How to Start a Side Hustle in Australia: Equipment and Setup Costs
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CashPal TeamLast updated 26 September 2025
Starting a side hustle in Australia
Starting a side hustle has become an increasingly common way for Australians to supplement their income. With living costs continuing to rise, understanding the equipment and setup costs involved is essential for long-term success. ABS data shows almost one million people now hold multiple jobs, with 948,900 Australians managing side hustles alongside primary employment, and 80% of Gen Z and Millennials either have or aspire to start one — earning $500 to over $10,000 per month depending on scale. The most effective approach is selecting opportunities that align with existing skills while carefully managing startup expenses, reinvesting early profits rather than committing to large upfront costs.
Low-investment side hustles: equipment under $500
Virtual assistant services
One of Australia’s most accessible remote gigs, with 73,000+ monthly searches. You need a sturdy laptop ($300–400), a noise-cancelling headset ($50–100), and a basic desk and chair ($100–150), plus $60–80/month for internet. Total setup runs $400–$500, and monthly costs stay mostly restricted to internet, keeping margins appealing.
Freelance writing and content
Strong income potential for little outlay — a working computer ($300–400) is the primary tool, supported by Grammarly Premium ($12/month) and Canva Pro ($17/month), plus basic website hosting ($10–15/month). Most of the initial investment goes into developing skills rather than equipment; many freelancers start with free tools and upgrade as clientele grows.
Online tutoring
Still very popular, especially English and STEM. Costs usually include a quality webcam and microphone ($100–200), digital whiteboard software ($15–30/month), and materials ($50–100). Budget 10–20% of revenue for platform fees on sites like Superprof or Preply. Most start with pre-existing equipment while testing market viability.
Medium-investment opportunities: setup costs $500–$2,000
E-commerce represents a significant opportunity, with Amazon reselling generating nearly 90,000 monthly searches.
E-commerce setup requirements
| Equipment category | Cost range | Essential items |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | $300–800 | Computer, smartphone, basic photography setup |
| Initial inventory | $500–1,500 | Product samples, starter stock |
| Software & tools | $50–200/month | Shopify subscription, accounting software, photo editing |
| Storage & packaging | $100–300 | Storage containers, shipping materials, labels |
More medium-investment ideas
House cleaning services
One of Australia’s most popular side gigs, with 85,000+ monthly searches and an average hourly wage of $33.27. Typical startup costs: a professional vacuum ($200–400), cleaning supplies and chemicals ($100–150), protective gear and uniforms ($50–100), and public liability insurance ($200–400/year). Many upgrade from basic supplies as clientele and revenue grow.
Content creation and social media management
More companies are hiring freelance creatives for social media administration. Startup equipment includes a quality smartphone or DSLR camera ($400–1,200), editing software subscriptions ($50–100/month), lighting equipment ($100–300), and tripods or stabilisers ($50–200). Many successful creators start with simple smartphone setups and free tools before upgrading.
Essential technology, legal and compliance costs
Investments in essential technology apply to almost all side projects and gain value as your business expands. Bookkeeping tools like Xero or QuickBooks run $25–$50/month; time tracking (free–$20) and invoicing ($10–30) support project accountability. Professional email typically costs $5–15/month, video conferencing is free–$25, and social media scheduling runs $15–50/month. Cloud storage ($5–20), password managers ($3–8) and project management (free–$20) round out day-to-day organisation.
Legal and compliance expenses shouldn’t be avoided. Registering a free Australian Business Number (ABN) is the bare minimum, and you must register for GST if annual income surpasses $75,000. Registering a business name costs $44 for one year or $102 for three. For risk management, professional indemnity insurance runs $300–800/year for service-based firms, public liability insurance is typically $200–600, and equipment insurance runs 1–2% of the equipment’s annual worth. Some side businesses (childcare, food services) may need licences or certifications like first aid training, health inspections, or Working with Children checks.
Funding your equipment
Save gradually, or finance larger purchases
Most successful businesspeople advise starting gradually and buying equipment when money permits — informed purchase decisions and less financial stress. For larger investments that call for rapid purchases,
personal loans can supply the funds needed, distributing expenses over manageable monthly instalments — this works especially well for established side projects with demonstrated revenue.
Fast access funding and government support
Time-sensitive opportunities sometimes call for quick equipment acquisition. When conventional lending schedules don’t align with business needs, weekend loans might offer quick access to capital. A number of state and federal initiatives also provide low-interest loans and small business incentives for equipment purchases — look into local business development programs.
Smart equipment purchasing strategies
- Start small, scale smart — begin with just the necessary equipment and reinvest early profits into upgrades rather than buying high-end gear right away.
- Consider second-hand options — Gumtree, eBay Australia and Facebook Marketplace often have great deals on equipment that can last for years.
- Use tax deductions — the instant asset write-off often allows immediate deduction of equipment purchases under $20,000. Keep thorough records of everything you buy.
- Buy seasonally — post-Christmas clearances and end-of-year sales offer substantial discounts. Time large purchases around these periods.
Launching a side business doesn’t have to be expensive, though it does need careful budgeting. Most Australians start with equipment they already own and upgrade gradually as steady revenue warrants it. Whether you’re starting with a $200 virtual assistant setup or a $2,000 e-commerce investment, the goal is to scale wisely and match spending to realistic earning expectations.
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