Life in the Capital City has always come with a certain charm — the Saint John River, the arts scene, the close-knit community feel. But lately, that charm has been accompanied by a familiar financial anxiety. Groceries cost more. Rent keeps creeping up. And the paycheque that used to stretch to the end of the month? It’s not stretching quite as far.
According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s Consumer Price Index rose by over 18% between 2020 and 2025, with grocery prices up nearly 22%. Fredericton isn’t immune. The average monthly cost of living in the city sits around $1,664, while the median after-tax salary of $2,465 leaves little room for error. It’s a tight margin — and more and more residents are doing something about it. Maple InvestorLivingcost.org
With nearly 1 in 4 Canadians now participating in the gig economy, side hustles have become a mainstream solution for building financial flexibility. In Fredericton, that trend is very much alive. Here’s a look at what locals are doing to bring in extra income. Venn
Delivery Driving and Gig Apps
It’s one of the most accessible on-ramps to the gig economy, and Fredericton residents are taking it. Flexible scheduling makes delivery driving one of the most accessible side hustles in Canada — peak hours like dinner time and weekends pay the best, and all you need is a reliable vehicle, a valid driver’s licence, and a smartphone. Apps like DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, and Instacart are active in the area, and for people with a car and a few spare evenings a week, the income can add up quickly. Maple Investor
Freelancing Online
Fredericton has a well-educated workforce — home to the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University — and many residents are putting their skills to work beyond their day jobs. Freelancing is one of the easiest side hustles to start since all you need is internet access and a laptop. Many companies require occasional help with content writing, graphic design, website design, video editing, or programming and look for freelancers rather than hiring permanent staff. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect local talent with clients around the world, meaning your location in New Brunswick is no barrier to earning. Made in CA
Tutoring and Online Teaching
With UNB and STU right in the city, there’s no shortage of students looking for academic support. But the opportunity extends beyond campus. If you have expertise in math, science, French, or test prep, online tutoring platforms like TutorOcean and Preply connect you with students across Canada, with rates ranging from $25 to $60 per hour depending on subject and experience. Given New Brunswick’s bilingual character, French-English tutoring is particularly in demand — a real advantage for Fredericton residents who grew up with both languages. Maple Investor
Selling Crafts, Vintage Finds, and Handmade Goods
The local market scene in Fredericton — think the Boyce Farmers Market — has long supported small makers and artisans. That spirit has extended online. Platforms like Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, and even Facebook Marketplace make it easy to start selling with little upfront cost, whether you’re into candles, woodworking, baked goods, or vintage clothing sourced from weekend thrift runs. For those who enjoy making things with their hands, this kind of hustle doesn’t feel much like work at all. Job Skills
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
It’s low-key, it’s flexible, and Fredericton’s walkable neighbourhoods make it a natural fit. Dog walking and pet sitting can start as one-off gigs and evolve into a regular occurrence — walking a neighbour’s dog a few times a week can bring in an extra $50 or more, a great way to cover groceries and gas while getting your steps in. Apps like Rover make it easy to list your services and connect with pet owners in your area. Credit Counselling Society
Photography
New Brunswick is staggeringly photogenic — and Fredericton, with its Victorian architecture, river views, and busy event calendar, offers no shortage of subject matter or clientele. Canadians are always in need of skilled photographers for weddings, family portraits, and event photography, and this gig comes with solid long-term prospects that can turn it into a thriving business of its own. For those who prefer to work on their own schedule, uploading images to stock platforms is another avenue for passive income on the side. Nasdaq
Social Media and Digital Services
Local small businesses in Fredericton — restaurants, boutiques, wellness studios — often struggle to keep up with their online presence. That gap is an opportunity. Businesses are willing to pay for someone who can repackage their content into engaging posts and captions across different platforms, and with AI tools doing much of the heavy lifting, this requires only familiarity with those tools to get started. If you have a knack for storytelling or aesthetics, managing social media for a handful of local clients can become a reliable income stream. Randstad Canada
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Side hustles come with real rewards, but also real responsibilities. Any income you earn — whether from Etsy sales or dog walking — needs to be reported to the CRA. Keep track of your earnings and expenses from the start; it’ll save you a headache come tax season. And when starting a side hustle, consider how much time you’re willing to dedicate, what the startup costs are, and whether you’ll need any licenses — especially for food-related ventures. Credit Counselling Society
The good news is that the government of New Brunswick offers programs to support people starting small businesses, and organizations like Futurpreneur Canada have resources specifically for side hustlers looking to grow.
