Starting a side hustle doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, some of the most profitable side hustles require minimal upfront investment—you just need time, effort, and the right tools to get started. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income or build something more substantial, low-cost side hustles are a great way to test the waters of entrepreneurship.
In this guide, we’ll cover five side hustles with low start-up costs, their potential earnings, and the additional costs you need to consider to get started.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Side Hustle?
The cost of starting a side hustle varies depending on the business model and tools you need. On average, you can start many side hustles for as little as $100–$500. Key expenses to consider include:
- Web Hosting: $30 – $60/year for shared hosting if you need a website.
- Payment Processing Fees: Typically 2-3% per transaction.
- Marketing Tools: Optional costs for ads, design software, or scheduling tools.
- Software Subscriptions: Depending on the hustle, you may need video editing, graphic design, or project management tools, which can cost $10–$30/month.
The beauty of side hustles is that you can scale your investments as you grow. Start small, invest strategically, and reinvest earnings back into your business for growth.
1. Freelance Writing
If you have a knack for words, freelance writing is a side hustle with virtually no upfront investment. Businesses, blogs, and startups are always looking for skilled writers to create content, from blog posts to newsletters.
How to Start:
- Sign up on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
- Create a portfolio of writing samples (you can use free tools like Canva or Kittl to make it look professional).
Potential Earnings: $20–$100+ per article, depending on your niche and experience.
Other Costs to Consider:
- Web Hosting: If you want to create a portfolio website, shared hosting costs around $30 – $60/year. We recommend Hostinger or Squarespace for a portfolio website starting at $2-$3/month.
- Payment Processing: Platforms like PayPal charge around 2.9% per transaction.
2. Social Media Management
Every business needs a social media presence, but not every business owner has the time or expertise to manage it. If you’re good at creating engaging posts and analyzing trends, this side hustle could be for you.
How to Start:
- Offer your services to local businesses or small brands.
- Use tools like Semrush Social or Later to schedule and analyze posts.
Potential Earnings: $300–$1,000+/month per client, depending on the scope of work.
Other Costs to Consider:
- Social Media Management Tools: Platforms like Semrush Social start at $29.99/month.
- Graphic Design Software: Use free tools like Canva or upgrade to Canva Pro for $12.99/month.
3. Content Creation (YouTube or TikTok)
If you’re comfortable in front of a camera, becoming a content creator can be both fun and profitable. With platforms like YouTube and TikTok, you can monetize your content through ad revenue, sponsorships, and product sales.
How to Start:
- Pick a niche (e.g., fitness, personal finance, lifestyle).
- Use your phone or a basic camera to create videos.
Potential Earnings: $100–$10,000/month, depending on your audience size and monetization strategy.
Other Costs to Consider:
- Web Hosting: If you create a personal website to promote your content, expect to pay $30–$60/year. We recommend Hostinger or Bluehost for a portfolio website starting at $2-$3/month.
- Video Editing Software: Use free tools like iMovie or invest in paid software like Adobe Premiere Pro for $20.99/month.
- Payment Processing: Platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi may take a small cut of your earnings.
4. Dropshipping
Dropshipping allows you to sell products online without holding inventory. With this business model, you act as the middleman—when someone places an order, the supplier ships the product directly to the customer.
How to Start:
- Create an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.
- Find products on dropshipping marketplaces like Zendrop or Sprocket.
Potential Earnings: $500–$5,000+/month, depending on the niche and marketing strategy.
Other Costs to Consider:
- Web Hosting: Shopify plans start at $29/month, while WooCommerce hosting can cost $100/year. Start a free trial with Shopify + 3 months for $1/month or WooCoomerce + Hostinger from US$ 3.49 /mo + 3 extra months.
- Payment Processing: Shopify charges 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.
- Marketing: Running ads on platforms like Facebook or Google could cost $100–$500/month initially.
5. Virtual Assistant Services
As a virtual assistant (VA), you can offer administrative, marketing, or customer support services to busy entrepreneurs or businesses. Tasks might include managing emails, scheduling appointments, or handling social media.
How to Start:
- List your services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
- Market yourself on LinkedIn or join VA-focused Facebook groups.
Potential Earnings: $15–$50/hour, depending on your skills and services.
Other Costs to Consider:
- Web Hosting: If you build a website to showcase your services, hosting costs around $30 – $60/year. We recommend Hostinger or Squarespace for a portfolio website starting at $2-$3/month.
- Project Management Tools: Tools like Trello or Asana are free, but premium plans start at $10/month.
Final Thoughts
Starting a side hustle doesn’t require a huge budget—what matters most is your willingness to learn and put in the effort. From freelance writing to dropshipping, these low-cost side hustles can help you build extra income while keeping your start-up costs manageable. When budgeting for your side hustle, remember to account for additional expenses like web hosting, payment processing fees, and software subscriptions. These small investments can make a big difference in the long run.
