Starting an escort job isn’t like opening a coffee shop. You don’t need a lease, a liquor license, or a commercial kitchen. But that doesn’t mean it’s cheap-or simple. If you’re thinking about launching your first escort service, you need to know what money will actually leave your pocket before you even get your first booking. This isn’t about glamour. It’s about survival. And the people who succeed? They plan for every dollar.
What You Can’t Skip: Basic Setup Costs
Even if you’re working independently, you’re running a business. That means you need tools that make you look professional and keep you safe. The bare minimum? A clean smartphone, a reliable internet connection, and a private space to meet clients.
You’ll need a dedicated phone number-not your personal one. Google Voice or a burner app like Hushed costs about $5-$10 per month. That’s not optional. Clients expect a separate line. You need to separate your personal life from your work. And if you use your real number? You risk exposing your identity to the wrong people.
Then there’s photography. You don’t need a professional studio. But you do need clear, well-lit photos that show your face and body without looking staged. A decent camera phone is enough. If you don’t have one, buy a used iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S21 for around $200-$250. That’s your biggest one-time cost. Don’t waste money on a photographer. Use natural light, a white sheet as a backdrop, and take 10-15 shots. Pick the best four.
Online Presence: Where You’ll Be Found
Most clients find escorts through adult work platforms. The big ones-like AdultWork, OnlyFans, or local classifieds-charge fees to list you. AdultWork, for example, charges $30 for a 30-day listing. That’s not a subscription. That’s a one-time fee per listing. You’ll need to renew it every month if you want to stay visible.
Some platforms offer premium placement. That’s extra. $10-$20 extra per month to appear at the top of search results. Is it worth it? Maybe. But start simple. Put your profile on one trusted site. Get your first five clients. Then reinvest earnings into better exposure.
Don’t forget your own website. Even a basic one built on Carrd or WordPress costs $50-$100 a year. It gives you control. If a platform bans you (and they will), your site stays. Add your photos, rates, contact info, and a short bio. No fluff. Just facts. Clients want clarity, not poetry.
Personal Safety and Privacy Tools
This is where people cut corners-and get hurt. You need to protect yourself like a CEO, not a hobbyist.
Use a VPN. It hides your IP address. You’re not browsing for fun-you’re managing business. A reliable VPN like Mullvad or ProtonVPN costs $5-$7 per month. Turn it on every time you log into your escort profile or communicate with clients.
Use encrypted messaging. Signal is free and secure. Never use WhatsApp or iMessage for client chats. They store data. Signal doesn’t. Set up a separate Signal account for work. Use a pseudonym. Don’t link it to your real number.
And don’t skip background checks. You don’t need a private investigator. But you should ask for a client’s full name, phone number, and a photo ID before meeting. Use free tools like TruePeopleSearch or Intelius to do a quick name check. It takes five minutes. It could save your life.
Transportation and Meeting Costs
If you’re meeting clients in hotels or private apartments, you need to get there. Public transit is fine if you’re in a city with good service. But if you’re driving? Factor in gas, parking, and car maintenance.
Most escorts in Toronto spend $150-$300 a month on transportation. That’s not luxury. That’s necessity. You’re not just driving-you’re managing risk. Park in well-lit areas. Never go to a client’s home on the first meeting. Book hotel rooms through apps like Booking.com. Use your business name on the reservation. Keep receipts. You’ll need them for tax purposes.
Some escorts rent short-term apartments for meetings. That’s expensive-$100-$200 per night-but it’s safer than meeting in your own place. If you’re serious about scaling, consider a monthly sublet in a neutral area. It’s a business expense. Treat it like one.
Legal and Administrative Costs
There’s no license to be an escort in Canada. But that doesn’t mean you’re free from rules. You still need to report income. The CRA doesn’t care how you earn it-they care that you pay taxes.
Open a separate bank account. Use a neobank like KOHO or Wealthsimple. It’s free. Link it to your phone. Every dollar you earn goes in there. Every expense comes out. No mixing. At tax time, you’ll thank yourself.
Track every expense. Use a free app like Wave or Excel. Record: phone bill, VPN, photos, platform fees, gas, hotel stays, cleaning supplies, even makeup and hair appointments. These are all deductible. You don’t need an accountant. But you do need records.
And don’t think you can avoid taxes. If you make $3,000 a month, you’ll owe about $600-$900 in taxes after deductions. That’s not a surprise. It’s a number you plan for.
Monthly Budget Breakdown: Real Numbers
Here’s what a realistic first-month budget looks like for someone starting out in Toronto:
- Phone service (Hushed): $10
- AdultWork listing: $30
- VPN (Mullvad): $7
- Phone case, cleaning supplies, condoms: $25
- Transportation (gas + parking): $200
- Hotel room for 2 meetings: $200
- Photos (phone upgrade or editing app): $50
- Website (Carrd): $10
- Emergency fund (cash on hand): $100
Total: $632
That’s your minimum. You might spend more. You might spend less. But if you start with less than $500, you’re gambling. This isn’t a side hustle. It’s a service business. And businesses need capital.
What You Should Avoid Spending On
Don’t buy a wardrobe full of designer clothes. You don’t need to look like a model. You need to look clean, confident, and approachable. Thrift stores work fine.
Don’t pay for fake reviews. No one trusts them. And platforms ban accounts that do it.
Don’t hire a manager or agent in your first month. You’re still learning the ropes. You need to know your own value before you let someone else set it.
And never, ever pay for ‘training’ courses that promise you’ll make $10,000 a week. Those are scams. No one can guarantee income in this industry. If they say they can, they’re selling you a dream-not advice.
How to Get Your First Clients Without Spending More
Your first five clients will come from your profile. Not your ads. Not your friends. Your profile.
Make sure your photos show your face clearly. No filters that distort your features. No dark lighting. No hats or sunglasses.
Your bio should answer three questions: Who are you? What do you offer? What’s your vibe? Keep it short. No poetry. No clichés. Just facts.
Respond to messages fast. Within an hour. Clients decide within minutes. If you’re slow, they move on.
Be honest about your rates. Don’t undercut. Don’t inflate. $150-$250 per hour is standard in Toronto for new escorts. Adjust after your third booking.
When You Start Making Money
Once you’ve covered your first-month costs and made your first $1,000, here’s what to do next:
- Reinvest $300 into better photos or a professional editing tool.
- Upgrade your VPN to a higher-tier plan for better speeds.
- Start saving $200 a month for taxes.
- Test one new platform-maybe OnlyFans or a local Toronto escort site.
- Buy a portable charger. You’ll thank yourself during long nights.
Don’t buy a car. Don’t move to a nicer apartment. Don’t start posting on Instagram. Stay focused. Your income will grow. But only if you stay disciplined.
Final Thought: This Is a Business, Not a Fantasy
People romanticize escort work. They see the money. They don’t see the 3 a.m. texts. The anxious waiting. The constant need to prove you’re safe, professional, and reliable.
If you’re ready to treat this like a real job-with budgets, risks, and discipline-you’ll last. If you’re looking for quick cash with no planning? You won’t.
Start smart. Budget like a pro. And remember: your safety and your reputation are worth more than any single client.
How much does it cost to start an escort job in Toronto?
Most new escorts in Toronto spend between $500 and $700 in their first month. This includes a dedicated phone line, platform listing fees, a reliable phone, a VPN, transportation, and basic safety tools. You can start lower, but under $400 puts you at risk of running out of funds before you earn your first dollar.
Do I need a business license to be an escort in Canada?
No, Canada does not require a license to work as an independent escort. However, you must report all income to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You can deduct business expenses like phone bills, transportation, and software subscriptions when filing your taxes. Not reporting income is illegal, even if the work itself isn’t criminalized.
What’s the biggest mistake new escorts make?
Mixing personal and business finances. Using your personal phone, bank account, or address for work puts you at serious risk. It’s also the fastest way to get tracked down by someone who shouldn’t know your identity. Separate everything-even if it’s just a free email and a second phone number.
Is it better to work through a platform or on my own?
Start with a platform like AdultWork. It gives you access to clients without needing your own website or marketing skills. Once you’ve built a client base and understand your rates, you can move to your own site. Platforms take a cut, but they handle visibility. You handle safety and service.
How do I know if a client is safe?
Ask for their full name, phone number, and a photo ID. Use free tools like TruePeopleSearch to verify the name and address. Never go to a private home on the first meeting. Always meet in a public place first, or book a hotel room under your name. Trust your gut-if something feels off, cancel. Your safety is non-negotiable.
Can I work as an escort while holding another job?
Yes, many do. But be careful. If your employer finds out, it could affect your job-especially if you’re in a regulated field like teaching, healthcare, or government. Use separate devices, accounts, and locations. Never mention your escort work to coworkers. Keep your two lives completely separate.
What’s the average hourly rate for new escorts in Toronto?
Most new escorts charge between $150 and $250 per hour. Rates depend on appearance, communication skills, and how professional your profile looks. After your third booking, you can raise your rate by $20-$50 if demand is high. Don’t undercut competitors-it makes you look desperate.
