10 Low Cost Side Hustles You Can Start Today

1. Freelance Writing

Overview: If you have a passion for writing, freelance writing is an excellent way to make money from home. Companies, blogs, and online businesses are always looking for skilled writers to create engaging content such as blog posts, articles, product descriptions, and more.

• Startup cost: Low (just a computer and internet connection)
• Skills needed: Writing, research, and creativity
• Income potential: $10 to $100+ per article, depending on experience and niche

How to Start:

• Sign up on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
• Build a portfolio by writing samples or contributing guest posts to blogs.
• Pitch your services directly to businesses or websites that align with your expertise.

2. Virtual Assistant

Overview: With more businesses operating remotely, virtual assistants (VAs) are in high demand. As a VA, you’ll handle a variety of administrative tasks such as email management, scheduling, social media assistance, and customer service.

• Startup cost: Low (computer and internet access)
• Skills needed: Organization, communication, and time management
• Income potential: $15 to $50+ per hour depending on the complexity of tasks

How to Start:

• Register on VA-specific job boards like Belay, Time Etc, or general freelancing platforms like Upwork.
• Focus on a niche to stand out, such as social media management, customer service, or bookkeeping.

3. Social Media Management

Overview: Are you savvy with Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok? If so, you can offer your skills to small businesses that need help growing their social media presence. Social media managers create content, schedule posts, and engage with audiences on behalf of clients.

• Startup cost: Low (a smartphone or computer)
• Skills needed: Knowledge of social media platforms, creativity, and marketing strategy
• Income potential: $20 to $75+ per hour depending on your client base

How to Start:

• Build your portfolio by managing your own social media accounts or offering your services to a local business for free in exchange for testimonials.
• Offer your services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or directly contact local businesses in need of social media help.

4. Online Tutoring

Overview: If you have expertise in subjects like math, science, or languages, you can make money tutoring students online. With platforms like Chegg Tutors, Wyzant, and Tutor.com, it’s easy to connect with students in need of your knowledge.

• Startup cost: Low (computer and internet access)
• Skills needed: Strong subject knowledge and teaching skills
• Income potential: $15 to $40+ per hour depending on subject and experience

How to Start:

• Sign up on tutoring platforms or advertise your services in local community groups.
• Tailor your tutoring services to your area of expertise to stand out.

5. Selling Digital Products

Overview: Selling digital products like e-books, templates, and printables is a fantastic way to generate passive income. Once created, digital products can be sold over and over again on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Creative Market.

• Startup cost: Low (cost of design tools or software)
• Skills needed: Creativity, design skills, and product creation
• Income potential: Varies depending on product and demand, but you can create a steady passive income stream

How to Start:

• Use tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud to create unique digital products.
• List your creations on popular marketplaces and use social media to promote your work.

6. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

Overview: If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a rewarding and flexible side hustle. Platforms like Rover and Wag make it easy to connect with pet owners looking for trustworthy caretakers.

• Startup cost: None (except for registering on pet care platforms)
• Skills needed: Love for animals, time management, and reliability
• Income potential: $15 to $30+ per walk or pet-sitting session

How to Start:

• Create a profile on pet-sitting platforms, or offer services through local community groups.
• Build a reputation by offering excellent care and collecting positive reviews from clients.

7. Dropshipping

Overview: Dropshipping is an e-commerce model where you sell products without holding any inventory. You set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or Etsy, and when a customer makes a purchase, the product is shipped directly from the supplier. Your role is to market the products and handle customer service.

• Startup cost: Low (hosting fees for e-commerce platform)
• Skills needed: E-commerce setup, marketing, and customer service
• Income potential: Varies depending on your niche and marketing efforts

How to Start:

• Choose a niche and find reliable suppliers on platforms like AliExpress or Oberlo.
• Set up your store on Shopify or Etsy and use social media or Google ads to drive traffic.

8. Tour Guide or Experience Host

Overview: Dubai is a major global tourist destination, and you can capitalize on the influx of tourists by offering unique tour experiences. From desert safaris and city tours to cultural experiences, there’s a wide range of activities you can organize and host for tourists. If you have knowledge of Dubai’s history, culture, and landmarks, you can create tailored tours for visitors looking for something different from the usual travel guides.

• Startup cost: Low to medium (depending on transportation and equipment like microphones)
• Skills needed: Strong communication, local knowledge, and people skills
• Income potential: $50 to $200+ per tour depending on the experience offered

How to Start:

• Register as a guide on platforms like Airbnb Experiences or GetYourGuide.
• Create unique experiences like walking tours, food tours, or desert excursions.
• Promote your services on social media, or collaborate with hotels and tourist information centers.

9. Rent Out a Car or Property on Short-Term Platforms

Overview: Dubai’s transient population and large number of tourists create opportunities in short-term rentals, whether it’s for cars or properties. If you have an extra room or apartment, you can rent it out on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms. Alternatively, if you own a car that’s underutilized, platforms like Udrive or Ekar allow you to rent it out to people for short durations.

• Startup cost: Medium (for property upkeep or car maintenance)
• Skills needed: Property management or car maintenance, customer service
• Income potential: $500 to $5,000+ per month depending on demand and property/car type

How to Start:

• List your property on Airbnb, Booking.com, or Dubizzle for short-term stays.
• For car rentals, sign up on Udrive, Ekar, or advertise locally through expat groups and car-sharing platforms.
• Make sure you comply with local regulations regarding short-term rentals and vehicle leasing.

10. Personal Shopper or Concierge Service

Overview: Dubai is known for its luxury lifestyle, and there’s a growing demand for personal shoppers and concierge services. Whether it’s sourcing luxury items, grocery shopping for busy executives, or organizing bespoke experiences, this side hustle taps into Dubai’s high-income population and time-strapped professionals. If you have a passion for fashion, luxury brands, or just love shopping, this could be a perfect gig.

• Startup cost: Low (no inventory needed, just your time and expertise)
• Skills needed: Fashion sense, attention to detail, organization, and customer service
• Income potential: $50 to $300+ per hour depending on the services provided and clientele

How to Start:

• Offer your services to high-end clients through Instagram, LinkedIn, or by networking at luxury events.
• Partner with boutiques, shopping malls, or concierge services to build a client base.
• Develop a reputation for delivering quality services on time, and word-of-mouth will help you grow.