Low-Cost Side Hustles You Can Start With Under $100

You don’t need a big budget to start earning extra income. With less than $100, you can launch a simple, service-based or digital-product side hustle, test demand quickly, and reinvest profits as you grow. Here’s a practical guide with ideas, costs, first steps, and a quick-start plan.

How to pick the right under-$100 side hustle

• Leverage what you already have: skills, a smartphone, a bike/car, basic tools, or software you already pay for.
• Start with paid demand: choose a problem people are already paying to solve (cleaning, tutoring, pet care, design).
• Keep startup tiny: aim to spend $0–$100 on essentials only (supplies, basic marketing).
• Prove it fast: sell first, then improve. Your goal is 1–5 paying customers within two weeks.

20 low-cost side hustles (each under $100 to start)

1) Freelance writing or editing

Costs: $0–$50 (portfolio site optional). Rates: $20–$60/hr or per piece. First steps: Pick a niche (blog posts, emails, product pages). Create 2–3 samples in Google Docs. Pitch local businesses, agencies, and founders on LinkedIn.

2) Social media content helper

Costs: $0–$13 (Canva Pro optional). Rates: $100–$400/mo per client for light posting. First steps: Offer a 30-day content calendar + 12 posts package to local businesses.

3) Canva-based graphic design

Costs: $0–$13. Rates: $25–$75 per deliverable. First steps: Sell logos, flyers, menus, resumes, and Instagram templates. Showcase before/after samples.

4) Website fixes and updates

Costs: $0. Rates: $25–$60/hr. First steps: Offer simple updates in Squarespace, Wix, or Shopify: install apps, edit copy, fix images, add products.

5) Virtual assistant (VA)

Costs: $0. Rates: $20–$40/hr. First steps: Offer inbox cleanup, scheduling, research, and spreadsheet tasks. Pitch busy solo founders and realtors.

6) Tutoring (academic or language)

Costs: $0–$20 (markers, whiteboard). Rates: $20–$60/hr. First steps: List on local groups, schools, and Nextdoor. Offer a 30-minute free assessment.

7) Pet sitting and dog walking

Costs: $0–$40 (leash, waste bags). Rates: $15–$30/walk; $30–$60/day sitting. First steps: Promote to neighbors; offer a first-walk discount for reviews.

8) House cleaning or home organizing

Costs: $30–$80 (basic supplies). Rates: $25–$45/hr or flat-rate packages. First steps: Focus on move-in/move-out or Airbnb turnovers for predictable demand.

9) Yard work and basic landscaping

Costs: $0–$80 (gloves, hand tools; use client’s mower if needed). Rates: $25–$50/hr. First steps: Offer seasonal packages: leaf cleanup, mulch install, hedge trimming.

10) Mobile car wash/detail (basic)

Costs: $50–$100 (soap, microfiber towels, spray wax, buckets). Rates: $30–$75 per car. First steps: Start with exterior-only washes at homes/offices; upsell interiors later.

11) Reselling/flipping

Costs: $20–$100 inventory from thrifts/garage sales. Profits: varies by item. First steps: Start with categories you know (books, small electronics, apparel). List on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark.

12) Printables and templates

Costs: $0–$50 (Etsy listing fees, Canva). Pricing: $3–$15 per file. First steps: Create planners, checklists, resume templates. Validate with 5–10 listings.

13) Print-on-demand merch

Costs: $0–$50 (storefront, mockups). Pricing: $18–$35 tees/hoodies. First steps: Niche designs for local pride, hobbies, or professions. Promote on TikTok/IG.

14) Smartphone photography

Costs: $0–$30 (editing apps). Rates: $50–$150 starter sessions. First steps: Offer mini-sessions for seniors, pets, or products; deliver 5–15 edited images.

15) Transcription and captioning

Costs: $0–$40 (headphones, foot pedal optional). Rates: $0.50–$1.50/min audio; $5–$20/video for captions. First steps: Offer fast turnaround to YouTubers and podcasters.

16) Translation (if bilingual)

Costs: $0. Rates: $0.06–$0.20 per word depending on language and niche. First steps: Specialize (legal, medical, marketing) and build term lists for consistency.

17) Event staffing or day-of coordination

Costs: $0–$50 (all-black attire, clipboard). Rates: $20–$35/hr. First steps: Reach out to local venues and planners; offer on-call support.

18) Errand running and task help

Costs: $0–$40 (fuel). Rates: $20–$40/hr or per task. First steps: Promote grocery pickup, returns, assembly, and donation drop-offs.

19) Simple video editing/shorts

Costs: $0 (CapCut, iMovie). Rates: $15–$50 per short. First steps: Turn long videos into 3–5 shorts for creators and local businesses.

20) Basic tech setup for seniors

Costs: $0–$20 (print handouts). Rates: $30–$60 per visit. First steps: Offer phone setup, password managers, TV/streaming help, and scam-safety tutorials.

Note: Check any local licensing, permits, HOA rules, and platform policies before you start. For food sales, review your state’s cottage food laws.

Your $100 starter kit (pick what fits)

• Brand basics: free logo in Canva; simple one-page site or Linktree: $0–$20
• Marketing: 20 flyers (home printer) or one neighborhood mailer: $5–$20
• Operational tools: Google Drive, Sheets, Calendar, Gmail: $0
• Payments: Stripe, Square, or PayPal: $0 setup (processing fees per transaction)
• Communication: a dedicated email and calendar booking (Calendly free tier): $0
• Service supplies: cleaning kit, car wash kit, or organizing bins: up to $60

7-day launch plan

1. Day 1: Pick one problem to solve. Write a clear offer with one outcome and one price.
2. Day 2: Create 2–3 portfolio samples or a one-page demo of your service.
3. Day 3: Set up how you get paid and booked (payment link + calendar).
4. Day 4: Write a short pitch and a simple one-page site or profile.
5. Day 5: Contact 30 people: past coworkers, neighbors, local businesses, online groups.
6. Day 6: Do 1–2 discounted pilot jobs for testimonials and photos.
7. Day 7: Publish 3–5 posts with before/afters and reviews; ask for referrals.

Pricing tips (without undercharging)

• Start with a clear package: for example, “Apartment clean, up to 700 sq ft, $99, 2 hours.”
• Anchor with “good/better/best” options so clients choose, not negotiate.
• Offer a first-time discount in exchange for a public review and permission to use photos.
• Raise prices after 5–10 successful jobs and proven turnaround times.

Fast ways to get your first 5 customers

• Post in neighborhood groups (Nextdoor, Facebook) with a clear offer and limited slots.
• DM 20–30 ideal customers with a personalized note and a quick-win idea.
• Print a one-page flyer with QR code to your booking link; canvas 2–3 nearby blocks.
• Partner: give a local business a referral bonus or bundled offer.
• Ask every satisfied customer for one intro and one public review.

Legal, safety, and admin basics

• Keep records of income/expenses; set aside a portion for taxes.
• Use simple contracts or terms for scope, rate, and cancellation policy.
• Check permits, insurance, and food/service rules in your city and state.
• Protect your time: deposits for larger jobs; clear start/finish times; reschedule policy.

Keep momentum

• Track: quote sent, booked, completed, reviewed. Improve the weak link first.
• Create repeatable packages and seasonal promotions.
• Reinvest early profits into better tools, training, and small paid tests (flyers or ads).

Optional: a no-cost daily boost

If you’re in the U.S. and like community-driven prize draws, ZipSweep is a free, ad-funded daily sweepstakes built around ZIP codes. There’s no ticket to buy; we email reminders and occasional updates and don’t share details without permission. It isn’t gambling or a lottery. Think of it as a fun, no-cost way to potentially add a little extra to your day while you build your main side hustle.

Bottom line

Start simple, keep costs tiny, and focus on real problems people will pay to solve. Land a few quick wins, collect reviews, and scale what works. With under $100 and a week of focused effort, you can have a legit side hustle up and running.