How to Start a Side Hustle in Singapore with Less Than $100 — Even If You’re Busy with a Full-Time Job

Introduction

If you’re working full-time in Singapore, you probably know how quickly money can disappear — bills, transport, food, and maybe even kids’ tuition. But what if you could start a side hustle with less than $100 and grow it into a steady second income?

Good news: you can. In fact, many Singaporeans and Southeast Asians have already done it — leveraging platforms like Carousell, Shopee, Fiverr, and YouTube. The best part? You don’t need to quit your job, burn through savings, or have special tech skills.

In this blog, I’ll break down practical, low-cost side hustles you can start today in Singapore (or SEA) with under $100.

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Why Side Hustles Work in Singapore

1. High cost of living – Extra cash helps offset rising transport, rent, or food prices.

2. Digital economy – Platforms like Grab, Shopee, and Fiverr make it easy to find customers.

3. Global reach – Even if you’re in Singapore, your clients could be in the US, Europe, or anywhere in Asia.

4. Scalable – What starts as a side hustle can grow into a small business.

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5 Side Hustles You Can Start with Less Than $100

1. Reselling on Carousell or Shopee

• Startup Cost: $0–$50 (listing fees, packaging, basic supplies).

• How it works:

  • Start by selling unused items at home — clothes, electronics, books.

  • Reinvest profits to buy clearance/second-hand items and flip them for profit.

• Singapore Tip: Focus on categories with high demand — baby products, tech gadgets, home appliances.

• Potential Earnings: $200–$500/month once consistent.

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2. Freelancing on Fiverr/Upwork

• Startup Cost: $0 (just your laptop + internet).

• What you can offer: Writing, PowerPoint design, project management consulting, social media content, resume help.

• Singapore Advantage: With strong English and professional backgrounds, Singaporeans can command higher rates than freelancers from lower-cost countries.

• Potential Earnings: $10–$30/hour starting, scaling up to $1,000+/month with steady clients.

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3. Content Creation (YouTube Shorts / TikTok / Instagram Reels)

• Startup Cost: <$100 (tripod, basic microphone, lighting ring).

• Strategy:

  • Pick a niche (food reviews, productivity tips, parenting, finance).

  • Post short-form content (30–60 sec) consistently.

  • Monetize via ads, sponsorships, affiliate links.

• Singapore Example: Many local creators earn side income from simple food review channels shot on their phone.

• Potential Earnings: $100–$1,000/month after growth, with viral potential.

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4. Print-on-Demand (POD) Merchandise

• Startup Cost: $0–$50 (design software like Canva Pro or using free trials).

• How it works:

  • Upload your t-shirt/mug/tote bag designs to platforms like Redbubble, Teespring, or Shopee POD sellers.

  • Customers buy → POD partner prints and ships → You keep profit.

• Why it works in SEA: Young people love unique designs, and you don’t need to keep inventory.

• Potential Earnings: $100–$500/month passive once designs gain traction.

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5. Tutoring or Online Coaching

• Startup Cost: <$50 (Zoom subscription optional, marketing flyers).

• Opportunities:

  • Academic tutoring (English, Math, Science).

  • Skills coaching (Excel, Project Management, Public Speaking).

• Singapore Tip: Parents are willing to pay $25–$40/hour for online tutoring, even for part-timers.

• Potential Earnings: $200–$800/month depending on hours.

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How to Pick the Right Side Hustle for You

• Low time commitment? Go for freelancing or Carousell reselling.

• Creative skills? Try content creation or POD.

• Strong teaching ability? Tutoring is your best bet.

Ask yourself:

1. How much time can I commit weekly?

2. Do I prefer online or offline work?

3. Am I aiming for quick cash flow or long-term growth?

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Practical Tips to Keep Costs Below $100

1. Use free tools (Canva, CapCut, Google Docs) before upgrading.

2. Start with what you already own (phone, laptop, home Wi-Fi).

3. Market yourself on free platforms — Carousell, Facebook Marketplace, TikTok.

4. Reinvest early profits instead of spending them.

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Success Stories in Singapore

• Carousell Seller: A young graduate started reselling thrifted clothes, now clearing $1,000+ a month.

• YouTuber: A Singapore food vlogger began with just an iPhone; within 6 months, sponsorships rolled in.

• Freelancer: An engineer started offering PowerPoint design gigs on Fiverr; now makes an extra $500–$700/month.

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Conclusion

Starting a side hustle in Singapore with less than $100 is not only possible — it’s practical. Whether it’s reselling, freelancing, tutoring, POD, or content creation, the barriers are low and the opportunities are real.

The most important step? Start small, stay consistent, and keep reinvesting in your side hustle.

In a year, your $100 experiment could become the extra income stream that gives you financial freedom.