Startup cost: $500 - $5k

Setup costs range from $500 to $5,000 for starting a Pattern Day Trader side hustle. At the low end, a minimum budget would cover essential expenses like trading platform fees, initial deposit requirements on trading accounts, and basic educational materials on day trading strategies. On the high end, a more comprehensive approach would include additional funds for advanced trading software subscriptions, market data services, professional trading courses, and possibly a dedicated home office setup with multiple monitors for efficient trading. Some hidden costs could include recurring subscription fees for premium trading tools and data feeds, which may not be initially apparent. Online discussions suggest that while it's possible to start with a modest investment, serious traders tend to invest more over time to access better tools and resources for improved performance. To take this side hustle seriously, I would advise a friend to budget between $500 and $5,000 to cover initial setup and ongoing expenses.