Cord cutters are changing their spending habits with reduced spending in what has reflected a shift towards more selective and mindful media consumption.
In 2024, streaming costs have decreased by an average of $13, with most Americans now spending $42 per month, down from $55 per month in 2023. However, streaming fatigue continues to rise, with nearly 28% of users feeling overwhelmed by the number of subscriptions. The average American household now subscribes to only 2.2 streaming services, according to Reviews.org’s latest Consumer Media Spending report,
Here’s a look at how Americans are spending on consumer media and how their habits are evolving, based on the latest report.
The Big Picture: Media Spending Trends
The average American spends an eye-opening $3,275 annually on consumer media. Breaking it down by monthly costs, internet services come in at an average of $69 per month, a drop from $81 in 2023. Mobile plans also saw a slight decrease, averaging $61 per month compared to $66 last year. Meanwhile, streaming services saw a significant decline, now costing $42 per month, down from $55. Interestingly, cable TV is bucking the trend, with costs rising to $88 per month, up from $80 in 2023.
Streaming Subscriptions and Fatigue
When it comes to streaming, the average American now subscribes to just two streaming services in 2024. However, nearly one in four (27.8%) report experiencing “streaming fatigue,” describing the sheer number of available subscriptions as overwhelming. This signals a growing desire for simplicity and consolidation in the streaming landscape.
Overspending on Mobile Plans
One area where Americans could save big is their mobile plans. Those who stick with the “big three” carriers—T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon—are overspending by nearly 40%. Many could save significantly by switching to more affordable mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Visible, Mint Mobile, or Tello.
Screen Time at an All-Time High
Beyond spending habits, screen time continues to dominate daily life. The average household spends five hours per day on mobile screens alone, with total daily screen time across all devices reaching up to 16 hours. Whether it’s for work, entertainment, or socializing, screens remain an integral part of the modern lifestyle.
Below is how much it costs to stay connected in a lifetime from the report:
Below is the methodology from the report:
To calculate the lifetime cost of being connected, we used the most recent pricing data available from the leading internet, mobile, streaming, and TV brands to determine the average monthly cost of internet, streaming, and cell phone bills. To determine the average monthly cost of streaming, we surveyed 1,000 Americans to determine the median amount the average person spends on streaming services per month. We then scaled the average monthly cost of each of these services to determine how much, on average, Americans will spend on these services in a year and throughout their lifetime.
These findings highlight not just the costs of staying connected and entertained, but also the challenges of navigating an ever-growing array of services and screen time demands. For many, re-evaluating spending habits and digital priorities could offer a path toward better balance and savings.