A new wave of affordability is sweeping through the cord-cutting community, with the average cord cutter now paying $70 or less per month for internet service, according to recent survey of over 1,900 of our readers. This shift highlights the growing availability of cost-effective internet options, such as 5G home internet, as more households ditch traditional cable TV in favor of streaming. Even cable TV companies like Comcast have launched cheaper internet options starting at just $30 a month.
The numbers paint a clear picture of this trend: 56.3% of cord cutters are paying $700 or less annually for internet—equivalent to about $58 per month or lower. Even more striking, nearly 30% of cord cutters are securing plans for $50 or less per month, a testament to the rise of budget-friendly alternatives like 5G home internet from providers such as T-Mobile and Verizon, which often bundle internet with wireless plans at reduced rates.
This all comes as Cord Cutting 2.0 keeps growing as Americans look for a way to cancel not only their TV subscriptions but also their internet subscriptions with cable TV companies. Even for those who stay with a cable TV provider, Cord Cutting 2.0 has put pressure on them to offer cheaper options. This all comes as Comcast and Spectrum lost over 900,000 internet customers in 2024 alone.
However, not all cord cutters are on the low end of the spectrum. About 17.3% are paying $91 or more per month, with many opting for gigabit-speed plans or satellite internet services like Starlink, which cater to rural areas but come with a higher price tag. “
Here’s how the costs break down for cord cutters’ monthly internet bills:
- 8.8% pay $30 or less – Likely users of subsidized plans or ultra-low-cost DSL options.
- 20.5% pay $31 to $50 – A sweet spot for 5G home internet and basic cable plans.
- 27% pay $51 to $70 – The largest group, reflecting mid-tier plans with solid speeds.
- 26.4% pay $71 to $90 – Often tied to faster cable or entry-level fiber plans.
- 11.5% pay $91 to $110 – Common for gigabit cable or fiber users.
- 5.8% pay $111 or more – Typically satellite customers or those on premium multi-gig plans.
The data underscores a broader movement toward flexibility and affordability in the internet market. Providers like Xfinity, which recently reported that over 70% of its traffic is entertainment-driven, are also adjusting to this shift by offering competitive pricing to retain cord-cutting customers. Still, for those paying over $91, the choice often reflects a trade-off between cost and performance, especially in areas where cheaper options aren’t yet available.
As streaming continues to dominate entertainment—evidenced by the 36 WiFi-connected devices in the average Xfinity home—cord cutters are proving they can stay connected without breaking the bank. With 5G and other innovations on the rise, the era of affordable internet for the cable-free crowd appears here to stay.
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