Cable TV costs in the USA have been rising steadily, and most people don’t realize just how much they impact their budget. On average, users pay up to $83 per month in the USA, which can vary from state residing and provider chosen.
In this article, I will break down the cost of Cable TV per month according to service plans, provider types in the USA, and the part they live in. I will also highlight additional costs or hidden fees that you can avoid.
So, keep reading to find out how to manage and potentially reduce your cable TV costs.
How Much Does Cable TV Cost Per Month?
Cable TV plans in the USA typically cost between $55 and $250 per month, with the average plan costing around $83 per month.
This average includes a variety of service levels, from basic to premium:-
| Cable Service Type | Monthly Price | Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $25.40 | 20 to 30 |
| Expanded Basic | $71.37 | 50 to 70 |
| Premium | $149.99 | 100+ |
| Average Stand-alone | $83.35 | 189+ |
Source: Nerd Wallet & CableTV
Despite the average cost, the monthly rates for Cable TV vary from provider to provider.
For example, a former Dish Network customer posted her expense on Reddit: “Four years ago, I was paying $213 for Dish and $75 for 100 Mbps internet. My total was $288 a month.”
So, if you are looking for a better TV network within your budget, I have a couple of recommendations in the section below.
Detailed Cable TV Cost For Providers (Monthly Rates)
Cable TV costs for TV Providers further also vary based on the selected package. It includes customization options and add-ons like sports, premium movies, and more.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of some of the major cable TV providers in the US, along with their features, customization options, and starting for under $50 per month.
| Provider | Starting Price | Channels | Equipment Fees (DVR) | DVR Capabilities | Customer Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediacom | $49.99 | 50+ | $12 | Record multiple shows | Average |
| Xfinity | $20 | 10+ | $15 | X1 DVR with voice remote | Good |
| Cox | $49.99 | 75+ | $20 | Contour DVR | Good |
| Optimum | $65 | 220+ | $10 | Cloud DVR | Positive |
| Spectrum | $29.99 | 15+ | $15 | Standard DVR | No contracts |
Are There Any Hidden Fees And Additional Costs?
When it comes to cable TV, the advertised price is often not the final amount you will see on your bill. Many providers have hidden fees and additional costs that can significantly increase your monthly payment.
Many users express frustration not just with the high costs but also with the value they receive for their money. That results in them cutting the cord.
Take a look at one such Reddit comment: “7 years ago… $210 with no premium channels. DVR charges, local channel charges, and two extended boxes.
Over 500 channels, I only watched a handful. Never again.”
Here’s a breakdown of some common extra cable TV charges you might encounter:-
1. Taxes And Surcharges
Depending on your state and local government, there are taxes at the end of your bill. And these fees typically add around $10-$20 per month. If your package includes regional sports channels, you might see an extra monthly charge of $5-$10.
Likewise, you pay an additional $10- $20 per month when opting for the local broadcast channels.
2. Equipment Rentals
Most providers charge a monthly fee for each cable box, ranging from $5 to $15. And if you opt for DVR service, expect to pay an additional $10-$20 monthly.
For example, Xfinity charges $15/month for its DVR service.
3. Installation And Activation Fees
Some providers charge a one-time fee for installing the service, which can be $50-$100. This fee may be waived during promotional periods and mostly around the time you start a new service.
4. Contract and Early Termination Fees
Many cable plans require a contract commitment. So, when you cancel your service before the contract ends, you may incur early termination fees, which can be as high as $200, depending on the provider and the length of the contract.
Some providers, like Spectrum TV, offer no-contract plans. However, these providers usually charge a higher monthly rate.
Cable TV Cost Across Different US Cities
In the table below, I have provided the cable TV cost of a few USA cities and the best TV networks in their respective areas.
However, if you are looking for more TV Providers, you can simply click on the links below and be redirected to more details on top cable TV providers in each city.
| City | TV Provider | Price | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Spectrum | $64.99/mo | 200+ |
| Atlanta | AT&T | $59.99/mo | 160+ |
| Houston | Xfinity | $49.99/mo | 140+ |
| Chicago | RCN | $55.00/mo | 130+ |
Average Cost For Bundled Services
Bundling cable TV with internet and phone services not only simplifies your payment process but also significantly reduces the overall cost. For instance, the average cost of cable and internet per month is about $142.82, and it typically includes 195+ channels and an internet speed of approximately 670 Mbps.
On the other hand, a bundle that includes TV, internet, and phone services costs about $134.40 per month. It offers around 208+ channels and internet speeds of roughly 570 Mbps.
Check out the popular Bundled Services below:-
| Provider | Plan | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediacom | Internet 100 + Local TV | $49.99/month | Includes local TV channels and 100 Mbps internet speed |
| Xfinity | Internet + Choice Limited TV | $30/month | Basic TV channels with internet service |
| Spectrum | TV Select Signature | $64.99/month | Includes a variety of TV channels and internet service |
Tips To Save Money On Cable TV Services
Reducing your cable TV bill can greatly affect your monthly budget. Here are some ways to help you save more money on your cable TV cost per month:-
1. Negotiate Lower Rates
Contact your provider annually to negotiate your rate. Mention lower offers from competitors and express your intention to switch if you cannot get a better deal.
Example Script: “I’ve been a loyal customer for years, but I’m considering switching due to high costs. Are there any promotions or discounts available?”
2. Avoid Overpaying And Hidden Fees
Make sure you understand every charge. If something looks unfamiliar, call your provider for an explanation. And do not forget to return any equipment you don’t need to avoid rental fees.
3. Look For Promotions And Discounts
Check for promotional rates for new customers or special offers for existing customers. You can also enroll in autopay and paperless billing to receive discounts.
For example, Xfinity offers a $10 discount for autopay.
4. Leverage Loyalty And Retention Discounts
Providers often offer retention deals to prevent cancellations. So, you can call and ask for discounts as a long-term customer.
5. Consider Cheaper Alternatives
Evaluate if streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ meet your needs at a lower cost.
I recommend using platforms like Pluto TV and Tubi for free content.
6. Use OTA (Over-The-Air) Antennas
Invest in an HD antenna to receive local channels without a monthly fee.
Best Cable TV Alternatives – 2024
With the rising costs of cable TV, many people are looking for more affordable and flexible alternatives. Here are some of the best cable TV alternatives for 2024:-
1. Streaming Services
Streaming services provide a wide variety of content, including movies, TV shows, and original programming, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional cable TV.
| Top Streaming Services | Monthly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $9.99-$19.99 | Extensive library of movies and TV shows |
| Hulu | $7.99-$14.99 | Live TV option, on-demand content |
| Disney+ | $7.99-$10.99 | Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content |
| Amazon Prime Video | $8.99 (or $12.99 with Prime) | Access to a vast library of movies and TV shows, plus free shipping on Amazon |
| HBO Max | $14.99 | Premium HBO content, Warner Bros. films |
The average cost of streaming services per month varies but is generally much lower than traditional cable. For many, these escalating costs have become unsustainable, prompting a search for more affordable alternatives.
Here’s what one testimonial expressed on Reddit:
“Our last cable bill was $200/month, and it was without internet. The bill just kept creeping up and up, and when it reached $200, I was done.”
2. Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST)
Free ad-supported TV options provide a variety of content without a subscription fee, funded by advertisements.
| Service | Channel Lineup | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Pluto TV | Over 250 live channels and on-demand content | Pluto TV |
| Tubi | Large library of movies and TV shows | Tubi |
| Crackle | Free movies, TV shows, and original programming | Crackle |
| Xumo | Live and on-demand TV, including news and sports | Xumo |
3. Over-the-air (OTA) Broadcast Channels
An HD antenna allows you to watch local channels for free. It provides access to news, sports, and network TV shows.
If you are unsure whether you should stick to your cable TV or move to satellite, I have provided an in-depth breakdown for you to refer to.
| Equipment | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| HD Antenna | $20-$100 one-time cost | Free access to local broadcast channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PBS |
4. Sports Streaming Services
For sports enthusiasts, several streaming services offer extensive sports coverage without a cable subscription.
| Service | Monthly Cost | Channel Lineup | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN+ | $6.99 | Live sports, exclusive events | ESPN+ |
| FuboTV | $64.99 | Live sports and TV, including 100+ channels | FuboTV |
| Sling TV | $35-$50 | Customizable packages, including sports channels. | Sling TV |
| DAZN | $19.99 | Boxing, MMA, and other sports coverage | DAZN |
Pros Of Getting Cable TV
Check out some of the advantages of getting a Cable TV:-
- Reliable Service: No buffering, ideal for live events.
- Extensive Channel Lineup: Wide range of channels,s including local, news, and sports.
- Bundling Options: Save money by bundling TV, internet, and phone services.
- Live Sports and Events: Comprehensive coverage for sports enthusiasts.
- Local Channels: Access to local news, weather, and events.
Note: For a detailed guide on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Cable TV, check out my article.
Cons Of Getting Cable TV
Following is the list of potential disadvantages of getting a Cable TV:-
- High Costs: Monthly costs, plus additional fees, range from $55 to $250.
- Hidden Fees: Broadcast TV, regional sports, and equipment rental fees.
- Contracts and Early Termination Fees: Long-term contracts with hefty termination fees.
- Limited Flexibility: Packages often include unwanted channels.
- Installation and Maintenance: Requires installation and potential maintenance visits.
Conclusion: The Average Cost Of Cable TV Is $83 per Month!
Cable TV costs can add up quickly, especially with hidden fees and bundled services.
However, there are ways to manage and reduce these costs. If you want to save money, consider alternatives like streaming services. Some affordable providers include Mediacom ($49.99/month), Xfinity ($20/month), and Spectrum ($29.99/month).
So, instead of paying $54 to $250 per month, I recommend bundling your services to receive the best deals.
