North Carolina: Where affordability meets natural beauty
Containing the Great Smoky Mountains and plenty of other parks, the draw of North Carolina is both its natural beauty and the relaxed character of the cities that have sprung up within it. From mountains to coastlines, the cheapest places to live in North Carolina offer affordability in a variety of idyllic cities.
The cheapest places in North Carolina to live for renters
It’s nice to see that some of North Carolina’s most popular cities, for everyone from tourists to college students, offer affordable housing that’s even lower than the state’s average. If you long to live in the mountains, then you’re covered. And if you prefer Piedmont or Coastal Plains, you’re also good.
If it’s time to call the Tar Heel State home and you’ve got a tight budget, start your search here. These are the 10 cheapest places to live in North Carolina to check out.
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,359
Average rent change in the past year: -4%
Just north of Charlotte, the city of Mooresville is an up-and-coming suburban town with major ties to the racing community. It’s the home of the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame and earned itself the nickname of “Race City U.S.A.”
The dedication to all kinds of racing runs deep in Mooresville, but the town is about so much more. Residents enjoy easy access to picturesque Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. You can explore over 520 miles of shoreline that stretches into four different counties.
Heading back into the main part of Mooresville, you’ll also find a small-town feel infused throughout each activity, restaurant and shop. The historic downtown district has that quaint feel many look for when moving out of a larger city.
One particularly unique draw is that Mooresville offers up more than one opportunity to get close to some exotic animals at both the Lazy 5 Ranch and Zootastic Park.
Find apartments for rent in Mooresville
Buy a house in Mooresville
9. Chapel Hill
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,794
Average rent change in the past year: -1%
The most well-known attraction in Chapel Hill is the University of North Carolina. Pride in the ‘Heels, the ever-dominant basketball team, is so heavy it’s easy to see why die-hards claim to “bleed blue.”
While you’ll find plenty of college students in the area and activities to occupy them, the city has much more to it. A social place, you’ll find regular road races and festivals celebrating everything from antiques to bluegrass music.
To hit the most happening spot in the city, check out Historic Franklin Street. Here you’ll find dozens of boutiques, nightspots and restaurants.
With miles of trails and a paved Riverwalk right through the center of town, there is a lot to explore by foot in Chapel Hill. Very family-friendly — Chapel Hill offers activities that include visiting the Kidzu Children’s Museum, the Coker Arboretum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.
Find apartments for rent in Chapel Hill
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8. Apex
Photo source: Town of Apex / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,349
Average rent change in the past year: -7%
With a relaxing, small-town atmosphere and the convenience of big-city amenities, Apex works to hold onto its character even as more and more residents join the community.
Get to know the city by taking a walking tour of the historic downtown area. Here you’ll see buildings that date back to the late 1800s — including The Union Depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Considered one of the most intact, turn-of-the-century railroad towns in the area, Apex takes its history seriously without ignoring the present day. Among the restored buildings you’ll find excellent antique shops and specialty stores — not to mention some highly-revered restaurants.
It’s not all railroads around here though. There’s a nice cultural center in Apex which includes multiple galleries, studio classrooms and a theater.
Find apartments for rent in Apex
Buy a house in Apex
7. Asheville
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,544
Average rent change in the past year: +6%
Heading into the mountainous, western part of the state, you’ll find Asheville. This perfect town has eateries and craft brew spots that will wow even the most discerning foodie. The downtown area is walkable enough that you can explore this cool city center on foot.
For a step into elegance and history, visit the Biltmore Estate. Walk the grounds, stay on-site for a night or take a more formal tour. It’s the perfect place to snag a one-of-a-kind piece of art to take home!
Catering to more active folks, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer up ideal locations for apple picking, hiking, biking and even ziplining. For those looking for a home with a vibrant arts scene, the Downtown Arts District of Asheville is full of galleries and museums.
Find apartments for rent in Asheville
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6. Greenville
Average 1-BR rent price: $915
Average rent change in the past year: -3%
Not too far from the Atlantic coast lies Greenville, a charming, historic city that manages to keep a foothold squarely in modern life.
An outdoor person’s Mecca with proximity to the ocean, local swamps, the Tar River waterway and the Greenville trail system — Greenville offers everything from boating to fishing to hiking and much more.
When it’s time to refuel, the area is also renowned for its barbecue and beer. The county puts on a “Brew & ‘Cue” tour that allows patrons to get their “PassPork” stamped at various locations.
Lovingly called the “Emerald City,” Greenville residents appreciate that their beautiful home is also a thriving cultural, economic and educational hub. It’s home to East Carolina University and the Uptown district, where live music, food and art reign supreme
Find apartments for rent in Greenville
5. Winston-Salem
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,010
Average rent change in the past year: +5%
With a city so nice it earned itself a hyphen, Winston-Salem is one of the more well-known spots in North Carolina. Here you’ll find plenty of history, delicious food and of course, craft beer. There are multiple places to stop around town to sample the latest pour from local breweries.
Mild weather and friendly neighbors combine with a low cost of living to welcome residents to Winston-Salem. Drawing in mostly a younger crowd, thanks to nearby universities, you’ll find many young professionals and growing families. For those families interested in renting a house, the median home price rests at $260,000.
To get a solid dose of local history, visit Old Salem. This area pays homage to settlers from 1766 and is full of historic buildings, costumed interpreters and hands-on experiences.
For those looking for some natural beauty and great shopping, Reynolda Village provides both. Stroll through the gardens before popping into cute boutiques and delicious restaurants.
For exposure to the arts, walk Trade and Liberty streets downtown to see street art, murals and plenty of galleries.
Find apartments for rent in Winston-Salem
Buy a house in Winston-Salem
4. Burlington
Photo source: City of Burlington, NC / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,087
Average rent change in the past year: -3%
Another North Carolina town that owes its existence to the railroad is Burlington. It only sprang up because the North Carolina Railroad needed a place to build, repair and maintain the tracks in the area. Still going strong today, Burlington mixes the old and the new to keep things interesting for residents.
A wealth of history combined with a passion for nature conservancy creates a community in Burlington unlike no other. With plenty of shopping and unique dining options — residents have plenty to enjoy in this city.
Visit the Conservators Center to wander through 45 acres of forested area and see over 70 large and small wild cats who call the area home. There’s also Cedarock Park, a 500-acre nature preserve that’s perfect for hiking, horseback riding and disc golf. This affordable area is rich in golf courses as well, making this town perfect for anyone looking to brush up on golf skills.
For the family, City Park offers a large playground and amusement park rides like a miniature train, carousel and airplane ride.
Find apartments for rent in Burlington
Buy a house in Burlington
3. Fayetteville
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,035
Average rent change in the past year: 0%
Just 65 miles south of Raleigh, the state’s capital, Fayetteville is an ideal commuter hub. Adjacent to Highway 95, you can easily go north to cities like Washington, D.C. and New York or take the southern route to Charleston, Orlando or Miami.
For those who want to keep it local, Fayetteville has a thriving downtown area with retail shops, restaurants and an impressive minor league baseball stadium.
You’ll also find an homage to the city’s rich history at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum and at the North Carolina Veterans Park. For some more natural beauty, make sure to stop into the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. The 80-acre site is only two miles from downtown.
Next door, you’ll also find Fort Bragg, one of the largest military installations in the world. Many military families stationed at Fort Bragg call Fayetteville home, giving it a reputation for being a community of ‘history, heroes and a hometown feeling.’
Find apartments for rent in Fayetteville
2. Greensboro
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,117
Average rent change in the past year: +14%
Containing the trifecta of attractive qualities, Greensboro is a city with a lot of economic opportunities, affordable housing and an abundance of activity. This eastern North Carolina city has served as an important location in both the Revolutionary War and Civil War, so there’s no shortage of history around here.
For everyday living, Greensboro is a friendly and diverse community that’s perfect for foodies of every kind. Sample the many locally owned coffee shops or breweries alongside the variety of restaurants. Local farmers and native vineyards are big contributors to the menus around town.
A bit of a college town, you’ll find students attending a wide range of schools including the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC A&T State University, Bennett College, Guilford College, the North Carolina Zoo and Greensboro College.
Greensboro also plays host each year to the NCAA basketball tournament, bringing in even more college kids than those attending local schools.
Find apartments for rent in Greensboro
Buy a house in Greensboro
1. Carrboro
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,227
Average rent change in the past year: -5%
Known to have a progressive vibe, Carrboro is a small town packed full of flare. As far as affordable cities go, Carrboro is rich in offerings. You’ll find craft galleries, indie music venues, progressive theater and exhibitions and more. There’s no shortage of organic grocery stores, farm-to-table restaurants and artsy coffee shops.
Head to Main Street for most of the action around town, including the Carrboro Farmers’ Market featuring local artisans and crafts.
When all the art and culture of Carrboro pique your appetite, this little town has delicious offerings to fill your belly. From burgers to bistros, fine dining to pizzerias, you can eat a different cuisine each day of the week.
Find apartments for rent in Carrboro
Buy a house in Carrboro
The most expensive places to live in North Carolina
You’ve seen the cheapest places to live in North Carolina, but what about the other side? Fortunately, it’s not all bad. Even the most expensive cities in North Carolina offer up somewhat affordable housing.
Cities like Wake Forest and Garner, which top the list, still maintain an average rent for a one-bedroom of under $2,000 a month. Check out the chart to see where other North Carolina cities fit in.
Ranked City by 1-BR Average + Average Rent
1) Wake Forest: $1,846
2) Garner: $1,501
3) Indian Trail: $1,473
4) Cary: $1,380
5) Charlotte: $1,362
6) Huntersville: $1,341
7) Wilmington: $1,318
8) Concord: $1,294
9) Raleigh: $1,275
10) Morrisville: $1,270
Methodology
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory as of November 2023. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
We excluded cities with insufficient inventory from our cheapest places to live in North Carolina report.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
The Sentinel offers nonprofit and other community organizations an opportunity to promote upcoming events for free in the community calendar for three days before the event. Events requiring reservations may be promoted for up to two weeks before the reservation deadline.
Events that require a purchase from a for-profit business, even if a donation is made to the organization, are not eligible for the calendar.
Submit items at least one week in advance via email, [email protected]; call (717) 248-6741; online, Virtual Newsroom at www.lewistownsentinel.com; or mail or drop off, The Sentinel, 352 Sixth St., P.O. Box 588 Lewistown, PA 17044. The editor reserves the right to edit all submissions.
You must include a telephone number for verification purposes. The phone number is not for publication, unless so indicated.
Reserve Now:
•Chicken/ham pot pie sale — noon-6 p.m., Decatur Fire Co. Cookhouse, North 522, Alfarata. Order by calling (717) 543-0921 by Nov. 8.
•Freedom Avenue UMC and Shining Light Through the Darkness soup sale — Friday, Nov. 17. Soups available: chicken corn with and without rivels, ham bean, beef vegetable, stuffed pepper and French onion. Cost is $8 per quart. Pick up between 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 at the Freedom Avenue UMC fellowship hall, 511 East Freedom Ave. in Burnham. Preorders recommended. Walk-ins welcome. To preorder, call or text Darlene Gray @ (717) 953-6352 by Sunday, Nov. 12.
•Church bazaar — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 18, Rhodes Memorial United Methodist Church, 500 Highland Ave., Lewistown. Vegetable soup, ham pot pie, coconut cream pie and apple pie. Must order ahead by Nov. 13
at (717) 248-1897.
•Mincemeat sale — 10 a.m.-noon pickup, Nov. 18, East Kish Presbyterian Church, corner of Walnut and Church streets, Reedsville. Cost is $11.50 per quart, $5.75 per pint. Order by Nov. 11 at (717) 667-2806. Leave a message with name, phone number and quantity. Proceeds benefit the church’s mission and Benevolence Fund.
•Annual craft show — Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Milroy United Methodist Church. Vendors can contact Paul at (724) 678-6619 for more information. Crafts, food, baked goods, jewelry, home decor and more available. Soup sale: $7 per quart. Chicken noodle, ham and bean and creamy chicken and wild rice available. Preorder by Wednesday, Nov. 15 by calling (724) 678-6619. Pick-up during craft show.
•Meal — pickup 10 a.m.-noon, eat-in 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Calvary Lewistown, 111 E. Third St., Lewistown, Nov. 23. Reserve meals by calling (717) 242-1481 no later than 2 p.m. Nov. 21. Shut-ins can receive free delivery in Lewistown, Burnham, Yeagertown, Reedsville and Milroy.
•AARP Safe Driving class — Nov. 29-30 from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corporation (MJRSC) in Yeagertown. Classes will be held in the ground floor conference room. Instructor: Nancy Simmons. Cost is $20 for AARP members, $25 for non-members. Bring membership card and driver’s license to class. For reservations, call (717) 667-2763.
Saturday, Nov. 4
•Holiday bazaar — 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Milroy White Memorial Church, South Main St., Milroy. Benefits mission work.
•Graceful Soles Shoe Bank — 9 a.m.-noon, Grace United Methodist Church, 101 Logan St., Lewistown. Children up to age 18 are given a free pair of shoes with verification of low income through medical assistance. Parent or guardian must accompany child.
•Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Show — 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mifflin County Youth Park. Event sponsors the Mifflin County Penn Roosevelt Camp and Lodge.
•Soup sale — noon, McVeytown Masonic Lodge, 25 N. Market St., McVeytown. Kettle cooked soup of ham and bean and chicken corn. $8/quart. Proceeds benefit local charities.
•General Thomas Mifflin Chapter of the Pennsylvania Daughters of the American Revolution — 3-5 p.m., Mifflin County Courthouse, Monument Square, 1 West Market St., Lewistown on the second floor in the courtroom. Speaker is Jackie R. Esposito. Program will be “Managing your Personal Archives.”
•Drive-thru beef and ham potpie sale — 4 p.m. at the Rescue Hose Company #20, 222 S. Sassafras St. in Beavertown. Sold by the quart. Proceeds benefit the fire company.
•Crafterday — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Mifflin County Library, Lewistown branch, 123 N. Wayne St., Lewistown. Susan Miriello will be teaching Tunisian Crochet. All supplies are provided. A $5 non-refundable fee will secure your spot. Information: (717) 242-2391.
Sunday, Nov. 5
•Burnham Lions Club turkey dinner — 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or until sold out. Take-out only. Turkey, filling, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and green beans. Take-outs $12 per dinner. Burnham Lions Building, First Ave. in Burnham.
Monday, Nov. 6
•Bag sale — 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sacred Heart Thrift Shop 4 N. Dorcas St., Lewistown. $5 for clothing and shoes.
•Bingo — 10 a.m.-1 p.m., McVeytown Senior Center.
•TOPS (Take off the Pounds Sensibly) PA 13339 meeting — 6:45 p.m., Rhodes Memorial United Methodist Church, 500 Highland Avenue, Lewistown. Weigh-in at 6 p.m. Welcoming new members. For information: (717) 994-0156
•Central Pennsylvania Grasp Chapter — 7-9 p.m. at CPYM Sausman Center, 12339 William Penn Hwy. in Thompsontown. There is no cost to attend. For more information, please contact: Shannon Zeiders at (717) 953-6810 or [email protected].
Reunions
Upcoming reunions, including missing classmate requests, are published as part of the calendar and should be sent to [email protected]. Brief reports of reunions and class reunion photos with the people identified in the order in which they appear are accepted for publication in the Saturday Living section and should be sent to [email protected].
Want to learn how to make money on maternity leave? Parental leave can be a time of joy and excitement with a new baby around, but it can also mean money stress for parents. While you spend time taking care of your newborn, you may also need to find ways to make extra money to…
Want to learn how to make money on maternity leave?
Parental leave can be a time of joy and excitement with a new baby around, but it can also mean money stress for parents. While you spend time taking care of your newborn, you may also need to find ways to make extra money to pay for your expenses.
I had a baby not too long ago (she is currently 1.5 years old – time flies!), and being able to work while taking care of her has been a lifesaver. So, I understand why you’re reading this article – because I also had to work with a newborn.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make extra money while still being present for those early months with your new baby.
Why You May Need Extra Money On Maternity Leave
Many families have to take unpaid maternity leave, and others may find their leave is simply not long enough and want to extend it longer (many families in the U.S. get 3 months or even much less time).
Not only that, but maternity leave is an expensive time with medical bills coming in, the cost of baby essentials (diapers aren’t free!), and everyday living costs.
Also, there might be unexpected costs that weren’t part of your maternity leave budget. Perhaps your baby needs special formula or medication, or maybe your car broke down. These unplanned costs can put a dent in your finances, especially when your income may already be reduced during your maternity leave.
Or, you might also be looking to create a financial cushion for the future such as by saving for vacations or even starting a college fund for your baby. So, finding ways to make extra money during your maternity leave can be very helpful.
Recommended reading:
How To Make Money On Maternity Leave
When trying to earn money during maternity leave, here are three things to think about:
Flexibility is key – Choose work that can adapt to unexpected baby-related needs. It should let you manage your time effectively.
Think about earnings and growth – Think about how much you can make, how quickly, and if there’s room to grow.
Pick something you like and fits your goals – Do you enjoy the work? You may want to find work that matches your interests, skills, and future plans.
Read further to learn how to make money on maternity leave.
Top ways to make money on maternity leave
There are 27 ways to earn extra money on maternity leave listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some jobs that you may want to start learning more about first:
1. Start a blog
Blogging is my favorite way to make money from home, and this is what I do while also raising my daughter.
Being a blogger involves creating content for online readers. You have the freedom to write about a topic you’re interested in (such as finance, travel, lifestyle, or family,) and freedom to decide how you want to make money on your blog – there are many different ways available such as affiliate marketing or displaying ads.
Blogging is my main source of income, and it has completely changed my life. I have the freedom to travel whenever I want, set my schedule, be my own boss, and I can spend all day with my daughter.
Learn more at How To Start A Blog FREE Course.
2. Sell printables on Etsy
Creating and selling digital printables on Etsy is a great way to work on your own schedule and earn money.
Plus, it is fairly passive income as you only have to make one digital file for each printable, and you can sell it as many times as you like. Another positive is that you can start it very affordably because you only need a laptop and internet.
So, what is a printable? They are digital items that you can download and print at home, such as grocery shopping checklists, budget planners, wedding invitations, wall art, and more.
I recommend signing up for Free Workshop: How To Earn Money Selling Printables. This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
Recommended reading: How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy
Other than printables, there are many other things you can sell on Etsy as well, such as soap, candles, jewelry, and more.
3. Transcription work
Transcription jobs are flexible and can be done from home. By turning audio files into text, you can earn money when it’s most convenient for you.
An online transcriptionist listens to audio or video recordings and writes down exactly what is being said. This process is called transcribing. The goal is to do this without any errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
If you want to learn how to make money on maternity leave, this can be a great option as you can do this at home.
I recommend watching Free Workshop: Is a Career in Transcription Right for You? to learn more.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
4. Freelance writing
Freelance writers write articles, website content, social media posts, or even ebooks for clients.
I was a freelance writer for many years before switching to working full-time at writing here on Making Sense of Cents. It is a great career path where you can work from home and make your own schedule, such as writing while your baby is sleeping.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs For Beginners
5. Virtual assistant
One of my first side hustles was working from home as a virtual assistant. This is a great way to work from home and have your own schedule.
Virtual assistants do many different kinds of tasks for clients, such as answering emails, scheduling appointments, managing websites, sending invoices, and so much more. It simply depends on what the person who is hiring you needs done.
If you want to become a virtual assistant, I recommend watching the free training 5 Steps To Become a Virtual Assistant.
Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
6. Bookkeeper
If you’re good with numbers, you could sell bookkeeping services online or for small businesses, either on a freelance or part-time basis.
Bookkeepers are individuals responsible for managing financial things for businesses. This includes recording sales, tracking expenses, and generating financial reports.
If you want to become a bookkeeper, I recommend watching the free training How To Become A Bookkeeper.
Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs
7. Freelance graphic design
With design skills, you can create logos, website designs, business cards, marketing materials, and more for clients and make money even during your maternity leave.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money As A Digital Designer
8. Data entry
Data entry clerks are like computer organizers. They enter, update, and double-check information in lists or tables. They type things like numbers and names to keep everything neat and organized.
Data entry jobs pay around $15 to $20 an hour, on average.
9. Create Canva templates
A Canva template is a pre-made design you can sell for things like social media graphics, ebooks, and presentations. It’s a handy starting point if a person is not great at designing from scratch.
Businesses, advertising professionals, social media influencers, and more all buy Canva templates all the time.
Canva templates have blank spaces where you can add your own words and pictures. You can also change colors and fonts to suit your preferences. They’re really useful for making things look good without spending a long time on it.
With Canva templates, you can sell a single design an unlimited amount of times. If you are looking for something passive, this is a great way to learn how to make money on maternity leave.
Recommended reading: How I Make $2,000+ Monthly Selling Canva Templates
10. Tutor
Tutoring students can be a great way to make money while on maternity leave, as there are many options to tutor from home. You may be able to create your own schedule and pick how much or how little you would like to work.
You can find online tutor jobs on websites such as Tutor.com. If you’d prefer to do in-person tutoring, you can call or email local tutoring companies in your area or share your tutoring services on social media or in local Facebook parent groups for your area.
Recommended reading: 11 Best Places To Find Online Tutoring Jobs (Make $100+ an hour)
11. Rent out your baby gear
Since you have a baby, you probably have a lot of baby gear.
Did you know that you can make extra money by renting it out?!
Renting out your baby gear on sites like BabyQuip can be a game changer when it comes to making extra income during maternity leave. This site allows you to share your baby items with families in need (such as a person on vacation), turning your baby gear into a source of income.
From strollers and cribs to high chairs and toys and more, you can list many different items on BabyQuip’s site.
Plus, you don’t need to have a lot of baby gear in order to get started – you can start with as little as a crib (which is the most commonly rented item).
According to BabyQuip, the average person can earn around $1,000 a month, and some are able to make over $10,000 per month.
12. Baby sleep consultant
As you already know, sleep is so important for a baby (and for the parents!).
You can earn a living while on maternity leave by becoming a sleep consultant. This is where you help other parents by helping them improve their baby’s sleep habits and routines.
Pediatric sleep consultants are experts in helping children sleep better and they make a big difference in families’ rest.
Read more at How To Become A Sleep Consultant And Make $10,000 Each Month.
13. Deliver groceries
If you want a flexible side gig while on maternity leave (and you also have someone to watch your child), then you may want to look into delivering groceries and food.
This can be a flexible side hustle because you can choose your hours and how much you’d like to work each week.
Services like Instacart need grocery shoppers, and the average shopper makes $15 to $20 an hour to deliver groceries. Drivers are paid per order, and you get to keep 100% of your tips. With Instacart, you would be physically going into grocery stores, picking out the food items yourself, checking out, and then delivering the groceries to your customer.
You can also learn more at Instacart Shopper Review: How much do Instacart Shoppers earn?
There are other food delivery gigs that you can do as well, such as GrubHub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash.
14. Airbnb host
If you have a separate space to rent in your home, such as an in-law’s quarters or an apartment above a garage, then you may be able to make money during your maternity leave by renting this space out.
You can learn more about this at What You Need To Know About Renting A Room In Your House.
15. Pet sit
If you are a pet lover, consider pet sitting for friends, family, or through an online service. It’s a great way to make some extra cash while you’re home and can be a fun addition to your day if you already have pets and babies at home.
If you’re interested in watching pets or dog walking, Rover is a platform where you can list your services and find clients.
16. Answer surveys
While answering online surveys and focus groups isn’t a way to make a ton of money, it can be a way to earn some extra money with whatever spare time you have from your newborn (such as when they are sleeping).
You simply share your opinions and answer simple questions, and in return, you can get cash or rewards like Amazon gift cards.
The survey companies I recommend include:
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
Branded Surveys
InboxDollars
PrizeRebel
American Consumer Opinion
User Interviews – These are the highest paying surveys with the average being around $60.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Paid Survey Sites To Make $100+ Per Month
17. Affiliate marketing
If you want to learn how to make money while on maternity leave, one of my favorites is affiliate marketing.
I have been an affiliate marketer for years through this blog, and it is what allows me to stay at home with my daughter.
Affiliate marketing means making money by sharing a referral link on your website, YouTube channel, social media account, and more. When people use your referral link to purchase something, you then earn money.
For instance, consider sharing books from Amazon on your blog. You give your readers a link to a particular book and encourage people to buy it through your affiliate link. Companies like Amazon value affiliates who bring in high-quality traffic because they appreciate the extra support in helping them make more sales.
If you want to learn more about affiliate marketing, I recommend Affiliate Marketing Tips For Bloggers – Free eBook.
18. Proofread and edit
If you have an eye for detail, you may be able to sell your services as a proofreader or editor for different types of content.
Writers, business owners, and more hire proofreaders and editors to improve their work. There’s a big need for these types of positions, and you can find jobs through many different platforms.
If you want to become a proofreader, I recommend joining the free 76-minute workshop – Learn How to Become a Proofreader…and Start a Freelance Proofreading Business.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year)
19. In-home childcare
One great way to make money while on maternity leave is to provide childcare services for other families in your area, either part-time or full-time.
This is one of the best stay at home jobs for someone on maternity or paternity leave because it allows you to stay home with your kids while making money at the same time.
Depending on your location, you might need specific licenses. But you could potentially begin without the extra legal steps by working with just one or two children. Just be sure to verify with your local city or state regulations beforehand. It’s also very important to make sure that your home is safe for children and that you are CPR certified.
20. Sell baked goods
Do you like to cook? You may be able to make money at home by starting a home bakery for people and/or pets. You can sell homemade baked goods at local farmers’ markets or online too.
You can read more at How To Make Extra Money By Starting A Home Bakery. Here, you’ll learn about the equipment you need to start a home bakery, food laws, how much to price your baked goods at, and more.
If you are interested in baking goods for pets, then I recommend reading How I Earned Up to $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!).
21. Stock photo photography
Selling stock photo photography can be a great way to learn how to make money on maternity leave. This is because you would be working for yourself and can take pictures in your free time.
Stock image sites are popular sites for photographers to sell their photos. These sites allow customers to purchase pictures for various uses like websites, TV shows, books, and social media.
One great thing about stock photo sites is that they can be a great form of passive income. You can take pictures, upload them, and earn money from an older photo for months or even years in the future.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
22. Social media manager
Social media managers handle businesses’ social media accounts with the goal of attracting new customers and helping a business grow.
They might share images or videos showcasing products or the company, take part in popular social media trends (like on TikTok) to increase visibility, and respond to common customer questions.
23. Book reviewer
Book reviewers read books and share what they think through paid reviews.
Yes, there are websites where you can receive payment (as well as a free book) for sharing your thoughts about books. Some companies that pay for book reviews are Online Book Club, Kirkus Reviews, and BookBrowse.
Recommended reading: 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books
24. Flea market flipper
A flipper buys items from places such as garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, or thrift stores and resells them online for a profit.
You may be able to earn extra money by flipping items for resale or possibly earn a full-time income! You can even be able to make this a more flexible gig, such as only working during nap times.
A helpful free training that I recommend is Turn Your Passion For Visiting Thrift Stores, Yard Sales & Flea Markets Into A Profitable Reselling Business In As Little As 14 Days.
25. Rent out storage space
If you have unused space in your home, you can sell it as storage for rent to people in your local area. This can be a garage, driveway, closet, basement, or even an attic.
You can use a site called Neighbor to list any extra space you have available for rent and have the potential to make up to $15,000 per year.
You can sign up at Neighbor for free here and list your space.
You can also learn more about Neighbor at Neighbor Review: Make Money Renting Your Storage Space.
26. Sell an online course
Selling an online course is a great option for stay-at-home moms and dads who want to have control over their schedule and earn a somewhat passive income.
Some topics that you can teach in a course are:
Fitness and exercise programs
Time management and productivity hacks
Parenting
Arts and crafts
Languages
Programming
Personal finance
Traveling
Photography and photo editing
Plants and gardening
Baking and pastry making
And so much more!
You can sell a course in many different ways, such as through Udemy or Teachable.
27. Rent out your unused RV
Instead of letting your RV sit in your driveway unused, you can list it on RVshare and make some semi-passive income. My sister has rented a few RVs from this site, and she has had a great experience each time!
Renting out an RV can earn you anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars each month.
How To Manage Your Money On Maternity Leave
Managing your money while on maternity leave can be tough at times. If you are looking for more things that you can do other than only learning how to make money on maternity leave, you do have some options.
Below, I will be talking about how to cut your budget so that you can save money, as well as your rights and benefits on maternity leave.
Cut your budget
During parental leave, cutting your budget can be a great way to manage your finances while adapting to life with a newborn.
Here are a few ideas to help reduce your expenses during this time:
Evaluate your current spending habits to determine where you can make adjustments – This might involve tracking your spending for a month or looking back at bank statements. You’ll likely find areas where you can save, such as dining out, entertainment, or shopping.
Cut back on subscriptions and memberships – Assess each subscription and determine the must-haves and those you can temporarily suspend or cancel.
Batch cook freezer meals before the baby comes – This is where you make a bunch of meals before the baby is born and freeze them. This can give you an easy meal to pop in the oven before the baby comes.
Cook at home – Getting food delivered can be convenient, but it’s usually more expensive than making your meals at home. Plus, cooking allows you to control ingredients and portion sizes.
Buy in bulk – When possible, get the items you use most frequently in bulk. Items like diapers, baby wipes, and nonperishable foods have a longer shelf life, and buying them in larger quantities can offer considerable savings.
Get secondhand and borrowed items – Instead of buying new baby gear and clothing, try borrowing from friends or family, or shopping at thrift stores like Once Upon A Child. Babies grow quickly, and they often outgrow items before they wear out.
Negotiate medical costs – If you have medical bills, you can try to negotiate them. Medical providers may be open to setting up payment plans or giving discounts for paying up front.
Short-term disability insurance
You may want to look into short-term disability insurance options before your maternity leave starts to help cover lost wages during your time off.
In some cases, your employer may provide this benefit, or you can purchase a policy separately. These policies typically cover around 60% to 80% of your regular income and may have a waiting period before benefits start (so, you will need to have the policy before you get pregnant).
Government assistance programs
There are government assistance programs that could help you during your maternity leave. For example, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthy food benefits for eligible families.
You can also check to see if you qualify for financial assistance from your state or other programs related to maternity and family support.
Find charities for help
During maternity leave, managing money might be tricky, but there are places that can help, like charities and groups that want to support new parents. You can find them online or at local community centers. Libraries, online parent groups, and special organizations are also great places to get help.
Remember, asking for help is a strong and smart thing to do, and there are lots of resources out there to help parents during this special time.
I recommend reading:
Know your state and federal law rights
I recommend learning about relevant state and federal laws governing maternity and family leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for the birth or adoption of a child. The law also says that you cannot be replaced or overlooked for pay raises and other promotions during your leave.
However, paid maternity leave policies differ by state and company. Some employers may offer a certain amount of paid leave, while others may offer none. Make sure to review your state’s laws and your employer’s policies to understand your rights during your maternity leave.
By knowing your rights, insurance options, and the benefits available to you, you can better plan your financial strategy during your maternity leave.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Make Money on Maternity Leave
Below are commonly asked questions about how to make money while on maternity leave.
Can I make money while on maternity leave? Are you allowed to make money while on maternity leave?
If you are in the U.S., then yes, you should be able to make money on maternity leave. If you are unsure, check your employment contract or talk to your employer’s human resources department to be positive.
Before starting any side income streams, if you’re worried about whether or not you are allowed to make extra money while on maternity leave, then double-check your company’s policies and your leave agreement to make sure that earning money during your time off is permissible. Some employers may have restrictions on outside work or income during your leave.
How do I survive financially during maternity leave?
To survive financially during your maternity leave, you may need to find ways to cut your budget as well as learn how to make money on maternity leave.
Does unpaid maternity leave qualify for unemployment? Can you collect unemployment after having a baby?
This depends on why you are no longer working at your job. If you simply stopped working because of your pregnancy, then you may not be able to receive unemployment pay.
However, if you are pregnant or recently had a baby and were fired or laid off, then you may qualify for unemployment pay.
What are some ways to make money while on maternity leave? How can I make money while taking care of my baby?
There are many ways to make money while on parental leave, such as by working online, selling photography, renting out storage space or an RV, and more.
How can new mothers use their time efficiently while working from home?
Time management is important for new moms working from home. I recommend creating a routine, setting realistic goals (if you are working and watching your baby, it won’t always go perfectly), and designating work hours during the baby’s nap time to help manage work alongside childcare responsibilities. It’s also important to take regular breaks to avoid burnout and feeling stressed. Working while also taking care of a child can be very tiring.
How to Make Money on Maternity Leave – Summary
Federal law, specifically the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), does not require employers to give paid maternity leave. Eligible employees are allowed to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, and because of this, you might be worried about money during your maternity leave or feel like you can’t afford to take the full 12 weeks.
There are many ways to make money while on maternity leave, which may help you to pay your bills without sacrificing quality time with your new baby.
For example, you can sell handmade items or even sell consulting services. Remote jobs and work-from-home jobs are also an option (and my favorite), allowing you to use skills like graphic design or writing to make money.
Remember, it is possible to make money while on maternity leave. Yes, it will most likely be very hard at times and even feel impossible. But, you do have many options to try and make it work.
Do you want to learn how to make money on maternity leave?
As fab fashionistas, agile antiquers, super shoppers, and those who live for a good find are well aware, the wildly popular Round Top Antiques Fair is back for another week and weekend of some the hottest shopping in Texas, U.S. — and heck, the world.
Texas’ antique mecca, boasting a permanent population of 99, draws hundreds of thousands from across the globe twice a year for the shows. As expected, hotels and Airbnbs book months in advance, but that doesn’t stop locals from Houston and nearby cities from making a day trip. Those who pack up for the Round Top roadie are rewarded with new hot spots for food, drink, entertainment, and — obvi — shopping.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our old faves from previous trips and solicited friend and guru — let’s call her “Round Top Angie” for top shops and, thanks to Angie, the IYKYK spots where the locals like to hang.
And since Round Top weekends are as much being seen as seeing, read on for our fashion writer Gabi De la Rosa’s guide to can’t-miss fashion and shopping — especially for Houstonians.
Shop Round Top
The Original Round Top Antiques Fair, created by Emma Lee Turney in 1968, remains the epicenter of what is now known at The Antiques Show. Thousands hit Round Top last week to shop the more than 65 venues along the rural TX-237 highway and beyond.
Now through October 29 barns, tents and hayfields are home to authentic antiques, fine art, home decor, and more.
The Big Red Barn and Blue Hills
The Big Red Barn (475 Texas 237) functions as the primary Antiques Fair venue and is a massive, climate-controlled building that is unmistakable to passersby as it’s literally a giant red barn. The Annex and Continental Tent are both located adjacent to the Big Red Barn and add to the overall ambiance and sheer shopping bliss that overtakes the town during these precious fall weekends.
Where it all started over 50 years ago, the Big Red Barn will be open through October 28.
Photo by The Big Red Barn
Not far from the Big Red Barn is its sister venue, Blue Hills (1701 Texas 237), a rustic, antiques mega complex, as they approach on 237. A must-stop for any serious shopper, the destination boasts 26 acres, more than 60 vendors from around the world, and 100,000 square feet of shopping space. Hot brands and partner collabs, must-see pieces, easy access off 237, clean bathrooms, and ample free parking make this a no-brainer. Plan to spend some serious time — and money — here.
Henkel Square Market
One of Round Top’s most iconic historic squares has been reborn as a shopping, dining, bar, and gallery space that now goes by Henkel Square Market. Easily one of the town’s most popular tourist destinations, the market featuers the newly opened Kemo Sabe, the chic Texas bootmaker that helps fashion-focused shoppers step into Round Top chic with ease.
One could spend hours at Southern Beasts, where the clever Mary Lou Marks (who chats up visitors and recognizes shoppers from months and years prior) crafts whimsical animals out of vivid upholstery. We scooped up vintage headbands and bracelets and lusted over the vintage cowboy hats and gear and one-of-a-kind paintings. Upstairs, the clever folks at Starr’z hunt all over for retro mid-century modern furnishings jewelry, handbags, decorative pieces.
Next door is the exotic Sapana Dreams, (translated to “dream” in Nepali), where owner Jolie Helms curates and imports outerwear, vests, quilts, totes, and more from India and Nepal — all while empowering the impoverished crafters in those countries. A familiar Houston retail name, Helms is passionate about educating shoppers about the plight of those who create the goods for her first solo store — all while customers leave with some serious statement pieces.
A quick jaunt leads to our favorite Round Top art store, Humble Donkey Studio, a crafty playground founded by John Lowery, a former Houston marketing CEO who has turned his passion for Texan and animal-themed art into a two-story mecca of charm. Lowery celebrates in-store sales of his large paintings (in demand across the country) with wine, cowbell ringing, and the declaration that “a donkey got its wings.” We grabbed hats, small works, and even a Texas-themed doormat from the exclusive Lower40 collection.
Stylish Houstonians always make a beeline for haute Houstonian/Round Top resident Marla Hurley’s chic boutique Modernmarla, where serious shoppers can grab luxe-label shoes, accessories, clothes, and more. (Be sure to score a cheeky “Kiss My Fancy Texas A*s” T-shirt for a Lone Star look that’s totally extra.) More looks can be found at upscale jewelry destination Mallory et Cie.
Rockin’ Round Top: The 550 Market and Rockabilly Baroness
To really shop like the locals, head to The 550 Market, a cool destination that hosts pop-up parties, activations, and event a speakeasy. Those looking to rock the outlaw/rock star vibe should head to Rockabilly Baroness, The 550’s anchor space. Much like its Houston sister store the Round Top outpost offers up must-have boots to gorgeous bags – all meticulously crafted with the fine hides, exotic skins, imported leathers, and intricate beading. Consider this the one-stop show for rocker-cowboy-cowgirl chic.
Rockabilly Baroness saddles up your inner cowgirl rock star.Rockabilly Baroness
Round Top Village
Round Top Village meanwhile, showcases a mix of local handcrafted jewelry, women’s wardrobe staples, hand-poured luxury candles, exotic linens and wares, a plethora of antique vintage finds, and furniture pieces scattered throughout the shops. Look for an entire shop devoted to primitive and American farmhouse antiques. Vendors at Round Top Village include Richard Schmidt Jewelry, Simple Rags, Courtney Barton, Tutu and Lilli, Muse Collective Jewelry, Bella’s Candles, Cottonseed Trading Co, and Round Top RV Park.
Gasoline Hill & Antiques
A go-to shop for visitors looking for the cleanest porcelain and painted metal advertising on the market; inventory includes a unique mix of vintage advertising memorabilia, such as old gas pumps, oil and automotive signs, and much more. The seller takes pride in displaying items that are originals, not replicas. On top of its authentic vintage signs, look for reclaimed industrial, architectural, and contemporary furniture and accessories from all over the world. Grab some country store items like bread, dairy goods, and more.
Eat, drink, two step, and more
Lulu’s Italian restaurant and ll Cuculo bar at Hotel Lulu
Nestled just outside the bustling Henkel Square, Hotel Lulu has become a go-to for urbane visitors who stay for the scenic vistas (we fell in love with the neighboring barn characters, namely a charming donkey, bull, and some alpacas). The red-hot, in-house restaurant Lulu’s is the Italian-focused sister restaurant to the Houston locale. (Reflecting the tony crowd that favorites Armando’s, the scene at Hotel Lulu and Lulu’s is cosmopolitan, with patrons decked out in vacation chic.)
Rejoice: The beloved Lulu’s now serves breakfast.Photo via Lulu’s Round Top
Executive chef Jose Monterrosa has answered regulars’ repeated for breakfast service; find delicious starter meals here starting at 8 am. Those rising a little later can enjoy brunch, which features many lunch and dinner items. We loved the country-table-themed Uova in Purgatoria, where a farm-fresh fried egg sits in a bed of delicious red sugo sauce. Carnivores can power up with the steak and eggs, adorned with a chimichurri sauce; all go well with bloody marys, mimosas, and fresh bellinis. We ended brunch with an irresistible combo of gelato and bombolini, Italian doughnuts with crème anglaise.
Pasta dishes at Lulu’s are wildly popular, especially the carbonara, a perfectly cooked fried egg with a healthy, orange yolk centering the dish. Caviar is a good starter, and the bread service is so divine it could potentially be a meal paired with fresh butter and a full-bodied red wine. Grilled branzino and a beefy tenderloin make excellent choices for proteins, while tiramisu and gelato are sweet finishes.
Lulu’s downstairs dining room, chiseled in central Texas rock, is also worth a peek, as it’s a favorite for private parties.
For a refined sip, Hotel Lulu’s perfectly picturesque ll Cuculo bar is an absolute must-visit for pre or post-dinner cocktails, after a day out, or a romantic date night. The main bar is striking with its deep wood and blue accents, while a curtained seating area — vibrant and velvet-adorned — sports plush seating with swoon-worthy upholstery. In a city full of Instagrammable scenes, this elegant spot is photo-shoot ready.
Merritt Meat Company
The owners of Truth Barbecue, a smokin’ Houston favorite that scored top marks in Texas Monthly‘s best BBQ list, purchased Roundtop Smokehouse in Henkel Square and reopened the space to honor Lee Ellis (Merritt is his middle name). As any Houstonian knows, Truth’s brisket and sausage can disappear in minutes, not hours. Those wanting to meat up best show up early and expect lines.
Duo Modern in Market Hill
Market Hill owner Paul Michael wanted a space in his chic retail destination Market Hill where Round Top shoppers could share stories and meals. Enter the stylish Duo Modern, which features haute furnishings from Market Hill. Look for roasted sea bass, breaded branzino , oven-roasted lobster tail, rigatoni pasta, grilled beef tenderloin, a grilled pork chop, a crowd-favorite rack of lamb, and more. As expected with a Paul Michael operation, Duo Modern’s ambience is urbane, stylish, and comforting.
Ellis Motel
Created by the late restaurateur and namesake the Ellis Motel isn’t actually a motel. Instead, the Ellis Motel Lounge and Emporium has become on of Round Top’s hottest hangouts. Inside of a welcoming bungalow dating back to the 1800s, the outpost boasts an eclectic mix of art and furniture for sale. While browsing, sip on some of the best cocktails in Round Top.
Royer’s Café and Pie Haven
Royers Pie Haven in Round Top.
Royers Pie Haven Facbook
Led by JB and Jamie-Len Royer, the team at the iconic — legendary, really — Royer’s Round Top Café is all about love, customer service and lasting relationships. Upon walking through the doors of the funky, iconic establishment in Round Top, diners are greeted with a menu that will surprise and delight. Instead of the ‘typical’ small town country fare, expect what they call gourmet country food. The Pie Henkel Square Market serves up divine, freshly baked pies — grab one or three for the trip home.
Food Truck Alley at Blue Hills
Those shopping at the Blue Hills Food Truck Alley can expect a feast of options. The checklist includes Dapper Bear Seafood, Tumbleweed Food Company, Vela Farms, and Wildflyer Mead Co. The Ellis Motel Bar pop-up serves up beer, wine, and cocktails on the patio — the spicy margarita, the Bloody Mary, and espresso martini are winners. Neon Moon Coffee brews up specialty coffee and baked goods all day on the patio. Methodist Men BBQ is open from 11 am to 3 pm on the patio — but the meats go fast.
Little Cheese Shop
A cheese, wine, chocolate, and to-go gourmet shop in the heart of Round Top, Little Cheese Shop is housed in a quaint 1830s cottage. Grab fine cheeses and charcuterie fare (salami, prosciutto, pâté, mousse, smoked salmon), plus chocolate, sweet treats (we grabbed a few), spreads, chutneys, olives and pickles, crackers, and flat breads. Nothing pairs with cheese like wine; Little Cheese Shop offers a number of white, red, and sparkling bottles.
The Mark Speakeasy
Located inside Round Top’s 550 Market, The Mark is a secret speakeasy that is open Fridays and Saturdays from 8 pm to midnight for cocktails and light bar bites. A catering kitchen is available on-site for large parties and special events. Slip behind the secret door and see what it’s all about — and prepare foe a memorable night.
The Stone Cellar honky tonk
The Stone Cellar.Photo via The Stone Cellar Round Top
The Stone Cellar inhabits the refurbished La Grange train depot, which was built in 1861. The newly renovated honky tonk now features a cozy cocktail bar boasting local craft beers and wines, and cocktails aplenty. The venue is located less than a quarter of a mile from the Round Top Town Square and offers live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Don’t head back without visiting…
Round Top Festival Institute’s Festival Hill
The James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts and its sole project, Round Top Festival Institute, were founded in 1971 by world-renowned concert pianist James Dick. Launched with just a handful of gifted young pianists in rented space on the town square, the project is now an internationally acclaimed music institute for aspiring young musicians and distinguished faculty. The foundation has developed superb year-round education and performance programs. Its must-visit, 210-acre campus Festival Hill boasts major performance facilities, historic houses, extensive gardens, parks, and nature preserves.
St. Martin’s Catholic Church
Known as the world’s smallest Catholic church, St. Martin’s celebrates mass on a monthly basis inside the 192-square-foot church, which holds six rows of pews that can accommodate 20 people.
Texas Cotton Gin Museum
Preserving the history of cotton and cotton ginning in Texas, the Texas Cotton Gin Museum is home to the 1914 Burton Farmers Gin — the oldest operating cotton gin in America. Recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the National Register of Historic Places, the museum transports guests to an era that defined the quintessential American — and most definitely, Texan — can-do spirit.
A note to first-timers: the entire experience can be daunting for Round Top newbies, and to add even more spice to the mix, each venue has varied dates. Make sure to check (and double-check) when your destination of choice will be open. With all that in mind, we’ve rounded up where to find the best fashion finds both vintage and new during the Round Top 2023 Fall Show.
Finally, some must-hit spots for serious style shoppers(by Gabi De la Rosa)
Unsubscribed plus Houston brands at Blue Hills
Slow and sustainable fashion brand Unsubscribed is this year’s brand partner at Blue Hills.Photo by Unsubscribed/Instagram
This year, Blue Hills has partnered with sustainable brand Unsubscribed, which focuses on consciously made-slow fashion pieces created to outlast trends and ultimately have a more sustainable effect on shoppers’ wardrobes.
In addition to the Blue Hills barns, tents, and showrooms brimming with the best fashion, home decor, and antiques, several Houston brands will be onsite. Houstonians should be sure to hit Christy Lynn,Hibiscus Linens, Carla Valencia Designs, and more.
Round Top Village
One of Round Top’s newest shopping destinations, Round Top Village is great for fashion and art. Visitors will find Courtney Barton, Tutu and Lilli, Richard SchmidtJewelry, and more.
Zapp Hall
Housed in a historic dance hall from the early 1900s, Zapp Hall welcomes shoppers in search of various antiques, including genuine vintage fashion. Come for the antiques, stay for the atmosphere.
The Arbors
The Arbors is open twice yearly and features more than ten tents with great fashion, home decor, and antiques. Shoppers can get their hands on items from Arloom, Topped Hats, Stylish Sloan, Ole San Miguel, and more.
Check out Arloom at Blue Hills and Arbors during the fall show.Photo by Arloom/Instagram
Inside: Do you want to make money online fast? If so, we’ll discuss the best digital products to sell on Etsy. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to making money selling digital items quite easily.
Do you want to learn how to sell digital products on Etsy and make money through it?
Selling digital products offers an exciting avenue for generating passive income. With their low production and distribution costs, high profit margin, and potential for scalability, they stand as a lucrative business model for many entrepreneurs.
Moreover, once a digital product is created, it can continuously bring in revenue without the need for additional production costs, making it an appealing source of passive income.
The key to being a successful Etsy seller is to understand your chosen niche and what your audience wants.
We will dive into digital products you could sell on Etsy which range from arts & crafts to business materials.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What are Digital Products?
Digital products are items that are accessed and delivered electronically, examples of which include software, ebooks, online courses, digital music, video, and audio files.
These intuitive products offer the versatile benefit of being easily reproduced and instantly accessible on various devices, without the requirement of physical storage or shipping. Plus the world is moving towards becoming digital anyway.
In creating digital products, businesses aim to capitalize on customer appeal and convenient delivery, which often complement their physical goods or services.
Why Sell Digital Products on Etsy?
Selling digital products on Etsy offers an incredible opportunity to showcase and monetize your unique creations. With Etsy’s vast online marketplace and its millions of potential customers, it has become a preferred platform for artists, designers, and content creators.
Furthermore, it provides the flexibility to set your prices in accordance with the value you offer and experiment with different pricing strategies.
This is a hassle-free way to monetize your creativity. Here’s why:
You craft it once, it sells eternally: Digital products offer the ultimate advantage of a “create once, sell forever” model. Imagine sipping a cup of tea while your creation secures sales one after another.
Resource-friendly: Bid adieu to the restrictions of shipping, storage, or material costs. Instead, welcome the comfort of financial freedom and resource efficiency.
Everlasting stock: Digital products on Etsy never run out! Say goodbye to inventory issues and overselling, which makes it a smart choice for long-term business.
So, start now by creating an account, picking your digital product, setting up shop, and starting selling on Etsy. With no heavy fees and no botheration of shipping.
Just pure creative power leads to sheer earning happiness.
What digital products sell the most on Etsy?
Well, our data shows that digital prints, planners, stickers, fonts, and children’s educational materials are some of the best-selling categories netting serious cash on this creative marketplace. This information came from Cody and Julie – the founders of the e-Printables course.
Typically, seasonal content always does well on any platform. Same with current trends like the “Barbie” craze.
These products are a creative enthusiast’s goldmine owing to their limitless customization capabilities, instant delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
Wherein, most busy professionals, students, parents, and small business owners find them irresistible due to their convenience and adaptability to suit specific needs and tastes.
To learn more about selling on Etsy, I highly recommend connecting with Cody and Julie in their free webinar.
What digital download sells best on Etsy?
Among the myriad of digital products available,digital prints notably rank as one of the best-selling downloads on Etsy, closely followed by other popular items such as:
digital planners
logo designs
travel guides
business card designs
Lightroom presets
printable invitations.
A beautiful synergy of convenience, utility, and aesthetics, that can be printed at home or in a local print shop, whenever you wish. Perfect for last-minute gifters, DIY décor enthusiasts, or anyone looking for hassle-free beautification!
So, staying in the game, consistently monitoring market trends, and adapting accordingly is the key to successfully selling your digital prints on Etsy.
Best Digital Products to Sell on Etsy
The best digital products to sell on Etsy depend upon various factors, such as your skills, customer interests, and specific market trends.
It is also important to keep an eye on high-sales products, check positive reviews, track favorites, and note recurring themes to understand what customers are looking for and to guide your digital product offerings. This is a quick way to make 300 dollars fast.
Here are the examples of some of the best digital products you might want to sell on Etsy:
1. Printable or Digital Planners
You’ve hit the jackpot if you’re contemplating selling printable or digital planners on Etsy. Some people might say digital or printable planners are seasonal but due to the high demand and flexibility, it could be the golden goose for your marketing on Etsy.
Buyers love and enjoy the tailored usability offered by printable planners, which they can customize to their requirements and physically pen in their plans.
You can supply this demand by offering a large variety and aesthetically pleasing designs.
Tip: Try bundling in different types of stickers for a snappier offer.
2. Craft Patterns
Craft patterns are a top-ranking digital product on Etsy, thanks to a revival of all things crafty!
From knitting and crocheting to sewing and embroidery, these digital masterpieces cater to the abundant trend-setters and hobbyists who frequent Etsy.
To truly get your digital craft patterns thriving on Etsy, remember to follow the trail blazed by successful pattern sellers like these Etsy sellers. These crafts start from an average selling price of $10, making them a lucrative venture for creatives.
Lastly, don’t forget to unleash SEO magic – get your product seen by the right people especially when creating a sewing pattern or crochet pattern. This can be your missing element for transforming hard work into hard sales!
3. Children learning materials
Looking for a profitable side gig? Selling children’s learning materials on Etsy is wildly popular and well-needed especially for those homeschooling.
Parents and teachers are snapping up digital educational resources. By marketing printable lesson plans, colorful flashcards, and engaging worksheets, parent is hyped to supplement their children’s education.
This is a great summer job for teachers because your educational resources might just be the next best-seller on Etsy.
Crack open those lesson plans, as your Etsy store awaits.
4. Wallpapers
On Etsy, phone wallpapers are the new moneymaker. Provide colorful ways for customers to personalize their devices, these digital beauties are a hot ticket item.
To catch the widest net, cater to both phone and desktop users. You must keep up with trends. Also, creating wallpapers for Apple watches and other high-tech gadgets or themed designs for holidays is always a hit.
It’s a simple concept: stylish wallpapers have an average selling price of around $3-4.
5. Calendars
Venture to sell digital business calendars guarantees a steady demand, as planning isn’t just a phase – it’s woven into the fabric of daily life. To get started, unlock your artistic prowess with any digital art program like Adobe Photoshop or Canva.
Begin creating your unique touch on calendars, ensuring they’re editable pre-print- a clear selling point. Remember, quality trumps all – prioritize visually appealing designs with user-friendly formats.
Time to turn dates into dollars. Listing calendars in your Etsy shop certainly won’t go out of style or demand. Also, aim for the $5 – $10 price range to hit the sweet spot of affordability and profitability.
6. Invitations
Invitations are among the top-selling digital items on Etsy.
Customizable templates for various occasions like weddings, parties, baby showers, and more are particularly popular. It’s perfect for creative individuals skilled in design who are looking to turn a profit on their talents.
These digital products can provide a meaningful revenue stream. Some creators can charge up to $20 per customized item.
The bottom line is that selling digital invitation templates on Etsy doesn’t just allow for creativity, but it’s also a lucrative business opportunity.
7. Business cards
Catering to the surge of remote entrepreneurs and the timeless need for personal cards, this trend is something to tap into.
You can offer editable, customized, or even smart cards – with features like one-click phone calls or emails – which can give your shop an edge.
Through Canva or Wepik, you can design exotic templates, offering customers the control to personalize before printing. Turn on your creative juices, let your brand shine, and step up your entrepreneurial ladder with a business card template.
8. Wedding Invitations and Printables
To be honest, I actually created my best friend’s wedding invitations. Maybe, I should have stuck with the side gig to make 500 dollars fast?!?
Wedding printables are now the ‘go-to’ digital products. This isn’t just about a cute ‘Save the Date’; offers a hassle-free, all-in-one wedding stationery solution, ready to match every wedding theme under the twinkling lights.
Help the DIY couples by providing a bundle: wedding program, customized hashtag sign, table place cards, save-the-date cards, and even personalized portrait options with a delightful sign thrown in.
You can provide a seamless experience and watch the sales ring along with the wedding bells.
9. Journal Inserts
Are you a fan of journaling or love designing layouts? Well, it’s time you converted your passion into profit. Making journal inserts is one of the smartest digital products you can sell on Etsy.
Audiences vary from educators needing organized lesson and homework schedules or those seeking self-help and discovery questions.
For optimal selling, focus on providing a variety of designs and including white spaces for personal touches.
With an average selling price of $5, they appeal to smart shoppers who prefer to print inserts on cardstock paper.
10. Digital artwork
Digital artwork stands out in popularity due to the unique customization and selection variety it offers.
Customers are drawn to the ability to choose from diverse art forms, including watercolor illustrations, inspirational quotes, and Baltic or Bohemian prints, that perfectly align with their personal aesthetic or represent an emotion they resonate with.
Moreover, the availability of immediate prints post-purchase greatly increases the convenience and appeal of this artwork form.
11. Recipe cards
Do you love cooking and want to create delightful digital recipe cards for your customers? But, don’t stop there, look at creating a meal planner to bundle with!
A printable, editable canvas for food aficionados brimming with delicious details of recipe cards is a great product. These digital delights are perfect for amateur chefs, bakers, and recipe bloggers.
The takeaway is clear. Selling recipe cards on Etsy is as facile as slicing butter, once you’ve got the right ingredients and the perfect recipe. It’s time to turn the heat up on your Etsy store and dish out some delightful recipe cards.
12. Social media templates
Creating social media templates can provide significant value for businesses and influencers seeking to establish a professional and cohesive online presence.
These templates, which can include pre-designed Facebook banners, Instagram stories, Twitter headers, and more, can be customized to fit a variety of themes such as minimalism, boho, or pastel colors.
When well-crafted, such templates can save businesses valuable time and effort while also helping maintain consistent brand imaging across different platforms. This is similar to a business hiring a virtual assistant with no experience.
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13. Printable Cake and Party Decorations
Selling printable party decorations as digital products on Etsy is like icing on the proverbial cake for smart entrepreneurs.
You can focus printable party decorations from charming cartoon-themed toppers for kids’ birthday cakes to exquisite, romantic pieces for weddings and anniversaries.
Whether you’re creatively inclined or have an entrepreneurial spirit spotting potential, these printables offer a loophole to financial growth. Bundle your decorations based on themes for enticing offers.
14. Zoom background
Thanks to the surge in remote working and virtual meetings selling incredible Zoom backgrounds on Etsy has emerged as a lucrative product in the digital landscape.
These tailored digital backdrops not only enhance the visual appeal of online interfaces but also cater to users’ needs to maintain privacy or conceal unorganized spaces.
However, you need to understand that creating Zoom backgrounds may not be beginner-friendly due to the required customization. However, do not let this intimidate you.
15. Productivity Trackers
People are constantly in search of practical, user-friendly tools to streamline their lives and make every hour count.
So, these productivity trackers are supremely versatile, covering daily routines, budgeting, goal setting, project management, and even grocery lists. Make your Etsy shop the one-stop shop for everyone’s needs.
As it becomes an increasingly popular choice to shift focus towards maximizing effectiveness in people’s daily lives. Whether it’s maintaining a workout routine, tracking investments, or staying on top of a student’s study schedule, these trackers cater to a wide assortment of needs.
16. Lightroom Presets
Lightroom Presets are essentially preset configurations that enhance a photo’s aesthetics, and folks from influencers to amateur photographers are keen to have them.
For starters, it caters well to the Instagram-obsessed demographic continually seeking to elevate their photo game. This venture is best suited for those who have a knack for photo editing and an understanding of aesthetics.
With an average selling price of $10, the numbers tip favorably in your Lightroom presets.
17. Etsy shop banners
Help out your new Etsy sellers by designing an impressive storefront with their shop banner.
Indulge your Etsy shop banners in various design themes suitable for a wide range of stores. Also, include a shop kit that makes store icons, a large and small banner, custom and reserved listing templates, and a profile picture graphic.
Promote your banner designing prowess to other sellers, so that you increase your brand awareness along Etsy.
When you have an awesome shop yourself, you are more likely to get sales!
18. Logos & branding kits
Move over, clip art! Logos and branding kits are in high demand as they fulfill the crucial need of every business that is striving for a unique identity.
Bundle your logos and branding kits or offer them individually to maximize your reach. Also, combining them with other digital products like media kit templates elevates your shop’s appeal.
This caters to diverse clients from Etsy sellers to businesses, influencers, and bloggers. Selling in this segment, you’ll never run short of market demand. Get ready to impress with your graphic skills, and ride the wave of this profitable venture on Etsy.
19. Thank you cards
This is a timeless product that is regularly used by businesses and individuals to express their gratitude.
Offering these thank you cards in digital, customizable formats can attract more buyers due to ease of customization and competitive pricing relative to store-bought alternatives.
You can also sell the same design on physical cards if you want for another revenue stream.
20. Fonts
In the world of businesses, creators, and crafters galore are on a relentless hunt for the perfect font that suits their needs. Where versatility is a font’s middle name – they can jazz up a brand’s website or add pizzazz to a party invitation.
Cricut fonts, in particular, are best-sellers. It is specially crafted for Cricut machines – a hit in the Etsy community of designers and makers.
Remember, the devil is in the (font) detail. Jump into the journey of digital font selling on Etsy and watch your typography turn into a treasure in no time.
21. Resume templates
Resume templates are handy, well-designed digital products are reportedly perfect for professionals keen on making their job applications stand out. It is mostly designed to suit particular sectors such as real estate or marketing.
After all, a well-structured resume could be the golden ticket to someone’s dream job – like one of these low stress jobs that pay well without a degree.
However, in my personal experience, the most successful templates are clean, professional, and neutral in color.
22. Invoice templates
You might think that cashing in invoice templates may seem odd, but these digital products offer ample sales potential on Etsy!
Their charm lies in their simplicity and frequently used nature by a wide range of businesses. Small business owners, short on time and design skills, frequently scout Etsy for professionally designed, eye-catching invoices – duly making it your prime market.
Transform invoice templates into a goldmine, with less likelihood of running into steep competition. With an average selling price of $10, you can surely earn money online quickly.
23. Website templates & themes
Are your web design skills a cut above the rest?
Leveraging your skills to create and sell website templates and themes on Etsy, and turn your talent into a tidy profit. This digital product must be customization-friendly with a range of applications, and cater to a broad audience—from small businesses to in-demand bloggers, giving them a sleek, professional online presence minus the design headache.
Begin by focusing on creating templates on popular website-building platforms like WordPress with a Kadence WP Theme. Make sure they serve a specific market, like photography websites or eCommerce stores, and ensure your products have unique, eye-catching designs that set them apart from the sea of competitors.
Remember, if your themes and templates are more unique and tailored. You can command, sometimes get a range of your product to $50.
24. Stickers
Stickers, both physical and digital stickers, are hot commodities on Etsy, cozily nestled among the platform’s top-selling items.
It also appeals to a large market spectrum, from social media users who love accentuating their chats with digital stickers, to fans of physical stickers decorating their belongings.
Remember, one major selling point is the editability of digital stickers, enabling customers to customize after purchase. Dial your creativity, pick a distinct theme, and roll out your sticker sets on Etsy – there’s a world waiting to stick onto your designs!
25. Bookmarks
Feeling bookish? Get your create-on and cash in on the thriving trend of selling digital bookmarks on Etsy.
Digital bookmarks, at a modest cost of $2 – $3 a pop, are gaining popularity as one of the easiest and fastest-selling digital products, thanks to their charm, practicality, and customized appeal.
Create an aesthetic touch on your reading escapades by hitting the serious tribe of bookworms. To amp up your sales and earn money quickly, don’t forget to add “personalization” options to your bookmarks.
26. Editable flyers
As demands surge, these feature-rich editable flyers become ideal for crafty entrepreneurs aiming to make a profit.
Most of your clients will be large markets comprising event organizers, business owners, and individuals who find convenience in ready-made editable materials.
Success in selling editable flyers on Etsy lies in understanding your target clientele’s needs, creating versatile and appealing designs, and offering top-notch quality. Kickstart your venture by preparing a wide range of attractive editable flyers.
27. Menu templates
Fresh out of the oven, menu templates are popular with restaurant owners to party planners who crave these editable, print-ready goodies.
These menu templates are flexible and can be tailored for cafes, restaurants, weddings, and even small business events. Therefore, begin by creating captivating designs–uniqueness sells and is editable for everyone who wants to customize it.
So preheat your digital oven – it’s time to serve up some mouth-watering menu templates on Etsy.
28. Gift tags
Digital gift tags on Etsy could light up your entrepreneurial path. With an average selling price of $5, these little printables have a big demand, particularly for special occasions like weddings and birthdays.
Ideal for individuals and businesses, this product can fit a myriad of needs from Christmas presents to children’s party favors. If you want to maximize your profits, focus on offering a wide range of designs that target different occasions and tastes.
Don’t forget to consider making a customization service that gives your customers a chance to tweak and add their personal touches.
29. Ebook Templates
Ebook templates have emerged as one of the most popular digital products on Etsy.
Beyond individual ebooks, sellers also offer a variety of creatively designed ebook templates, ebook covers, and materials for children’s books. With a target audience interested in arts and crafts, informative ebooks offer exceptional sales potential, especially those that provide professional knowledge in specific niches like graphic design or online money-making tips.
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Curious about selling printables on Etsy but don’t know where to start?
Get the secret list of best-selling products by month and learn you how to capitalize on seasonal trends to make sales.
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30. Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers‘ popularity is booming as they cater to a wide array of tracking necessities beyond just gym visits or step counting.
This product helps monitor weight loss programs, home workout plans, and 30-day challenges, effectively, becoming a one-stop-shop for holistic wellness.
They are ideal for those aiming to enhance their fitness, sleep quality, and overall productivity. With an average selling price of $5, they offer an affordable solution to digital tracking needs.
31. Debt Payoff Trackers
Debt payoff trackers are fundamental tools for efficient financial management and debt reduction. They provide a concrete visual of one’s financial obligations and illustrate the progress made toward extinguishing each debt.
This encourages a consistent habit of payment and propels individuals towards financial freedom. However, cost should not be a barrier to good financial habits, which is why our website offers a wide range of high-quality debt payoff trackers completely free of charge.
While these are still popular on Etsy, you have to realize many people want free or extremely cheap.
32. SVG Files for Cutting Machines
Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) files for cutting machines like Circut or Silhouette, are a crafter’s dream, making them a top-tier product to sell.
You can elevate your service by including a PDF tutorial or short video guide demonstrating the use of your product.
Ensure the functionality of your products by carrying out tests prior to listing.
33. Personalized Recipe Books
Being a foodie’s ultimate treasure, these recipe collections are perfect to tickle the taste buds of amateur cooks or pro food bloggers. Plus you can create recipe book templates to be used in Goodnotes or Notability.
Cultivate your online presence to spice up the sales of your digital recipe books.
From personal experience, I bought a digital recipe book because I didn’t want to create one myself.
34. Budget Planners
Budget planners are soaring in popularity, with these nifty tools averaging quite a tidy sum of $5-20 each. Its powerful design is both lucrative for sellers and beneficial for buyers.
In an increasingly digital world, these planners provide a seamless way to stay and stick on top of your finances. From the ordinary individual aspiring to save a penny or two to the business owner meticulously monitoring their profits and expenses. Some budget planner pros, like FRGLMAMA, have made over 60,000 sales!
Here’s a pro tip: Increase your profits by bundling your budget binder with envelopes and to-do lists. Users love the convenience and it saves them a search.
35. Wall Art
Calling all artists and designers with flair! Wall Art reigns supreme on Etsy – proving it’s not just a ‘dabbling’ industry, but a potential goldmine.
Remember, the ‘Home Sweet Home’ and ‘Be Kind’ style arts still hold their charm! Maximizing profits can entail providing add-on services such as printing and shipping.
Wall art downloads make great posters, especially for those who prefer to change up their decor often.
36. Gratitude Journal
Gratitude journals, with their guided prompts and questions, make hot picks for those striving for self-improvement or simply savoring the good in life. This little gem, flourishing in popularity, provides a thoughtful juncture for folks to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives.
This digital product is tailored for therapists, life coaches, stressed corporate followers, or anyone looking to light up their lives with gratitude.
Make sure to use keywords related to gratitude and journaling in your product description to maximize visibility.
37. Self Improvement Printables
People love these printables for their blend of practicality and inspiration by giving actionable tips, uplifting affirmations, useful trackers, and more.
These self-improvement printables are timely digital products that strike a chord with a growing audience keen on personal growth, self-care, and organization.
This product is perfect for those seeking self-help workbooks, motivational quotes, fitness planners, and even kid-friendly educational materials.
Is selling digital products on Etsy still profitable?
According to legions of online entrepreneurs, the answer is a resounding YES!
As the market for digital products keeps on growing, so does the profit potential for digital sellers on Etsy.
The startup costs are delightfully low – most of what you’re paying is merely for your product’s licensing and Etsy fees. After that, it’s all pure profit!
This method could be your ticket to financial freedom. So if you’re a creative at heart with a knack for producing digital gems, it’s high time you join the Etsy bandwagon to sell your valuable creations.
Etsy passive income isn’t just a haven for handcrafted goods – it’s also a hub for downloadable products from design templates to educational materials.
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Curious about selling printables on Etsy but don’t know where to start?
Get the secret list of best-selling products by month and learn you how to capitalize on seasonal trends to make sales.
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Now, What Digital Downloads to Sell on Etsy?
By now, you’ve embarked on an enlightening journey around the process of selecting digital products to sell. You have digested tips, explored examples, and refined your knowledge regarding your market, skills, and customer desires to ensure profitability.
So, let’s cut to the chase, find your product that fits the mold, craft an appealing product description, price it competitively yet profitable, and start making waves with your expertise in the digital market.
By coupling this post with the free training offered, you could be the next seller with digital products that are the next hotcake on Etsy! Will you be the next Etsy seller to learn how to make 10k a month?
Take your first step towards this entrepreneurial journey, and soon enough you could be reaping the sweet profits of your digital endeavor.
Now, start your listings and remember to believe what you have to offer is worth buying.
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From the towering peaks of its mountain ranges to the hushed elegance of its river valleys, Idaho’s geographical diversity is a testament to the timeless artistry of nature.
Stepping into the vast expanse of Idaho, you’ll be struck by a landscape that oscillates between serene beauty and dramatic grandeur. Whether it’s the lively urban appeal of Boise, the historic charm of Lewiston or the tranquil allure of Meridian, each location in Idaho paints a different hue on the state’s canvas, collectively creating a picture of life that is as varied as it is captivating.
Listed below are seven of the best places to live in Idaho for everyone from young professionals with families to active retirees and everyone in between. Find your favorite spot, schedule an apartment tour and settle down in your new happy place.
Population: 240,713
Median household income: $98,300
Average commute time: 18.4 minutes
Walk score: 38
Studio average rent: $1,437
One-bedroom average rent: $1,450
Two-bedroom average rent: $1,768
At first blush, Boise might appear to just be the state’s capital city, another spot on the map where the urban grid has staked its claim. But spend a little time here, wander its streets, listen to its stories and you quickly realize this diverse community is anything but ordinary.
Start in downtown Boise, a place that seems to exist in two eras simultaneously. It’s as though time got wonderfully tangled here, old red-brick buildings rubbing shoulders with sleek, modern edifices, each with their own story to tell. This isn’t simply a downtown—it’s an ongoing conversation between past and present.
And oh, the great outdoors! In Boise, nature is not an abstract concept but a close friend. The Ridge to Rivers trail system stitches the city to the vast expanses of Idaho’s wilderness like a beautifully embroidered seam. On these trails and nearby national parks, city slickers become explorers, trading sidewalks for dirt paths, the hum of traffic for the rustle of leaves.
Then there’s Boise State University, a hub of youth and innovation, its energy spilling over into the college town. You can almost feel the hum of thoughts and ideas, as though the city itself is learning, growing and evolving right along with its scholars.
The beauty of Boise isn’t just in its landscapes or its architecture, but in its spirit. This is a city comfortable in its own skin, unpretentious and genuine. It has its quirks and oddities, but rather than smoothing them out, Boise not only embraces them but celebrates them. This city doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is, and what it is, quite simply, is a great place to call home.
Three great apartment complexes in Boise:
Population: 58,242
Median household income: $60,984
Walk score: 35
Studio average rent: $925
One-bedroom average rent: $1,720
Two-bedroom average rent: $1,995
Coeur d’Alene is defined by its proximity to nature’s grandeur, an undeniably charming downtown and a welcoming community that welcomes folks from all walks of life. Nestled in the northern panhandle of Idaho, with its glittering lake and towering pine forests, it’s a slice of heaven, lifted straight from a storybook and gently settled in Gem City.
The star of the show here is undoubtedly the majestic Lake Coeur d’Alene, spanning 25 miles in length, framed by pine-clad mountains and blessed with a gorgeous swimming beach. Its turquoise waters reflect the ever-changing sky and offer not just spectacular views but a year-round playground for boating, fishing and swimming in summer; ice skating and bald eagle watching in winter. Watch the sunset over the water paint the sky a fiery red, life in Coeur d’Alene really is nothing short of a religious experience.
You can’t talk about Coeur d’Alene without mentioning its charming downtown, steeped in a kind of authentic Americana, where it’s easy to meander through a jumble of local boutiques, art galleries and historic buildings.
But a place is not defined merely by its geography or its buildings. It’s the people who breathe life into the locale. The community in Coeur d’Alene is warm and inclusive, making newcomers feel at home in no time. The small city also hosts myriad events, from art walks to the famed Ironman competition, fostering a sense of belonging that’s often lost in larger cities.
Three great apartment complexes in Coeur d’Alene:
Population: 69,450
Median household income: $57,412
Walk score: 42
Studio average rent: $617
One-bedroom average rent: $1,040
Two-bedroom average rent: $1,675
Idaho Falls embodies the quintessence of small-town America, tucked into an embrace of picturesque landscapes. The city emanates tranquility and serenity. It’s an evolving canvas adorned by the mighty Snake River’s waters, the resilient spirit of its people and the vibrant strokes of its culture.
The city’s heart beats in sync with the Snake River, which etches a serpentine course through its center. The river offers more than a namesake; it contributes to the city’s persona. The city’s waterfalls, cascading from snake river canyon right through the city’s heart, present more than scenic beauty; they are the city’s pulse, their incessant flow echoing the community’s resolve.
Surrounded by the sublime vistas of Idaho, the city serves as a gateway to an extraordinary natural playground, making it an easy choice for one of the best places to live in Idaho. The jagged peaks and spurting geysers at Yellowstone National Park, the untamed wilderness of Grand Teton and the surreal landscapes of Craters of the Moon lie just a short journey away.
However, Idaho Falls isn’t just an Eden for nature lovers, it’s also a burgeoning arts hub. The city’s downtown harmonizes the old with the new, historic buildings standing shoulder-to-shoulder with contemporary structures. From the lush expanse of the Idaho Falls Greenbelt to the myriad artifacts at the Museum of Idaho, the city center is always abuzz with creativity and life.
At its core, Idaho Falls is a tightly-knit community. The residents, imbued with a sense of hardiness and a pioneering spirit, are the city’s greatest strength. The town radiates a unique sense of camaraderie and friendliness. With high-quality public and private schools, lower cost of living and a family-friendly environment, the city provides a splendid backdrop for nurturing a family.
Three great apartment complexes in Idaho Falls:
Population: 34,896
Median household income: $60,581
Walk score: 49
Studio average rent: N/A
One-bedroom average rent: N/A
Two-bedroom average rent: N/A
Lewiston is an unassuming gem nestled in the state’s north central region. It is as if the tranquil rhythm of the Snake and Clearwater rivers has seeped into the very spirit of the former resort town. Lewiston, it seems, has a way of whispering sweetly to those who have the patience to listen. The lush landscape, with its wide-open skies and placid river banks, embodies a distinct and vibrant serenity that is difficult to find elsewhere. This landscape is not just a background but an active participant in the daily life of Lewiston’s residents.
But Lewiston’s charm isn’t confined to its natural beauty. It is found in the way the town retains a distinctive blend of the past and present. Historic downtown Lewiston, with its weathered brick buildings and quaint streets, tells a tale of a storied past. Yet, a blossoming culture imbues the city with fresh energy, where local crafts, eclectic eateries and thriving farmers’ markets create a harmonious blend of the old and the new.
Educational institutions such as Lewis-Clark State College contribute to Lewiston’s vibrancy, offering youthful energy and intellectual stimulation, while the city’s active outdoor recreation culture, ranging from fishing to hiking to boating and more, keeps the community grounded, healthy and engaged.
Despite the common notion of Idaho as a remote outpost for rural living, Lewiston is surprisingly accessible. The Port of Lewiston, Idaho’s only seaport, offers a lifeline to the local economy and a portal to the wider world. In this way, Lewiston seems to exist at a crossroads between wilderness and civilization, the traditional and the modern, the local and the global.
Three great apartment complexes in Lewiston:
Population: 129,736
Median household income: $89,857
Walk score: 26
Studio average rent: $1,760
One-bedroom average rent: $1,553
Two-bedroom average rent: $1,830
At the intersection of pastoral tranquility and contemporary growth lies Meridian, Idaho’s second-largest city. Nestled between bustling Boise and the vast expanses of Idaho’s rural landscapes, Meridian possesses a unique, harmonious balance that resonates deeply with those fortunate enough to call it home, making it a natural pick for the best places to live in Idaho.
The city thrives as a close-knit community where neighbors not only know each other’s names but also share in each other’s joys and sorrows. Despite the city’s impressive growth and ample job opportunities—it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the region—the residents have managed to retain a sense of camaraderie and mutual support that is a testament to their collective spirit.
On the educational front, Meridian is home to outstanding public schools, a well-regarded private school system and a focus on lifelong learning. This commitment to education echoes throughout the community, nurturing not just academics but also fostering an environment of curiosity and enlightenment.
Recreational opportunities abound in Meridian. From the tranquil respite offered by the city’s many parks to the adventurous hiking and biking trails, Meridian encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle that keeps its residents connected to the splendid nature that surrounds them.
Meridian balances the vibrancy of a thriving city with the intimacy of small-town living. Here, progress and tradition coexist, each respecting the other, each shaping the city’s unique character. The city does not boast or bluster; it invites. It invites residents to build lives of contentment, enrichment and joy amidst its tree-lined avenues and beyond. It is, in its quiet, steadfast way, a testament to the human capacity for creating spaces that celebrate both the simplicity and complexity of life.
Three great apartment complexes in Meridian:
Population: 117,082
Median household income: $57,552
Walk score: 29
Studio average rent: $775
One-bedroom average rent: $1,342
Two-bedroom average rent: $1,525
Nampa feels as if it were crafted from the fabric of a bygone era, while firmly rooted in the present. This robust blend of tradition and progress makes Nampa not just a city, but a living testament to the evolving narrative of the American West.
Nampa’s physical beauty is an undeniable draw. Nestled in the heart of the Treasure Valley, the city is a green oasis surrounded by the grandeur of Idaho’s diverse landscapes. From the lush farmland that flanks the city limits to the distant mountains that frame the horizon, Nampa’s natural setting is a captivating panorama that continually enchants its residents.
The city is a bustling hub of activity, a diverse and bustling place offering tons of recreational opportunities and outdoor activities that tap into the spirit of Idaho’s outdoor culture. From Lake Lowell’s tranquility to the invigorating outdoor pursuits available along the city’s many trails and city parks, Nampa encourages an active, healthy lifestyle for all.
Education and cultural enrichment form crucial components of Nampa’s appeal. The city’s public and private schools both foster an environment of learning and growth, while institutions like Northwest Nazarene University add a rich layer of intellectual vibrancy to the college town thanks to the thriving population of university students. Nampa’s cultural scene, too, is alive and thriving, with the Ford Idaho Center hosting concerts, rodeos and sporting events, ensuring the city is always offering up something fun for its residents.
Nampa stands as a beacon of balance. It merges the comfort of a small town with the opportunities of a growing city. It honors its heritage while eagerly reaching for its future. It celebrates its natural beauty while creating vibrant human-made spaces. It is a city that accommodates and nurtures the many facets of human life, making it a truly appealing place to call home.
Three great apartment complexes in Nampa:
Population: 50,323
Median household income: $65,592
Walk score: 23
Studio average rent: $1,275
One-bedroom average rent: $1,395
Two-bedroom average rent: $1,600
Post Falls sits as a jewel of the Northwest, nestled between the rugged majesty of the Rockies and the tranquil waters of the Spokane River. This city, once a quiet milling town, has grown to become a stunning community that marries the tranquility of a small town atmosphere with the dynamic spirit of a major city, quickly on the rise. Its appeal is multifaceted, drawn from the natural beauty, cultural richness and warmth of its people.
The landscape within the city limits is nothing short of mesmerizing. With waterfalls, rivers and mountains as its neighbors, Post Falls offers a living experience that is like nothing else. The city is a haven for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, with hiking, mountain biking, fishing and boating opportunities that not only provide fun recreation activities but also nurture a profound connection with the environment.
Despite its relatively small size, Post Falls boasts of a diverse range of attractions. The city’s retail offerings range from unique local boutiques to larger shopping centers, catering to a variety of needs and tastes. A fastly growing food scene adds another layer of appeal, with an array of culinary creations that tantalize the palate.
In essence, Post Falls represents the harmonious coexistence of the timeless and the contemporary, the quiet and the dynamic, the natural and the human-made. It’s a city that values its past, cherishes its present and embraces its future, providing an enriching and welcoming environment that makes it a wonderful place in Idaho to call home.
Three great apartment complexes in Post Falls:
Find the best place to live in Idaho
Whether you seek the urban charm of Boise or the rugged beauty of Post Falls, Idaho offers a near-unending selection of stunning possibilities, each holding a unique promise of what it means to call this magnificent state home. The best places to live in Idaho are not just locations, but distinct chapters in the state’s unfolding story, each adding its own unique color to the mosaic of life in the Gem State.
In every corner of the state, you will find that you are always just a stone’s throw from the living, breathing narratives in Idaho’s ever-evolving saga. They are distinct chapters in an enduring tale that grows richer with each new settler and generation. The best places to live in Idaho are not just geographical points on a map, but intricate layers in the richly textured quilt of human experience that comprises this magnificent state.
The ultra-charming Santa Monica estate of late Emmy Award-winning SNL writer John Bowman is looking for a buyer to join the ranks of its famous owners.
A sprawling coastal estate with three separate structures and over half an acre of exquisite outdoor space, the property recently hit the market for $16,850,000 (Justin Alexander of The Alexander Group at Compass holds the listing).
Since 1995, the property has served as home to John Bowman and his wife, Shannon. Bowman, who passed away in 2022, was an accomplished TV showrunner, an Emmy Award-winning SNL writer, Martin series co-creator and producer who also led the WGA’s negotiating committee during the 2007-08 strike.
A three-time Emmy nominee, Bowman is known for writing on In Living Color, co-creating the ’90 sitcom Martin, and for his countless writing credits, which include The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, Men Behaving Badly, The Hughleys, and Murphy Brown. He served as an executive producer on the latter three, as well as on Frank TV, Root of All Evil, Cedric the Entertainer Presents, The Show, and Princesses.
But he wasn’t the only famous resident of the Santa Monica estate.
John and Shannon bought the 1917-built home from singer/songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Jackson Browneand his then-partner, actress Daryl Hannah, who owned it back in the day.
But despite its roster of famous residents, the Santa Monica house is known as the Witbeck House — after its first owner, businessman Charles Witbeck. Witbeck commissioned the property, with Arts and Crafts architects Charles and Henry Greene delivering the East Coast-inspired shingle house that we see today.
Inside the celebrity-favorite Witbeck House in Santa Monica
Set among over a half-acre of park-like grounds, this rare three-structure estate in the heart of Santa Monica boasts a five-bedroom main house with grand formal and gathering rooms and a hidden playroom, a detached two-story A-frame studio, and a detached two-bedroom guest house.
The East Coast shingle-style main house has four large bedrooms upstairs, including a stunning primary suite with soaring cathedral ceilings and a luxurious spa bath, an office, and a hidden playroom.
Downstairs we find another full bedroom with its own bathroom, as well as grand, formal gathering rooms — each featuring French doors that open into the backyard.
Also on the property, a storybook A-frame cottage serves as a detached two-story studio, perfect for creators, musicians, writers, and innovators to carry on the legacy of the estate. An additional two-bedroom guest house with a kitchen and bath is also included.
The park-like grounds feature a custom patio firepit with an al-fresco dining deck, a resort-inspired swimming pool, an expansive grass lawn, a rose garden, and a private sports court. Adding an extra note of privacy, the property is surrounded by beautiful mature trees and extra tall hedges.
But despite the home’s many attributes, it’s the location that makes it all the more desirable.
The Palisades Ave property sits on one of the most sought-after streets in all of Santa Monica, just two blocks from the beach, and within reach of the best shops and restaurants on Montana, the Jonathan Club, and a short drive to LA’s premier Westside golf courses.
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If you are looking for the best online jobs for teens, then you have come to the right place. Here are the best online jobs for teenagers, even if you have no experience. There are many ways to make money online, and as a teenager, you may be interested in learning how you can as…
If you are looking for the best online jobs for teens, then you have come to the right place. Here are the best online jobs for teenagers, even if you have no experience.
There are many ways to make money online, and as a teenager, you may be interested in learning how you can as well.
Whether you are 13 years old or 19 years old, there are many different legitimate online jobs for teens that you may be interested in learning more about.
Related content:
Online Jobs For Teens
There are many online jobs for teens listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some virtual jobs for teens that you may want to start learning more about first:
Start a website
While I was around 21 years old when I started my blog, I know of a few people who started theirs as teenagers.
A blog can be a great online job to start when you’re young, as you can decide how to build your blog, how you earn an income, and the schedule you put toward it.
Blogging has allowed me to travel full-time, work from home, have a flexible schedule, earn a high income, and love what I do.
You can easily learn how to start a blog with my free How To Create a Blog Course.
Here’s a quick outline of what you will learn:
Day 1: Why you should start a blog today
Day 2: What topic to blog about
Day 3: Tutorial on how to start a blog on WordPress
Day 4: How to make money with your blog
Day 5: How to make passive income on your blog
Day 6: How to get pageviews to your blog
Day 7: Tips to see success with your blog
Out of all of these online jobs for teens, blogging is by far my favorite. It does take a little more time to start making money, but it’s very flexible and fits with any kind of schedule.
Create a TikTok account
You have most likely heard of TikTok.
There are over 1.5 billion users on TikTok, and many people are able to earn an income on this social media platform doing many different things.
From personal finance tips to comedy, day in the life to travel, and more, there are many different topics you can cover on your own TikTok account through making social media content.
If you want to learn how to make money online for teens, this is a fun one.
You can learn more at How I Make Money On TikTok – How I Grew To 350,000 Followers and Made $60,000 In 6 Weeks.
Begin a YouTube channel
Everyone has heard of YouTube, and pretty much everyone has watched at least one YouTube video in their life.
In fact, according to YouTube, there are over 2 billion people who watch at least one video on YouTube each month.
Many people have goals of starting a YouTube channel and making money, but not many people ever actually start.
You can learn more at How I Grew From 0 Subscribers To Over $100,000 On YouTube In Less Than One Year.
Resell items online
If you are looking for a flexible job as a teenager, one to look into may be reselling items online, such as on Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. There are many other online marketplaces as well.
Plus, it’s something that anyone can start because many of us own things that we could probably sell.
And, there are always things that you can buy for a low price and possibly resell for a profit. Or, you may even be able to find free things that people are throwing away and sell that as well.
This is such a profitable idea that my friend was able to make $133,000 in one year through buy-and-sell flipping and with working only 10-20 hours per week.
Since then, they have turned this into an even bigger and more profitable business!
Some of the best items that they’ve resold include:
Something they bought for $10 and flipped for $200 just 6 minutes later
A security tower they bought for $6,200 and flipped for $25,000 just one month later
A prosthetic leg that they bought for $30 at a flea market and sold for $1,000 on eBay the very next day
A lift that they found in the trash (and asked the owner for permission to take) that they sold online for $7,500
You can learn more at How I Made $40,000 In One Year Flipping Items.
They also have a helpful free webinar, Turn Your Passion For Visiting Thrift Stores, Yard Sales & Flea Markets Into A Profitable Reselling Business In As Little As 14 Days. I recommend checking it out.
Sell printables on Etsy
If you are looking for a way to make money at home and be your own boss, then creating printables may be for you.
A printable is a digital product that can be downloaded and printed at home. You make them once and then sell them on a website such as Etsy for people to buy. You wouldn’t have to print anything, instead, you are simply selling the download.
Items such as grocery shopping checklists, weekly meal plans that someone puts on their fridge, gift tags, and quotes to be framed are all printables.
This can be a great way to make money at home as a teenager because you create one digital file download per product, and you can then sell them an unlimited amount of times.
You can sign up for this free ebook that helps you figure out where to start when it comes to selling printables on Etsy.
I recommend reading about this further at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy to learn more about one of the best jobs for stay-at-home moms.
Note: Etsy account owners must be at least 18 years of age to sell on Etsy. If you are between the ages of 13 and 17, you can sell on Etsy if you have the appropriate permission and direct supervision of your parent or legal guardian. Your Etsy account must be registered with the parent or legal guardian’s information.
Create and sell stickers
Another fun way to make money online as a teenager is to sell stickers.
My friend started with no graphic design skills and didn’t even know how to create stickers when she first started. It’s something she learned as she went, and she now earns over $100,000 each year with her sticker business.
I interviewed her here on Making Sense of Cents and she answered questions such as:
Do I need to be a graphic designer to make and sell stickers?
Why do people buy stickers online?
Do stickers sell well online?
How much money can I make selling stickers as a small business idea?
You can head over to How To Make $1,000+ A Month Selling Stickers Online to read more.
Make Canva templates
Canva is an online graphic design website. On Canva, you can sell premade designs to other Canva users so that they can edit and customize them.
Some examples of Canva templates include ebooks, workbooks, Pinterest pins, and more.
Creating Canva templates can be a great way to make extra money because you just need to create them once, and you can sell them an unlimited amount of times.
People all around the world use Canva to help with the graphic design side of their business, and templates make their lives so much easier.
Working just a few hours a week, I know someone who is able to earn $2,000 each month from selling Canva templates from home.
Do you have questions such as:
What is a Canva template and what is Canva?
Why would someone buy Canva templates? What is the benefit?
I have no tech skills, can I still create and sell Canva templates?
You can head to this article to learn more at How I Make $2,000+ Monthly Selling Canva Templates.
Voice over acting
Voice-over actors are of all ages, and you probably hear them all the time!
A voice-over actor is the person you hear but usually do not see on radio ads, YouTube videos, documentaries, e-learning courses, audiobooks, TV commercials, video games, movies, and cartoons.
This job doesn’t require previous experience or special skills – you just need to have the voice the company is looking for.
You can learn more about how to become a voice-over actor at How To Become A Voice Over Actor.
Answer online surveys
Not too long ago, one of the ways I made extra money to pay off my student loan debt was by answering paid online surveys.
You will not get rich from taking surveys, but it can help you to earn a little bit of extra money in some of the spare minutes that you may have throughout the day. Plus, you may get free items occasionally to review as well.
Companies will pay you to take surveys because they want to see what people think of their product and their company. They seek out real opinions from real people.
Here are some of the survey companies that are open to teenagers (along with their minimum age requirements):
American Consumer Opinion – Age minimum – 14 years old
Survey Junkie – Age minimum – 12 years old
MyPoints – Age minimum – 13 years old
Branded Surveys – Age minimum – 16 years old
Swagbucks – Age minimum – 13 years old
InboxDollars – Age minimum – 12 years old
Pinecone Research – Age minimum – 18 years old
User Interviews – Age minimum – 16 years old
Some of the above will even pay you to review music, play video games, or test mobile apps as a part of their research.
Sell items on Amazon
We have all heard of Amazon.
It is a website full of items sold by people like you and me.
In the first year that my friend Jessica’s family ran their Amazon FBA business together, working less than 20 hours a week total, they made over $100,000 profit!
You can learn more by reading How To Make Money From Home Selling On Amazon, such as answers to questions like:
How Jessica started selling on Amazon FBA
What exactly Amazon FBA is
How to choose what to buy and sell
How much a person can expect to earn
The positives of selling on Amazon, and more
Customer service support
If you are looking for a more traditional style of online job, such as working for someone else, then finding a customer service representative job may be something to look into. This way, you can start earning money right away, right after you get hired, instead of attempting to build a business.
There are many companies that hire for customer service support at home, even if you are young. Most will want you to be at least 16 years old or 18 years old to start.
As a customer service representative, you may be responsible for tasks such as:
Answering questions from customers about a product
Troubleshooting and helping with issues that a customer may have with a product
Processing orders
Assisting with returns
Handling feedback and customer complaints
And so much more.
Virtual assistant
As a virtual assistant, you would be helping a person or small business owner with administrative and business tasks. You would be their assistant but working in your own home instead.
I have been a virtual assistant in the past, and I now have virtual assistants of my own. They are lifesavers!
You do not need to have previous experience in order to start as a virtual assistant, instead, you need to be willing to learn so that you can help a business run more smoothly.
Many, many people and companies are looking for virtual assistants, as they play such an important role.
As a virtual assistant, you may be able to start at around $15-$20 an hour, or even much more. This will depend on the type of work you are providing, the experience that you have, the field you will be working in, and more. As a full-time virtual assistant, you may be able to earn over $10,000 a month once you gain experience.
As a virtual assistant, you may be doing tasks such as:
Managing a company’s social media accounts, such as by being their social media manager
Managing a person or company’s calendar
Scheduling appointments or travel
Creating or assisting with slideshows or presentations
Email management
Communicating with clients or customers
And so much more.
Different companies and employers will need different work to be done – it simply depends on who you will be working for and what they need to be completed.
You can learn more at How I Earn $10,000 Per Month From Home as a Virtual Assistant.
Start an online store
I feel like so many young adults are starting online stores, and it completely makes sense.
It’s something you can do from home, and there are ways to do it that don’t involve storing inventory or taking up a large amount of your valuable time.
Plus, you can make extra cash or even a full-time income.
And, there are so many different things that you can sell online.
From pet items, skincare, fitness products, subscription boxes, and accessories, to clothing, crafts, and more, the list is endless.
You can learn more about this topic at How I Make Over $10,000 Monthly With My Online Store In Less Than 10 Hours Per Week.
Write an ebook
Yes, you may be able to make extra money as a teenager by writing an ebook, and you can do it all from your home.
Anyone can write an ebook, no matter how young you may be.
There are many different genres that you can choose from, such as fantasy, fiction, nonfiction, mystery, and more.
If this is one of the online jobs for teens you’d like to learn more about, read How I Make $200 Each Day In Book Sales.
Find online tutoring jobs
Are you looking for a flexible side hustle as an online tutor?
If there is a subject that you are knowledgeable in, such as math, English, science, etc., then you may want to see if you can find students that you can tutor.
To become an online tutor, you can simply create a tutor profile on a tutoring platform, create a listing on Fiverr, reach out to people that you know, and more.
Learn more at The Best Online Tutoring Jobs – A Flexible Way To Make More Money.
Freelance write
Becoming a freelance writer can be a great online job for teens because there is a growing number of jobs out there for freelance writers, and many people start with no previous experience.
A freelance writer is someone who writes for a number of different clients, such as a website, blog, magazine, and more.
You can learn more in the article How To Become A Freelance Writer.
Proofread
If you have a passion for reading and often find mistakes in written content, then you may want to learn how to become a proofreader.
Freelance proofreading is a flexible and detail-oriented job that only requires a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, grammar skills, and a good eye for finding mistakes.
Proofreaders look for punctuation mistakes, grammar, misspelled words, lack of consistency, and formatting errors.
If you want to find online proofreading jobs, I recommend watching this free 76-minute workshop all about how to get started proofreading.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year).
Tips for online jobs for teens
Below, I want to share some tips for you on how to manage an online job for high schoolers. Having an online job as a teenager means that you may have some questions, such as how to avoid scams, how to balance school and work, how to open a PayPal account when you are underage, and more.
How to avoid online job scams
While there are many, many legitimate online jobs for teens, there are scams as well. Due to that, I want to share my best tips so that you can avoid scams but still find an online gig.
Some of my tips to avoid scams:
Research the company and the position to make sure they are real and a company that you would like to work for.
Search on the Better Business Bureau to learn more about the company and read their reviews.
Research the company online to see if there are any mentions of it being a scam. I like to type in “Company name + Scam” into a search engine and see what pops up.
Always be careful if the company asks you to pay money.
Before you give out any personal information, such as your social security number, you should make sure it is a real job that they are offering you.
Search the Federal Trade Commission and see if they have any press releases or articles about work-from-home job scams that they may have found.
Never click on any links or download anything in a suspicious email.
And, always trust your instincts! If something seems fishy, then trust yourself. There are always other jobs out there – do not feel like you have to take one that you are unsure about.
Simply move on and look for another opportunity that fits you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Jobs for teenagers
Below are common questions about online jobs for high schoolers.
How can a student work from home?
If you are a teenager, then you may still be in school. If you are trying to manage school and find a way to make money, then I do want to share some of my best tips.
After all, I have been in your shoes!
Working and going to school can be tough to manage.
Below is my advice for balancing both:
Realize what your motivation is for balancing both school and having a job. This is important because at times it will be hard to manage both, and thinking about why you are making yourself so busy can help to keep you motivated. You may even want to create a vision board so that you can look at it whenever things are tough so that you can easily remember what you are working towards.
Carefully plan out your school and work schedule. To balance school and work, then I recommend creating a carefully planned out schedule. This mainly only applies if you are in college or if you have control over the hours in your school day. This may include researching when the classes you need are offered and start trying to eliminate any gaps that may fall between your classes. Having an hour or two break between each class can quickly add up.
Bulk up your class days. If you think you can do it without overtiring yourself, then you may want to have as many classes together as possible in one day so that you are not constantly having to drive back and forth between school, work, and home.
Have a to-do list. I live and breathe by my to-do list. It helps me to not forget anything and to quickly realize that I have something to do (so I should stop procrastinating!).
Please head to 9 Ways To Successfully Balance School And Work to learn more.
How to open a PayPal account when you are a teenager?
If you are under the age of 18, then you will need a parent or a legal guardian to open a PayPal account. They would be the primary account holder, and you would simply be doing transactions through their account.
So, this means that you want to choose someone that you trust as they will have full access to the money that you are earning and is being transferred to your PayPal account.
How old do you have to be to work an online job? Can I work from home at 15? How can I make money at 17 without a job?
The age will vary depending on the job that you are looking to get.
How do you get paid with an online job for teens?
The way that you will get paid will depend on what you are doing.
If you are taking paid online surveys, for example, then you may get paid in rewards, a gift card, or even PayPal or check.
For more traditional jobs and gigs, you may be getting a paycheck every two weeks. If you are working for yourself, then you may be getting paid directly to your bank account.
How can I make money online as a teenager?
There are many ways to make money as a teenager, as you learned above. These include:
Blogging
TikTok creator
YouTuber
Reseller
Printables creator
Sticker maker
Canva templates designer
Voice-over actor
Survey taker
Amazon seller
Customer service representative
Virtual assistant
Online store owner
Author
Tutor
Freelance writer
Proofreader
And the list goes on and on!
Whether you are looking to make extra cash or if you are looking for a full-time job, there are many ways for you to earn money as a teenager.
Lastly, my final piece of advice is to make sure that your parents are informed of what you are doing. For your safety, I highly recommend telling your parents about your online job and keeping them updated about what is going on and if there are any changes.
Are you looking for the best online jobs for teens?
Are you looking for the best side jobs for teachers? Teaching is a great career choice and teachers are very much needed in the world. Unfortunately, though, it is not the highest-paying job that exists. Due to that, you may be looking to find ways to make extra money as a teacher. Side hustles for…
Are you looking for the best side jobs for teachers?
Teaching is a great career choice and teachers are very much needed in the world. Unfortunately, though, it is not the highest-paying job that exists. Due to that, you may be looking to find ways to make extra money as a teacher.
Side hustles for teachers are great because they can help you make extra income, pay off debt, save for a vacation, and more.
Teachers have many useful skills, which make them a great fit for many different side hustles alongside their main teaching job.
Quick Summary on Side Jobs For Teachers:
Online tutoring and selling lesson plans are popular side jobs for teachers that use their existing skills
Selling crafts, selling printables, or teaching online courses can be a nice creative outlet
Short-term and seasonal side gigs like coaching sports or teaching summer school may be better for your schedule than year-round gigs
Best Side Jobs For Teachers
There are 36 side jobs for teachers listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some jobs that you may want to start learning more about first:
Below are 36 side hustles for teachers.
1. Sell educational printables
Selling educational printables can be a great way for teachers to make extra income and it is great for anyone who wants to learn how to make passive income as a teacher.
An educational printable is a teaching resource, either digital or physical, that educators create to help with learning.
Other teachers buy these for their classes and so do parents.
Educational printables are things like math problems, vocabulary cards, and science experiments. They work for different grades and learning goals, making it an easy way to add to regular teaching or homeschooling. You can share these resources online or print them for in-person classes, making them a helpful tool for improving education.You can learn more at How I Make $400,000 Per Year Selling Educational Printables.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
2. Tutor online or in person
Tutoring services or helping kids get ready for standardized tests either online or in person can be a great side hustle for teachers.
This option can be a natural fit, as you can use your teaching skills to tutor students.
To start, check out different online tutoring websites like Tutor.com or you can also do in-person tutoring sessions. For in-person tutoring sessions, you can contact local tutoring companies or promote your services on social media or in local Facebook parent groups for your area.
3. Sell your lesson plans
As a teacher, you already make lesson plans for your classes. You can actually sell your lesson plans, earn extra money, and help other teachers.
The most popular platform for this kind of side job is Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT). Here, you can upload your lesson plans, activities, assessments, and other educational resources. Each time someone purchases one of your items, you’ll earn some income.
Lesson plans need to be well-organized, easy to understand, and tailored to specific grade levels and subjects (such as fifth grade math). You should include clear objectives and step-by-step instructions to make your lesson plans more appealing to potential buyers.
4. Coach a school sport or other after-school program
Coaching a school sport is something that you can do within your own school district as many schools are in need of help with their sports teams.
Some sports and after-school programs that can be a teacher’s side hustle include soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track-and-field, as well as clubs such as yearbook, chess, choir, and more.
5. Start a dog bakery
Starting a dog bakery can be a fun side job for teachers who love both dogs and baking.
You can make an extra $500 to $1,000, or even more, each month by making treats for dogs. You can make dog treats like cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more.
You can learn more at How I Make $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!).
6. Sell crafts on Etsy
Selling crafts on Etsy can be a great way to make extra money by being creative.
Etsy is a website where people from all over can buy and sell handmade and digital products.
Some ideas for products you can create and sell on Etsy that are teaching-related include:
Classroom decor items
Educational games and activities
Customized planner pages and stickers
Flashcards and study materials
Of course, you can create things that aren’t related to teaching at all, such as knitwear, jewelry, and more.
7. Sell on Teachers Pay Teachers
Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is a site specifically for educators to buy and sell educational materials, and this is a popular teacher side hustle. If you’ve developed lesson plans, worksheets, or other teaching tools for your classroom, you can share and earn from them on TPT.
I know I talked about selling education printables and lesson plans above, but I want to talk more about Teachers Pay Teachers in its own section because it is such a popular teacher side hustle.
You can sell:
Lesson plans and unit studies
Worksheets and printable activities
PowerPoint presentations and interactive notebooks
Posters, charts, and visual aids
For example, I looked on Teachers Pay Teachers and searched for third grade lesson plans. There, I found over 49,000 results such as math lesson plans about rounding, substitute teacher plans for third graders, reading comprehension lesson plans, and more. Here’s an example of one that you can look at.
The average teacher on Teachers Pay Teachers can make around $300 to $500 extra, but there are some teachers that make hundreds of thousands of dollars extra each year.
8. Babysit
As a teacher, you may find that babysitting is an easy side job to pick up, and, depending on where you live, you may be able to earn around $15 to $25 an hour. Parents love hiring teachers as babysitters because they have so much experience with children.
While babysitting, you’ll find that your existing skills from teaching make a difference in providing the best care possible.
9. Teach English as a second language online
Teaching English as a second language (ESL) online is a popular side job for teachers. As an online ESL teacher, you can help students learn English and work from home.
Most jobs require you to be a fluent English speaker with a bachelor’s degree.
10. Teach summer school
One of the obvious ways for teachers to make extra money in the summer is to teach summer school.
It’s a great way to make use of your teaching skills while earning extra income. Plus, summer school takes place during summer break, so it should fit well with your schedule of already being off from school.
11. Summer camp counselor
Another great option during the summer months is to become a summer camp counselor.
As a counselor, you’ll supervise children in activities such as sports, arts, and crafts. Camps are always looking for instructors with teaching experience, making this a good side job for educators.
12. Grade papers
Grading papers as a side job may appeal to you if you’re looking for a more flexible, at-home option.
Companies such as Measurement Inc. hire teachers to grade student work, such as essays and test answers.
They are hiring evaluators to score in the subjects of English, mathematics, science, and more and pay starts at $15 per hour.
13. Work at a restaurant
If you’re looking for something completely different from teaching, you could take a part-time job at a restaurant.
Working in restaurants can be a good fit for teachers because they often offer flexible hours that can align with your teaching schedule. You can choose jobs like being a server, host, and more.
14. Proofread
As a teacher, you are probably already a great proofreader and are able to spot mistakes easily. With these skills, proofreading can be a great side job. By proofreading, you can help authors, website owners, students, and more improve their writing while earning some extra income.
Even the most skilled writers can make mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. That’s why hiring a proofreader can be very helpful for pretty much anyone and everyone.
If you want to find online proofreading jobs, I recommend watching this free 76-minute workshop all about how to get started proofreading.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year).
15. Blog
Blogging can be a fun way for you, as a teacher, to make extra money from home. Many blogs are run by teachers, and I completely get why – you can blog in your spare time and you don’t have to stick to any formal schedule.
To start your own blog, first, choose a topic that you’re interested in writing about, maybe something related to your teaching field or a hobby you enjoy.
You can make money from your blog in ways such as:
Affiliate marketing – Share links to products or services related to the topic you are writing about, and earn a commission for sales generated from your referral links.
Advertising – Include display ads or sponsored posts on your blog.
Courses and ebooks – You can create courses or ebooks related to your area of expertise, and sell them through your blog.
Since I began Making Sense of Cents, I’ve made more than $5,000,000 from my blog, and it all started as a side job.
Learn more at How To Start A Blog FREE Course.
Similar to blogging, a teacher could also start a YouTube channel, a TikTok, and more.
16. Freelance write
If you are looking for side jobs for teachers from home, then becoming a freelance writer can be a great choice.
Freelance writers write content for blogs, websites, magazines, newspapers, advertising companies, and so much more.
You can find different writing jobs on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, or even find clients on your own, such as by reaching out to websites that you are interested in writing for.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs – (Start With No Experience!)
17. Transcribe
An online transcriptionist’s job is to listen to video or audio files and then type out everything that they are hearing. There are many different types of transcriptionists, such as legal, general, and medical transcriptionists.
This job requires strong typing and listening skills, and you can work from home on your own schedule.
Transcriptionists earn around $15 to $30 per hour on average.
I recommend watching FREE Workshop: Is a Career in Transcription Right for You? You’ll learn how to get started as a transcriptionist, how you can find transcription work, and more.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
18. Flip used items for resale
Flea market flippers find underpriced items at flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores, then resell them for a profit. This job requires a good eye for finding valuable items that you believe can be sold for a higher price.
As a teacher, you could find and sell items in the evening, on the weekends, over holiday breaks, and in the summer. You get to make your own schedule, and it can be however many or few hours as you want.
Some items that you can resell include:
Vintage furniture
Collectibles, such as toys, coins, stamps, books, and more
Sporting equipment
Clothing
Electronics
I recommend signing up for a helpful webinar on this topic, How To Turn Your Passion For Visiting Thrift Stores, Yard Sales & Flea Markets Into A Profitable Reselling Business.
19. Bookkeep
Bookkeepers are people who keep track of all the money-related things for businesses. Bookkeepers do tasks like:
Tracking income
Organizing expenses
Making financial reports
This is typically a flexible job that you can do from home on your own time.
You can join the free workshop that focuses on finding virtual bookkeeping jobs and how to begin your own freelance bookkeeping business by signing up for free here.
Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs
20. Sell Canva templates
Creating and selling Canva templates online allows you to work from home in your free time.
A Canva template is like a pre-designed layout that you can use for creating things like social media graphics, Pinterest pins, ebooks, or presentations. It is a helpful starting point if you’re not very skilled at designing from scratch. Business owners, marketing professionals, nonprofit organizations, educators, event planners, restaurants, and more buy templates all the time.
Canva templates come with blank spaces where buyers can add their own words or pictures, adjust colors and fonts, and more. They’re useful for people who want their graphics to look high quality without spending a lot of time in the process (or perhaps they don’t know how to do it so templates help them a lot!).
Making and selling Canva templates can be a great way to earn extra money as you only need to create them once, and then you can sell them as many times as you’d like.
Recommended reading: How I Make $2,000+ Monthly Selling Canva Templates
21. Rover (walk and watch pets)
Rover is a website that links pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers. You can do this job on the weekends throughout the year, or simply only open up your schedule during the summer months. It is up to you.
Getting started is easy on Rover – you set up a profile that talks about your experience with pets and the services you can provide, like dog walking, pet sitting, and house sitting.
Then, you will receive requests from customers and talk about pricing. Rover takes care of processing payments, and you’ll receive payments directly into your account.
You can sign up for Rover here.
22. Care.com
Another platform for finding pet and house sitting side jobs is Care.com. Care.com is not limited to pet care and includes other caregiving services, such as childcare and senior care.
You can browse available jobs in your area and apply to those that match your skills and interests. Care.com also allows clients to contact you directly for your services after you’ve created a profile. Once a job is completed, you’ll receive payment through the site.
23. Be a virtual assistant
A virtual assistant provides administrative, technical, or creative support to clients from home.
Some of the tasks you might do as a virtual assistant include managing schedules, responding to emails, making travel arrangements, handling social media accounts, and even writing articles or creating presentations.
If you want to become a virtual assistant, I recommend taking the free workshop called 5 Steps To Become a Virtual Assistant.
Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
24. Be a food photographer
Food photography can be a fun and creative way to earn extra income during your free time. Food photographers do just that – take pictures of food.
Whether you’re working directly for restaurants, magazines, or on a freelance basis, this job allows you to use your skills and interests to create beautiful images.
You can learn more at How To Become a Food Blog Photographer And Earn Over $50,000 Each Year.
25. House sit
As a teacher, you might be looking for ways to make some extra money during breaks or weekends. One option to consider is house sitting, and this is when you watch someone’s home (such as watering their plants and collecting mail) and sometimes take care of pets while their owners are away. People also hire house sitters so that their homes aren’t sitting empty because a visible presence can deter potential thefts.
To get started in house sitting, you can join house-sitting websites to find opportunities in your area, or ask friends and family for referrals (you might want to start by house sitting for people you know and then ask for references that you can use to broaden your job search).
26. Rent out an unused room in your home
If you have a room in your home that you are not using, then you may be able to rent it to someone on either a short-term (such as by becoming an Airbnb host) or long-term basis (getting a full-time roommate).
I have rented out rooms many times in the past, and it was a great way to make some extra income for space that I wasn’t using.
You can learn more at What You Need To Know About Renting A Room In Your House.
27. Rent your garage space
If you have empty storage space, such as a garage, driveway, closet, basement, or attic, you may be able to rent it out and make extra money. This can be a lucrative side hustle where you don’t have to use up much of your spare time.
You can use Neighbor to list your extra space for rent and make up to $15,000 per year by doing so. With Neighbor, you can rent out your garage, driveway, basement, or even a closet.
You can sign up at Neighbor for free here and list your space.
You can also learn more about Neighbor at Neighbor Review: Make Money Renting Your Storage Space.
28. Rent out a photo booth
Renting a photo booth can be a fun side job for teachers.
To get started, you will need to buy a photo booth as well as things like backdrops and props for people to hold in the picture (such as hats, signs, fun things to hold, etc.).
On average, photo booth rentals can range from $500 to $1,000 per event, and in some cases, even more for specialized events or packages with additional features.
I have personally rented a photo booth for an event in the past, and it was a lot of fun!
29. Online surveys and focus groups
Taking online surveys and answering questions for focus groups is very part-time and can be a way to side hustle for teachers.
You share your thoughts plus answer questions and can earn cash or free gift cards.
The survey companies I recommend signing up for are:
American Consumer Opinion
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Branded Surveys
Pinecone Research
PrizeRebel
User Interviews – These are the highest paying surveys with the average being around $60.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Paid Survey Sites To Make $100+ Per Month
30. Voice over act
A voice-over actor is the person whose voice you hear but don’t see in YouTube videos, radio ads, educational videos, and more.
Different companies need a wide variety of voices, and that’s where you come in.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Voice Over Actor And Work From Anywhere
31. Mystery shop
I was a secret shopper in the past, and there were often mystery shops that gave me $100 to put toward a free dinner. I always looked forward to these, as I was living paycheck to paycheck, and I used these restaurant mystery shops to reward myself every now and then.
There were other mystery shops that paid me actual money, and some paid me in free items, such as makeup, movie theater tickets, and car oil changes.
Companies hire mystery shoppers to get an understanding of their customer’s experience. Companies want to know a real product opinion, how the customer felt they were treated at their business, how phone calls were handled, and more.
Basically, mystery shopping is a way to anonymously test the entire shopping experience.
You can learn more at How To Become A Mystery Shopper.
32. Fitness trainer
Fitness trainers help people reach their health goals through customized exercise plans and nutrition advice. This is typically a job where you can choose your schedule, so you can choose to work hours outside of your teaching job, such as in the evenings and on the weekends.
I actually know a few teachers who are fitness trainers on the side, so it must be a good fit!
Another positive is that you can even choose between in-person and online coaching. Online coaching can mean that you can work remotely, making it a more flexible side job for teachers looking to earn extra income.
33. Find random gigs on Craigslist
As a teacher looking for side jobs, you can look for random gigs on Craigslist to earn some extra income. To begin your search, simply go to the Craigslist website and select your city from the home page.
Here are some jobs I found through a quick search:
Cleaning a house
Help assembling furniture
Taking down a shed in a backyard
Garage cleanup
Mover
Handyman
Movie extra
Sign holder
You can even post your own services on Craigslist if you have a skill you’d like to share with others, such as giving music lessons or tutoring.
34. Deliver groceries with Instacart
Grocery delivery services are popular because there are more and more people who want someone to do their grocery shopping for them.
Services like Instacart need personal grocery shoppers, and the average shopper makes $15 to $20 an hour to deliver groceries. Drivers are paid per order, and you get to keep 100% of your tips. You also get to choose your schedule, so a teacher could choose to work in the evenings or on weekends. Or, you could choose to only deliver groceries during the summer.
You can click here to sign up to be an Instacart Shopper.
You can also learn more at Instacart Shopper Review: How much do Instacart Shoppers earn?
There are many other gig ideas that you can try out too, such as Uber Eats and DoorDash.
35. Real estate agent
Some teachers are real estate agents on the side of their full-time job as a teacher. This is because you can list and sell homes on your weekends, during breaks, at night, and over the summer.
Selling homes can be more difficult, though, as your clients may want your full attention during the day occasionally and you would be busy teaching, so this is something to think about.
36. Driver’s ed teacher
A common side hustle for teachers is teaching driving lessons to teenagers and adults. As a teacher, you may be able to check if the high school near you is in need of a teacher for this subject. Or, you can reach out to a local driving school to see if they are hiring.
Driving instructors make around $20 an hour more or less, depending on where you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about side hustles for teachers.
How can I make money on the side while teaching?
Some good side jobs for teachers include tutoring, freelancing, transcribing, blogging, selling lesson plans, and more.
What can teachers do to make extra money?
Teachers can do a lot of things to make extra money, such as jobs like tutoring, freelance writing, blogging, or creating educational printables.
What is a second career for teachers?
Second careers for teachers can include jobs such as educational consultants, curriculum developers, or even working in corporate training and development.
Do most teachers have 2 jobs?
Many teachers have two jobs. This is for many reasons, such as the typically low pay of a teacher as well as teachers wanting to make money while they are off in the summer.
How to make extra money on Teachers Pay Teachers?
Teachers can make extra money on Teachers Pay Teachers by selling lesson plans and printables.
How can teachers make money in the summer?
Teachers can make money when they’re off in the summer by teaching summer school, helping students with test prep, babysitting, selling lesson plans, working at a restaurant, working as a real estate agent, and more.
What to do after quitting teaching? How do you pivot out of teaching?
Quitting teaching and moving on to something else will take a few steps, and you can begin by thinking about your skills and interests. Then, start exploring different job options and connect with people in the field you’re interested in, attend industry events, and consider getting any certifications that you may need.
How can teachers earn extra income through online tutoring?
Sites like Tutor.com look for teachers to tutor students remotely, and you can even offer your services through social media.
How can a teacher make six figures by utilizing their skills?
While it’s not always easy for teachers to earn a six-figure salary, it is possible if you find ways to make extra income or by starting a business of your own.
What opportunities do music educators have for side income?
Side income ideas for music educators can include jobs like giving private music lessons or working as a weekend or evening instructor at a music school. Music educators can also sell lesson plans (I found some examples on Teachers Pay Teachers here).
What are some good side jobs for teachers?
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best side jobs for teachers.
Whether you are looking for side jobs for teachers from home, side jobs for teachers in the summer, or if you want to learn how to make passive income as a teacher, there are many ways to make extra money as a teacher.
Some of the best side hustles for teachers include:
Sell educational printables
Tutor online or in person
Sell your lesson plans
Coach a school sport
Start a dog treat bakery
Sell crafts on Etsy
Sell on Teachers Pay Teachers
Babysit
Teach English as a second language online
Teach summer school
Summer camp counselor
Grade papers
Work at a restaurant
Proofread
Blog
Freelance write
Transcribe
Flip used items for resale
Bookkeep
Sell Canva templates
Rover (walk and watch pets)
Virtual assistant
Food photographer
House sit
Rent out an unused room in your home
Rent your garage space
Rent a photo booth
Online surveys and focus groups
Voice over act
Mystery shop
Fitness trainer
Find random gigs on Craigslist
Deliver groceries
Real estate agent
Driver’s ed instructor
What do you think are the best ways for teachers to make extra money?
This correlation between the average cost of living and credit card limit continues when we look at the 10 states with the lowest average credit card limit. In the chart below, the states marked with an asterisk are also on the list of states with the lowest cost of living.
State
Average Credit Card Limit
Average Credit Score
Mississippi*
$21,676
667
Arkansas
$24,570
683
West Virginia*
$24,684
687
Alabama*
$25,621
680
Louisiana
$25,781
677
Kentucky
$25,962
692
Oklahoma*
$26,041
682
Indiana*
$26,676
699
Idaho
$26,871
711
Iowa*
$27,052
720
Source: Experian, Wisevoter
How Are Credit Card Limits Determined?
Credit card companies use several factors to determine your limit, which they review periodically over time. Some factors count more than others, varying by the credit card issuer.
Your Credit Score
A higher credit score indicates you are more likely to pay your debts, which tells credit card issuers you are lower-risk. As a result, people with higher credit scores often have higher credit card limits.
According to FICO®, a variety of factors determine credit scores, including:
Payment history: Your payment history determines 35% of your credit score, which shows how likely you are to pay your debts on time.
Credit utilization rate: Your credit utilization rate is the ratio of the debt you owe to the total amount of credit available to you. You can factor your credit utilization rate by dividing your current balance by your total credit limit and multiplying the result by 100. A healthy credit utilization rate is considered anything below 30% —any higher and potential lenders may consider you overextended.
Length of credit history: The longer your credit history, the better picture a lender has of your risk level. A short history isn’t necessarily bad unless it contains a poor payment history and high utilization rate.
Recent hard inquiries: A hard inquiry is a record of a lender checking your credit. Too many hard inquiries in a short period can lower your credit score temporarily, so experts recommend six months between hard inquiries.
Credit card companies also use your credit score to determine your interest rate, so keeping an eye on your score with free credit reports is important.
Monthly Income
Credit card issuers want to know if you have monthly income to ensure you can pay your debts. The higher your monthly income, the more likely you are to get approved for a higher credit limit.
Monthly Expenses
Credit card companies look at your total monthly expenses, especially compared to your monthly income. Generally, they’ll look at your monthly housing costs (mortgage or rent), although they may also ask for information about other regular expenses such as utilities. Your monthly expenses are then compared to your monthly income to determine your credit card limit.
High monthly expenses won’t hurt your credit card limit as long as your monthly income is high enough to cover them.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
Credit card issuers also examine your debt-to-income ratio when determining your credit card limit. Experts consider anything under 36% to be a good debt-to-income ratio for a credit card.
To calculate your DTI ratio, divide your total recurring monthly debt (mortgage, auto loan, student loans, existing credit card debt, etc.) by your gross monthly income (how much you make before taxes) and multiply the answer by 100.
Your History with the Issuer
If you already have a positive credit history with the company issuing the credit card, they may be more likely to give you a higher credit limit. However, if they feel you have too many cards or a rocky credit history with them, they may issue a lower credit limit.
The Issuer’s Credit Approval Policies
Every credit card company wants to avoid risk and crafts a specific set of policies to determine how much credit to extend to a cardholder. Its policies may consider elements not listed here or weigh factors differently than another company, which is why credit card limits are not standard across companies.
Current Economic Outlook
When the economy is healthy, credit card companies may be more open to taking risks and offer higher credit card limits. However, when the economy is uncertain, such as during the pandemic, issuers are less likely to take risks, offering lower credit card limits for new cardholders.
How to Get a Higher Credit Limit
A low credit card limit isn’t necessarily bad, but it can make getting approval for additional loans or credit challenging if your credit utilization rate is too high. It can also put large purchases, such as an appliance or unexpected car repair, out of reach.
To get a higher credit card limit:
Call your credit card issuer and ask for an increase. Call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask the representative for a higher credit card limit. Only consider this if you are trying to lower your credit utilization rate to raise your credit score. They look for six months of on-time payments and will ask for updates on your annual income, employment status, and monthly expenses before deciding.
Increase your income. Since monthly income is a factor in your credit limit, increasing your monthly income can boost your credit card limit. Ask for a raise at work, get a second job, or start a side hustle. When your credit card issuer sees you have more income, they may offer you a higher credit limit. You can update this information with them anytime by contacting them directly, or you can wait until they discover it in a periodic review of your status.
Build your credit. Pay your bills on time and pay down debt to increase your credit score. Over time, your credit score should increase, which can lead your credit card issuer to raise your credit limit.
Transfer the balance from one card to another. Some credit cards allow you to transfer debt from one account to another in a credit transfer. If you have multiple credit cards and one allows credit transfers, transfer the debt from one card to another. This won’t increase your credit card limit overall, but it can increase the amount of credit available on a specific card.
Increase your deposit on a secure credit card. If your card is a secured credit card, your credit card limit directly correlates to your security deposit. Add more to your security deposit, and you’ll have a higher credit card limit.
Open another credit card. This won’t increase the credit card limit on your current card, but it will expand how much credit is available to you. Avoid temporarily dinging your credit score by waiting six months between credit card applications.
Wait. Most credit card companies annually review your account, and as long as you pay your bills on time, they can likely naturally increase your credit card limit.
You can also always pay off purchases immediately rather than waiting until the end of your payment period to gain access to more credit without increasing your credit limit.
Credit scores strongly indicate what your potential credit card limit will be, so learn more about yours today. Before applying for a new credit card, get a sense of where you stand with a credit report card. Then use the tools and features in ExtraCredit to see where you need to work toward your credit goals to qualify for a higher credit card limit.
FAQ
Here are some answers to common questions regarding credit card limits.
What Happens if I Go Over My Credit Limit?
If you try to make a purchase over your credit limit, most credit card companies will deny the transaction. Some may allow the purchase but charge a fee, although most companies have abandoned this practice.
If I Request an Increase to My Credit Limit, Will That Impact My Credit Score?
When you request an increase to your credit card limit, your credit score may drop if your credit card issuer places a hard inquiry on your credit score. This can temporarily lower your credit score, and not all credit card companies do so.