What expensive hobby is actually worth the money?

A musical instrument. For me personally it's guitars and amps. There's few things in this world that give the feeling of accomplishment like NAILING that guitar solo from your favorite band. Also, getting the same tone out of a loud as hell amp is incredibly satisfying too. Lastly, when you play for other people and see them light up. It makes it so worth it. Computers/Networking/Programming. This is such a good hobby because not only does it allow for the ability to make different computing devices work together, it also allows for you to gain so many cool devices that do so many cool things. Also, the amount of automation that one can do also helps with life and just being more productive. I wish more products allow for the ability to be managed via an API or some sort of CLI. I would automate the shit out of my home/appliances given the opportunity. Not only that but I would love to do the same with my car as well.
— Cheeze_It

That depends entirely on the person, really. Gaming can be expensive- You could throw $1,000 at Hearthstone over 3 years or whatever. But if you play 2 hours a day, you have over 2,000 hours of entertainment right there. Good value, worth it. If you're more well off, and something of a thrill-seeker, skydiving or something has its fair share of devouts. They live for that shit, they do it a hundred times a year. For me it's cars. I love driving, I love owning, I love cars. I'm probably gonna get a project car to build up and fix up over time, because that's the best pass-time for me. But just buying cars is my favourite thing in the world. Obviously it's obscenely expensive to do, but it's worth it to me.
— RichGirlThrowaway_

Knitting. Truly getting mohair, Madelinetosh, and other high quality yarns makes my wife very content with just knitting. So I can then enjoy some peaceful time to just read. Then when we are traveling, fancy yarn shops always allows for a destination. Plus, when she makes me stuff, I actually will wear it. A mix of wool, mohair, and quivut makes a great hat.
— Billiamohoughie

Cooking could be an expensive hobby depending on ingredients and how immersed you are in it, but it would absolutely be worth being able to cook meals for yourself and friends.
— Chocobolatte

Motorcycles. My Ninja is an amazing city bike. It's ugly and zippy but reliable as hell. My Ducati is a pain in the ass. But cruising through corners on it... man. I love both of them.
— atubbychubbygoat

Saltwater Aquarium. It's beautiful in your home. If you get into corals and frags they can sell for good money.
— ILesbianKnives

Skiing or snowboarding. Such an intimidating wall of costs to get started and comfortable with it, but once you become skilled enough, get all your gear and find mountains to go to, get season passes, etc, it all starts to become worth it and you can have a blast. It's the only reason I can put up with Winter.
— fucking_ludicrous

Aquarium keeping! It's so rewarding to know that through lots of research and effort you've created a mini ecosystem of living creatures all the way from the bacteria to the fish to the plants :)
— dinaaa

For me, it is Magic: The Gathering. I have probably put a few hundred dollars into it over the course of like 10 years, but it always brings me joy to play, and connects me with a lot of friends I wouldn't have without it. Also, it is something to do as a 20-something on a friday night that isn't drinking.
— thymoakathisia2

Top 10 Answers