PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvanians are spending less than most states on their favorite hobbies, but they are among the most time-committed hobbyists in the country, according to a new CGTrader survey tracking how rising costs are reshaping leisure activities.
The survey found that Pennsylvania residents spend an average of $79.54 per month on their top hobby, ranking ninth-lowest nationally. At the same time, respondents reported spending an average of 8.3 hours per month on their main hobby, the second-highest figure among states cited in the report.
Even with relatively modest spending, financial pressure is clearly landing. The survey said 27% of Pennsylvania respondents are spending more on their hobby than a year ago, while another 27% said they have cut back because of costs. Another 27% reported giving up a hobby altogether after it became too expensive. Only 8% said they earn money from their hobby.
Reading or book clubs, video gaming, and gardening were identified as Pennsylvania’s most popular hobbies.
Nationally, the survey estimated the average American spends about $94 per month on their main hobby, or more than $1,000 a year, and spends about seven hours per week on it. The report said 41% of Americans have limited engagement with a hobby due to costs, and 34% have stopped participating in a hobby because it became too expensive.
The survey also detailed where hobbies are costing the most. Florida led with an average monthly hobby spend of $131.33, followed by Alabama at $128.22 and Minnesota at $126.21. Across states, respondents most often pointed to consumables and supplies as the biggest cost driver, followed by equipment or gear, then memberships and subscriptions.
CGTrader said it surveyed residents in each state about the hobbies they participate in and asked how much they spend in a typical month, how much time they devote to their hobby, and how costs have changed. The company said it calculated monthly averages by state and ranked states accordingly.
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