Quick Summary
Starting a business from home is an excellent way to earn money without spending too much. Many people in India are now looking for the cheapest business to start from home because it allows them to work flexibly while keeping costs low.
Whether you want to supplement your income or pursue entrepreneurship full-time, this guide will help you explore affordable and profitable options. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the right business idea that suits your skills and budget.
Discover the cheapest businesses to start from home, why they are ideal, the most successful home-based businesses available today, step-by-step guides, and real-life success stories. Let’s dive in!
Here’s a list of the top 20 cheapest business to start from home in India. Each idea comes with details about startup costs, required skills, earning potential, and quick tips to help you succeed.
Freelance writing is one of the easiest and cheapest business to start from home. Companies and individuals constantly need well-written articles, blogs, and social media posts. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to find clients easily.
Consider becoming an online tutor if you excel in math, science, or English. Parents in India are willing to invest in quality education for their children, making this a lucrative option among cheapest business to start from home.
India has a rich tradition of handmade crafts. Selling unique items through websites like Etsy or local markets can turn your hobby into one of the most rewarding cheapest business to start from home.
Small businesses in India often struggle with managing their social media presence. As a social media manager, you can handle tasks like posting updates, creating ads, and engaging with followers—making it one of the best cheapest business to start from home.
Dropshipping involves selling products online without holding inventory. It’s one of the most scalable cheapest business to start from home , as you only pay suppliers once a sale is made.
Businesses need logos, banners, and marketing materials. If you enjoy designing, this could be one of the most creative cheapest business to start from home.
Platforms like Meesho and Amazon allow you to resell products at a profit. If you have a knack for sales, this is one of the simplest and cheapest businesses to start from home.
Homemade snacks, sweets, and meals are always in demand. With proper marketing, cooking can become one of the cheapest business to start from home.
Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies’ products and earning commissions for every sale. It’s one of the most passive cheapest business to start from home.
With more people owning pets in urban areas, pet care services are gaining popularity. This is one of the most heartwarming cheapest business to start from home.
Being a virtual assistant is one of the cheapest business to start from home because it doesn’t require any special tools or certifications. Many entrepreneurs and small business owners in India need help managing their daily tasks, and you can fill that gap.
With the growing focus on health and fitness in India, becoming an online coach is one of the most rewarding cheapest business to start from home. You can teach yoga, Pilates, or even nutrition tips from your living room. It is a great low-cost business ideas with high profit.
Data entry is one of the simplest cheapest business to start from home. It’s ideal for beginners who want to earn money without needing specialized skills. Many companies outsource data entry tasks, providing ample opportunities.
Selling pre-loved items is not only eco-friendly but also one of the cheapest business for women to start from home. Decluttering your house while earning extra cash—what could be better?
Event planning is one of the most exciting cheapest business to start from home. From weddings to corporate events, Indians love celebrations, and there’s always demand for skilled planners.
If you have a knack for capturing moments, photography is one of the most creative, cheapest businesses you can start from home. Smartphones offer high-quality cameras, so you don’t need expensive gear to get started.
Tailoring is one of the most practical, cheapest businesses to start from home. Many people need alterations or custom-made clothing, especially during festivals and weddings.
Mobile repair is one of the fastest-growing, cheapest businesses to start from home in India. With millions of smartphone users, there’s always a demand for affordable repair services.
A tiffin service is one of the tastiest, cheapest businesses to start from home. Office-goers and students often look for affordable, home-cooked meals, making this a lucrative option.
Digital marketing is one of the most in-demand cheapest business to start from home. Small businesses in India are increasingly investing in online advertising, and you can help them grow their brand.
Leverage your expertise in accounting or bookkeeping to provide services to individuals and businesses.
Develop and sell mobile apps or offer app development services to businesses. With the right skills, you can earn a steady income through freelancing or app monetization.
Start a small-scale craft beer brewing business from home. You can sell to local pubs and restaurants or directly to customers with the right licenses and unique flavors.
Guide students and professionals in choosing the right career path through counseling and expert advice. Earn by offering consultations, workshops, or online sessions.
Diagnose, repair, and maintain computers for individuals or businesses. Earn by offering on-site or remote support, upgrades, and troubleshooting services.
A DJ mixes and plays music at events, clubs, and parties, creating an engaging atmosphere. It can be a highly profitable career with the right skills and equipment.
A flower arranger creates beautiful floral designs for events, weddings, and home decor. With creativity and minimal investment, it can become a thriving business.
Home maintenance services include plumbing, electrical work, and repairs. This business offers steady demand and excellent earning potential with minimal investment.
A podcaster creates and shares audio content on various topics, monetizing through sponsorships, ads, or subscriptions. Consistency and engaging storytelling are key to success.
All these ideas share common traits that make them some of the cheapest business to start from home:
By choosing one of these businesses, you can minimize risks while maximizing your chances of success.
Now that you know which cheapest business to start from home suits you, here’s how to start a business from home with no money:
Choose a business idea based on your interests, skills, and market demand. Research what people in your area or online community need.
Understand your target audience and competitors. Identify popular dishes and pricing trends if you plan to sell homemade food.
Create a dedicated space in your home to focus on your business activities. Ensure it’s organized and free from distractions.
Spread the word using social media, word-of-mouth, and local classifieds. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for reaching customers.
Maintain a record of your income and expenses. This will help you analyze your performance and make improvements.
| BUSINESS IDEA | STARTUP COST | TIME COMMITMENT | MONTHLY INCOME RANGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | ₹0 | Part-Time | ₹20k–₹50k |
| Online Tutoring | ₹0–₹5k | Full-Time | ₹15k–₹40k |
| Handmade Crafts | ₹1k–₹5k | Flexible | ₹10k–₹30k |
| Social Media Management | ₹0 | Part-Time | ₹20k–₹60k |
| Dropshipping | ₹0–₹10k | Full-Time | ₹30k–₹1 lakh |
Starting a low-cost home-based business is a smart way to earn money with minimal investment and flexibility. It eliminates the need for expensive office space, reduces risks, and allows you to work on your terms. With rising demand for freelance services, online businesses, and creative ventures, there are plenty of profitable opportunities to explore. Whether looking for a side income or a full-time career, a home-based business can be scaled gradually while keeping costs low. Dedication and the right strategy can turn your skills into a successful venture from home.
1. Freelance Services
2. Virtual Assistant
3. Dropshipping
4. Affiliate Marketing
5. Blogging or Content Creation
6. Consulting or Coaching
7. Pet Sitting/Dog Walking
8. Cleaning Services
9. Tutoring or Teaching
10. Social Media Management
No business is 100% profitable as all businesses have costs and risks. However, businesses with low startup costs and high margins, such as digital products, online courses, and print-on-demand, can be highly profitable.
Starting a business with 20,000 rupees is possible, but it depends on the type of business. Low-cost ventures like freelancing, online services, reselling, or small-scale local businesses can be initiated within this budget.
The most successful small business ideas include affiliate marketing, online retail stores, social media consulting, freelance writing, and personal fitness training. These businesses have high demand and can be started with minimal investment.
The easiest small business to start often involves minimal investment and skills, such as freelancing, online tutoring, or selling handmade products. These businesses can be run from home with low overhead costs, allowing you to scale gradually while offering flexible hours.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
