The Cost of Streaming

One of the first questions people ask when thinking about cutting the cord is, “Will streaming actually save me money?” The answer is usually yes, but it depends on which services you choose and how you use them. In this section, we’ll break down real-world examples, compare them to average cable bills, and show you how to keep your streaming costs under control without giving up the shows you love.

Is Streaming Really More Affordable Than Cable?

For most households, yes, streaming can save money compared to cable. But the actual savings depend on the services you choose, how many you subscribe to, and whether you already have the necessary equipment.

Cable companies often bundle channels you never watch, charge extra for equipment on each TV, and add hidden fees for HD, DVR service, and regional sports. Streaming lets you pick the exact services you want and avoid most of these add-ons.

Average Cable Costs

Before we compare, let’s look at what most households are actually paying for cable today. Many people think their bill is “around $100,” but when you add in all the fees and extras, the reality is often much higher.

• Basic cable: $70–$80/month
• Expanded/basic + sports & HD: $100–$130/month
• Premium channels included: $150–$200/month
• Equipment fees: $5–$15 per box, per month (often one per TV)
• Total for many households: $150–$200/month after taxes and fees

Example Streaming Combos vs. Cable

Here’s where streaming shines. By mixing and matching services, you can create a package that covers everything you watch usually for less than cable. These examples compare popular streaming combinations to similar cable packages.

Here’s where streaming shines. By mixing and matching services, you can create a package that covers everything you watch usually for less than cable. These examples compare popular streaming combinations to similar cable packages.

Viewing Style	Streaming Service(s)	Monthly Cost	Comparable Cable Package	Monthly Cost
Sports Fan	YouTube TV ($72.99) + ESPN+ ($9.99)	$82.98	Expanded cable + sports package	~$150
Family with Kids	Hulu + Live TV (incl. Disney+ & ESPN+, $76.99) + Netflix Standard ($15.49)	$92.48	Expanded cable + kids’ channels + premium movies	~$160
Movie Lover	Fubo ($79.99) + Max ($15.99) + Prime Video ($8.99)	$104.97	Expanded cable + HBO + movie channels	~$175
Budget Watcher	Sling TV ($55) + Peacock Premium ($5.99) + Paramount+ w/ Showtime ($11.99)	$72.98	Basic cable	~$100

 

Average Streaming Cost Ranges

If you’re wondering where you might fall, here’s a quick look at what different streaming setups typically cost per month. These ranges are based on common combinations of live TV and on-demand services.

• Basic live TV + 1 on-demand service: $70–$90/month
• Live TV + 2–3 on-demand services: $90–$120/month
• All-in with premium channels: $120–$140/month
• Heavy sports fan with extras: $120–$150/month (still often less than cable’s top tiers) 

Hidden Cable Costs vs. Streaming

It’s not just about monthly service fees. Cable adds a variety of charges that quietly inflate your bill. With streaming, most of these simply don’t exist.

Cable Fees	Streaming Equivalent
Cable box rental fee per TV	None. No extra charge for watching on multiple devices
DVR storage fees	Usually included or much cheaper
HD service fee	Included; many plans also include 4K
Regional sports fees	Included in your streaming package price
Broadcast TV fees	No equivalent charge
Early cancellation penalties	None. Cancel anytime

 

Seasonal or Temporary Subscriptions

One of streaming’s biggest advantages is flexibility. You can add a service just for a specific event or sports season, then cancel when you’re done.

• Add Peacock for the Olympics.
• Subscribe to Max when your favorite show returns.
• Pause ESPN+ when sports are in the off-season.

With cable, you’d be stuck paying for the same package all year long whether you use it or not.

Equipment Costs and Scenarios

Switching to streaming doesn’t always mean buying new gear, but if you do, the costs are typically one-time and pay for themselves over time. Here’s how the math works for different situations.

Scenario	Equipment	One-Time Cost	Monthly Streaming Cost (Example)	First Year Total	Year Two+ Total
Already have smart TVs	None	$0	$82.98 (Sports Fan example)	$995.76	$995.76
Need streaming devices	Roku or Fire Stick for 3 TVs ($40 each)	$120	$82.98	$1,115.76	$995.76
Need new smart TV	55″ Smart TV (~$400)	$400	$82.98	$1,395.76	$995.76

Even with equipment costs factored in, most people break even in the first year compared to cable and see bigger savings in the years after.

Yearly Savings Example

When you compare the numbers over time, the savings become crystal clear.
If you switch from a $160/month cable bill to $100/month in streaming services, you’ll save:

• $60/month
• $720/year
• $1,440 over two years

That’s money you can put toward faster internet, better equipment, or other household expenses.

Why People Think Streaming Costs More (and Why It Usually Doesn’t)

Some people try streaming, then say, “I’m paying more than I did for cable!” In most cases, this happens because:

• They keep too many streaming services active at once, even ones they rarely watch.
• They subscribe to multiple live TV services instead of picking just one.
• They add premium channels year-round instead of just when they’re watching specific shows.
• They forget they can cancel or pause services anytime; something you can’t do with cable.

The truth? If you treat streaming like cable (set it and forget it), you may end up spending the same or more. But if you take advantage of streaming’s flexibility, you can easily keep costs $40–$80/month lower than cable without losing the shows you love.

Streaming = Cost Control

The real beauty of streaming is that you’re in charge. Unlike cable, you can:

• Start or stop services anytime. No contracts or penalties
• Change to cheaper plans if you’re watching less
• Share accounts in your household across multiple devices without paying “per box” fees
• Rotate services seasonally based on what you want to watch 

3 Easy Steps to Keep Streaming Costs Low

Bottom line: Even with equipment purchases, streaming almost always comes out ahead over cable in the long run, often saving $500–$1,000+ over two years. You get more control, more flexibility, and a lineup that’s customized for you, not your cable company’s bundle.