By Elmer Wenston, updated . 4 min read.
How much does cable cost per month? Recent surveys put the average US cable TV bill between about $108 and $147 a month for TV alone, and bundles with internet cost more. The range is wide because each source measures something different: one surveys customers, another uses real bill payments, a third counts TV only. This guide shows what each survey found, what makes up a cable bill and how cable compares with streaming and IPTV. To see what IPTV costs in detail, read our guide to the IPTV price in the USA.
How much does cable cost per month? What the 2026 surveys say
Three recent sources give a clear picture, as long as you read what each one counts:
| Source | Year | Average monthly bill | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| doxo | 2026 | $125 (median), about $1,500 a year | Bill-payment data for cable and satellite TV |
| CableTV.com | 2026 | $147 | Average cable bill in its State of TV report |
| Cord Cutters News | 2025 | About $108 | Survey of cable customers, TV only, without internet or add-ons |
The doxo report also found that 74% of US households still carry a pay-TV bill. In the Cord Cutters News survey, 6% of respondents paid more than $151 a month for TV alone.
A fair summary: a typical cable TV bill sits somewhere between $108 and $147 a month in 2025-2026, before internet. Your own bill can be lower or higher depending on your package, your area and how many boxes you rent.
What makes up a cable bill
The price of a cable package is rarely what you pay. A typical bill stacks several lines:
- The base package, the channel tier you chose.
- Equipment rental for each cable box and DVR in the house.
- Broadcast and sports fees, charged on top of the package by many providers to cover what they pay for those channels.
- Taxes and regulatory fees, which vary by state and city.
- Premium add-ons, such as movie channels or extra sports.
This is why two households on the same package can pay very different amounts, and why the surveys above land higher than most advertised prices.
How much is basic cable?
Basic cable, the smallest channel tier, costs less than full packages, but the same fees apply to it: box rental, broadcast fees and taxes. A basic plan advertised at a low price can end up much higher on the bill once those lines are added. Ask for the total monthly price, fees included, before you sign up.
Why your cable bill goes up after the first year
Many cable offers start with a promotional price for a limited period, often the first year or two. When it ends, the bill moves to the regular rate, and annual price increases add to that. If your bill jumped without any change on your side, check:
- The end date of your promotion, on your contract or account.
- New fee lines on the bill compared with last year.
- Equipment you no longer use, still billed each month.
Calling your provider to ask for a new offer, or returning unused boxes, often lowers the bill.
Cable vs streaming vs IPTV: monthly cost
Here is how the main ways to watch TV compare on the monthly bill:
| Option | Typical monthly cost | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Cable TV | About $108 to $147 (surveys above) | Live channels, cable box, fees on top |
| Streaming services | Varies by how many you combine | On-demand libraries, some live channels |
| IPTV (our plans) | From $10 a month ($30 for 3 months, 1 screen) | Live channels, TV guide, catch-up, movies and series |
| TV antenna | Free after buying the antenna | Local broadcast channels where you get a signal |
All the internet-based options need a home internet connection, which cable often bundles. Our comparison of IPTV vs cable and our guide to cable TV alternatives go through each option in detail, and our IPTV price guide lists every plan length and number of screens.
Ways to lower the cost of live TV
Wondering whether switching is worth the effort? Our guide Is IPTV worth it? weighs the pros and the downsides.
If your cable bill feels too high, you have several options, from small changes to switching:
- Negotiate. Ask your provider for current offers and for the total price with fees.
- Return unused boxes and drop add-ons you rarely watch.
- Add an antenna for local channels, which are free over the air where you get a signal.
- Switch part of your viewing to streaming or IPTV, and keep cable only if you still need it.
Our guide on how to watch live TV without cable explains each route. If you want to see whether IPTV covers what your household watches, request the 24-hour free trial, which needs no card, and compare it with your next cable bill.
Questions people ask
How much does cable cost per month on average?
Recent surveys put the average US cable TV bill between about $108 a month (Cord Cutters News, 2025, TV only) and $147 a month (CableTV.com, 2026). Bill-payment data from doxo shows a 2026 median of $125 a month for cable and satellite TV.
Why is cable so expensive?
The package price is only part of the bill. Cable providers add equipment rental for each box, broadcast and sports fees, taxes, and prices often rise when a promotional period ends.
Is streaming cheaper than cable?
Usually, per month, but it depends on how many services you combine and on your internet plan. Add up every subscription you would keep before comparing it with your cable bill.
Is there a senior discount for cable?
Some cable providers offer discounts or lower-cost plans for certain groups. Ask your provider directly what applies in your area, and compare the total price, fees included.
What are people replacing cable with?
Mostly streaming services, live TV streaming, IPTV services and a TV antenna for local channels, often combined. Our guide to cable TV alternatives compares them.
Elmer Wenston writes the BestIPTVforUSA guides on IPTV setup, player apps and devices.