With the rising prices of recent years, a lot of hobbies and other pastimes that once were pretty inexpensive no longer are. Changes in supply and demand drive most of these changes, and technological changes do as well.
These hobbies were once considered affordable for most middle-class Americans, but now they are pricey luxuries that are out of reach for most.
Here are some hobbies and pastimes that used to be affordable but are now a lot pricier than you might think.
Vinyl Records
Ever since cassettes and later CDs replaced them, vinyl records have been popular collectors’ items. It’s not that hard or expensive to get them, but classic albums in mint or excellent condition are rare and can be very expensive.
Vintage Clothing
It’s common for old styles to come back in fashion, but the new stuff that looks like the old isn’t vintage. There’s only so much of the originals left, so that makes it pretty costly in many cases.
Comic Books
Classic comics have always been a hot collector’s item. They’re not making any more of the vintage classics, and with growing numbers of collectors, supplies are scarce and competition is intense, driving prices for some editions way up.
Retro Video Games and Consoles
When modern video games put their forebears to shame in quality of graphics, few thought anyone would want to bother with the old stuff again. If you tossed your original Atari or Nintendo console long ago, you probably don’t want to know what you could have gotten for it today.
Antique Furniture
Real antiques, not the ones at places amusingly advertising “Antiques Made Daily” are really expensive even if they need refinishing. They’re also not easy to find and transport, which makes them even more expensive.
Painting
Painting seems like a relaxing, simple, and low-cost hobby. However, price increases in recent years have made supplies a lot more expensive, and it might still be relaxing and simple, but it’s not so cheap anymore.
Movies
Everyone knows ticket prices are crazy and food/drink costs at the theaters are even crazier, and that’s why streaming caught on in such a big way. However, have you noticed services continuing to raise subscription costs while subjecting us to more ads (unless we pay even more to avoid them)?
Baking and Cooking
Making your own dishes and desserts is still cheaper than buying them pre-made or dining out, but it’s not as cheap as it once was. This is due to soaring grocery and equipment costs over the last few years.
Boating
Everyone knows boats aren’t cheap, but you can still find smaller ones for reasonable prices, especially used ones in good condition. However, the hidden costs of boating include fuel, maintenance, transport (you’ll need a trailer), docking, and winter storage.
Camping
Camping gear used to be pretty basic and low-tech. However, as gear has become better and more versatile over the years, it’s also gotten pricier. In addition to that, rates at public and private campgrounds keep rising, and some add reservation fees as well.
