Americans Have Increased Spending on Hobbies

Rising hobby costs have outpaced overall transaction growth as consumers shift their leisure spending priorities.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Spending

Bold vector editorial illustration showing paintbrushes and a canvas on a wooden surface, representing a shift toward creative hobby spending. — Bank of America analysts report that American consumer spending on hobbies has significantly outpaced overall transaction growth as leisure preferences shift away from travel. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Are you reducing your spending on hobbies due to higher prices for leisure activities?

Bank of America analysis reveals that Americans have ramped up spending on hobbies at more than double the rate of total transaction growth. This shift coincides with a reemergence of funflation, as consumers move away from travel expenditures.

Why it matters

The rise in hobby spending reflects a pivot in consumer behavior, likely influenced by rising costs in the travel sector. High jet fuel prices during the U.S.-Iran war have contributed to this trend by making traditional vacation travel less accessible.

Overall transaction growth reached 3.4% in the latest analysis. Hobby spending, which encompasses arts, crafts, and outdoor gear like skiing and camping equipment, significantly exceeded this baseline rate.

The players

Bank of America

This is a multinational financial services corporation that provides banking and investment analysis to monitor consumer spending habits.

The details

Analysts observed that individuals are increasingly directing funds toward arts and crafts stores and specialized hobby shops rather than travel. Spending in outdoor-equipment sectors, including hiking, camping, and scuba diving, has also seen marked activity.

September 2026: Bank of America identifies funflation trends in the hobby category.

Market Dynamics

The current surge in hobby-related funflation follows a pattern set by the post-pandemic inflation cycle, where shifts in goods consumption track inversely with service-based travel costs. This realignment suggests that consumer discretionary budgets are highly sensitive to geopolitical energy price volatility.

Investors should note that sectors tied to home-based hobbies and local outdoor recreation may see sustained revenue growth as travel budgets tighten. Conversely, this data signals potential headwind risks for airline and hospitality portfolios sensitive to fuel-driven price increases.

The takeaway

Consumers looking to optimize their personal budgets during this period of funflation may want to prioritize local or equipment-based hobbies over travel. Monitoring fuel prices can serve as a reliable lead indicator for whether these recreation trends will persist or revert.