $200 |
Baking pans, mixers, and ingredients. |
Pottery |
Craft |
$100 – $500 |
Clay, basic tools, and access to a kiln (may involve studio fees). |
Scuba Diving |
Adventure |
$300 – $1,000+ |
Certification course and equipment rental (owning equipment increases cost). |
Rock Climbing |
Adventure |
$150 – $500 |
Climbing shoes, harness, chalk bag, and gym membership or outdoor gear. |
Sewing |
Craft |
$100 – $400 |
Sewing machine, fabric, patterns, and notions. |
Dancing |
Physical |
$50 – $200 |
Dance shoes and beginner classes. |
Camping |
Outdoor |
$100 – $500 |
Tent, sleeping bag, and basic camping gear. |
Martial Arts |
Physical |
$50 – $150 |
Uniform and beginner classes. |
Wine Tasting |
Social |
$50 – $200 |
Tasting fees or purchasing a selection of wines. |
Astronomy |
Science |
$100 – $500 |
Telescope or binoculars and star charts. |
Genealogy |
Research |
$20 – $100 |
Access to online databases and record-keeping materials. |
Home Brewing |
Culinary |
$100 – $300 |
Brewing kit and ingredients. |
Leatherworking |
Craft |
$50 – $200 |
Leather, tools, and patterns. |
Origami |
Craft |
$10 – $50 |
Origami paper and instructional guides. |
Surfing |
Adventure |
$200 – $800 |
Surfboard and wetsuit (lessons may add to cost). |
Stand-Up Paddleboarding |
Adventure |
$300 – $1,000 |
Paddleboard and paddle. |
Kite Flying |
Outdoor |
$20 – $100 |
Kite and appropriate flying line. |
Metal Detecting |
Adventure |
$100 – $500 |
Metal detector and digging tools. |
Beekeeping |
Outdoor |
$200 – $500 |
Hive, protective clothing, and bees. |
Archery |
Sport |
$150 – $500 |
Bow, arrows, and safety gear. |
Golfing |
Sport |
$200 – $1,000+ |
Clubs, balls, and course fees. |
Sailing |
Adventure |
$500 – $5,000+ |
Sailing lessons and boat rental (owning a boat significantly increases cost). |
Ice Skating |
Physical |
$50 – $200 |
Skates and rink fees. |
Snowboarding |
Adventure |
$300 – $1,000 |
Snowboard, boots, bindings, and lift tickets. |
Skiing |
Adventure |
$300 – $1,000 |
Skis, boots, poles, and lift tickets. |
Horseback Riding |
Physical |
$50 – $200 |
Riding lessons and equipment rental (owning a horse greatly increases cost). |
Juggling |
Skill |
$10 – $30 |
Juggling balls or clubs, and instructional books/videos. |
How We Got the Costs
The costs listed above were determined by researching the typical starting expenses for each hobby. I checked multiple sources, including hobby blogs, expert opinions, and online marketplaces like Amazon and specialized retailers. Prices reflect the cost of basic starter equipment or materials needed to begin each hobby, without including advanced or professional-grade items. For activities requiring specialized training or memberships, the prices were averaged from a range of beginner-level courses and classes.
Starting a new hobby can be as affordable as picking up a book or as expensive as buying a boat. Whether you’re interested in a creative, intellectual, physical, or outdoor activity, there’s something for every budget. The key is to choose a hobby that not only fits your budget but also excites you.
Have you started any new hobbies recently? Let us know what hobby you’re interested in and how you got started! 🌱🎨🎸