Turo Side Hustle: My First Month's Pay & Profit Breakdown
The dream of passive income often leads to car-sharing platforms like Turo. For the past month, I decided to dive in and see if this popular side hustle truly delivers on the promise of extra cash. This is the **full, no-holds-barred breakdown** of my first 30 days, including the revenue, the unexpected costs, and the ultimate profit (or loss).
The Vehicle & Setup Cost
To give you a clear financial picture, it’s important to know what I started with. I listed a 2020 Mid-Sized Sedan—a reliable, fuel-efficient choice popular with renters. The initial costs weren't just the listing fee:
- Maintenance Prep: $150 (Oil change, tire rotation, deep clean).
- Turo Accessory Kit: $75 (Phone mounts, charging cables, air fresheners).
- Initial Insurance Adjustments: $40 (Small monthly premium increase).
Total Initial Outlay: **$265** before the first booking even started. This is a crucial factor often ignored by flashy "success" stories.
First Month's Gross Revenue
My strategy focused on competitive pricing during the weekdays and a slight premium on weekends. Demand was higher than I anticipated, resulting in 18 total booking days across 5 separate trips.
The total gross revenue generated from the Turo platform before their cut was impressive, largely due to high-demand periods and an "Excellent Host" badge I secured quickly:
Total Gross Rental Revenue: **$1,540.00**
The Turo Cut & Hidden Expenses
Turo takes a percentage based on the protection plan you choose. I opted for the 85% plan, meaning I kept 85% of the trip price, which is standard for new hosts. But wait—there’s more to the expense column:
- Turo Commission (15%): $231.00
- Increased Wear & Tear Fund: $100.00 (Self-funded reserve)
- Cleaning & Detailing (5 trips): $125.00 (Post-trip quick clean & gas top-off)
- Gas/Fuel Reimbursement (Minor): $20.00
- Parking Fees (While idle): $35.00
Total Operating Expenses: **$511.00**
The Final Verdict: Net Profit
The moment of truth—what was the true, take-home profit after all deductions? The formula is simple: **Gross Revenue - Total Expenses = Net Profit.**
Net Profit Calculation:
$1,540.00 (Gross Revenue) - $511.00 (Total Operating Expenses) = **$1,029.00**
My First Month's Net Pay: **$1,029.00**
While over a thousand dollars is fantastic for a side hustle, remember this figure does not account for the one-time $265 setup cost. When factoring that in, the **true overall profit** for the month is $1,029 - $265 = **$764.00**. Not a bad return for a new venture! Read my comparison of Turo vs. Getaround here.
Is Turo Worth It for a Side Hustle?
Yes, but with a major caveat: **Time Investment.** The physical logistics—cleaning, drop-offs, check-ins, and resolving minor issues—took approximately 15 hours over the month. This is not entirely passive income.
Key Takeaways:
- Profitability is High: A four-figure income is achievable in the first month.
- Time is a Cost: Factor in 3-4 hours per week for managing the logistics.
- Protection is Key: **Always** prioritize your vehicle's safety with the appropriate Turo protection plan.
If you have a reliable, desirable vehicle sitting idle, Turo is one of the most effective and high-earning financial side hustles in the USA today.