How much does internet cost per month?
How much does internet cost per month?
$50 – $100 average cost per month
Average internet cost per month by type
The average cost of internet service in the United States ranges from $50 to $100 per month. This price range covers most standard internet plans, but actual costs vary based on your location, connection type and speed, service provider, promotional discounts, and whether you bundle internet with other services.
| Connection type | Average price per month | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cable | $20 – $90 |
|
| DSL | $50 – $70 |
|
| Fiber | $50 – $250 |
|
| Satellite | $50 – $100+ |
|
| 5G | $50 – $80+ |
|
| 4G LTE | $40 – $100 |
|
Internet cost by service provider
The monthly cost of internet service also varies by provider. The table below shows typical price ranges for some of the top internet service providers (ISPs) in the US. These prices are typical for first-year internet-only plans. Promotional rates may be available, and prices often go up after the first year.
| Provider | Price per month* | Download speed range |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $55 – $250 | 300 Mbps – 5,000 Mbps (5 Gb) |
| CenturyLink | $55 – $75 | 100 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
| Cox Fiber | $50 – $150 | 100 Mbps – 2,000 Mbps (2 Gb) |
| Frontier Fiber | $45 – $130 | 500 Mbps – 5,000 Mbps (5 Gb) |
| Google Fiber | $70 – $150 | 1,000 Mbps – 8,000 Mbps (1 Gb – 8 Gb) |
| Hughesnet | $50 – $120 | 50 Mbps – 2,000 Mbps (2 Gb) |
| Mediacom | $20 – $60 | 100 Mbps – 1,000 Mbps (1 Gb) |
| Spectrum | $30 – $70 | 100 Mbps – 1,000 Mbps (1 Gb) |
| T-Mobile | $50 – $70 | 72 Mbps – 245 Mbps |
| Verizon | $50 – $80+ | 100 Mbps – 1,000 Mbps (1 Gb) |
| Xfinity | $20 – $300 | 100 Mbps – 10,000 Mbps (10 Gb) |
*Typical first-year pricing for an internet-only plan
Internet service cost breakdown
The type of internet connection you have plays a significant role in the price. However, several other factors impact the monthly cost:
Availability: Where you live and which providers offer service in your area can significantly impact pricing. Some areas only have one internet service provider, while others have several competing for your business, which often translates to lower rates.
Download speed: Faster download and upload speeds typically cost more but may be a necessity for homes with multiple devices or residents who work remotely.
Bundling: Most providers offer deals when you combine your internet service with other services, like phone, cable, or streaming services.
Contracts: Annual contracts may have lower monthly rates. However, a contract binds you to one provider for a specified length of time, which may be inconvenient for people who move around a lot.
Other discounts & promotions: Signing up for auto-pay and paperless statements can often save you about $10 per month. Some providers also offer reduced rates for seniors and military veterans.
Hidden or additional costs
When budgeting for internet service, be aware of these potential additional costs:
Installation and activation fees
Equipment rental charges
Price increases after the first year
Data caps and overage fees
Early cancellation fees
Network maintenance fees
Taxes and other miscellaneous fees
Low-cost internet services
For those on a tight budget, there are some lower-cost internet service options available in most areas for households that meet certain income eligibility requirements.
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifeline | A federal program that provides a $9.25 monthly discount for eligible low-income households |
| Xfinity Internet Essentials & Internet Essentials Plus | $9.95 per month for speeds up to 50 Mbps or $29.95 per month for up to 100 Mbps, with no equipment or cancellation fees |
| AT&T Access | $15 to $30 per month internet plans with speeds up to 50 or 100 Mbps, with no installation or equipment fees, deposit, or contract |
| Mediacom Xtream Connect | $28.99 per month* internet plan with speeds up to 100 Mbps, with no installation fees, contracts, or downstream usage limits |
*Additional discount for homes with at least one child that qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Internet service FAQs
What is the cheapest internet service?
The cheapest internet service varies by location, but generally, some DSL and cable internet plans offer the lowest prices, starting around $20 per month in some areas. Lower-cost programs like Lifeline and Internet Essentials provide internet for as little as $10 per month for eligible customers.
What is the best internet service?
The "best" internet service depends on your needs and preferences. Fiber internet generally offers the fastest and most reliable speeds, but it may not be available everywhere. Cable and 5G internet are also popular high-speed options.
How much internet speed do I need?
The speed you need depends on your online activities and the number of connected devices in your home. For basic browsing and email, 25 Mbps might suffice, while streaming in 4K or gaming may require 100 Mbps or more.
Here's a general guideline for usage speeds:
25 Mbps for light usage (1 to 2 devices)
100 Mbps for moderate usage (3 to 5 devices)
200+ Mbps for high usage (5+ devices, 4K streaming, online gaming)
How to lower your monthly internet bill
Here are some tips that can help lower your monthly internet bill:
Compare offers from several different providers in your area.
Try negotiating with your current provider as they may offer a better deal to keep your business.
Opt for a slower speed plan if you don't need high speeds.
Take advantage of bundle deals.
Enroll in auto-pay and paperless billing for monthly discounts.
Purchase your own modem and router instead of renting.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.