Know the average internet bill and stop overpaying
Internet has become as essential as any household utility — but many families pay more than they need to. Here’s what the average internet bill really looks like and how to tell if you’re overpaying.
The average American household spends a significant portion of its income on bills every month. Housing is typically the largest monthly expense, accounting for nearly one-third of a household’s budget. For comparison, studies from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that transportation averages 14%, income tax 13%, and food 10% of the monthly budget.
1 Where Internet Fits in Your Monthly Budget
Housing costs include rent or mortgage payments, insurance, property taxes, repairs, and utilities. Utility bills alone, which cover electricity, gas, oil, water, and phone services, make up almost 20% of all housing-related costs. According to Bankrate, the average expenditure on housing-related costs increased by 3.5% in 2020, and utility bills continue to rise each year.
Internet is now a vital part of American households—not just for work and school, but also for shopping, entertainment, and communication. Let’s explore the average internet bill per month and what influences how much you pay.
2 How Much Is the Average Internet Bill Per Month?
Internet is one of the few services where costs have remained relatively stable despite nationwide inflation. According to the 2022 Broadband Pricing Index Report, the average cost of internet service was $45.97 per month for the most popular plans. This is down from $48.42 in 2021.
When adjusted for inflation, the real average cost of internet per month dropped by 14.7%, from $42.59 in 2021 to $36.33 in 2022.
For high-speed internet plans, the average cost in 2022 was $73.55 per month, a slight decrease from $74.80 in 2021. In real terms, this equated to an 11.6% price drop.
Table: Real and Nominal Prices of Popular vs. Fastest Internet Services
Service Type
2021 Price
2022 Price
% Change
Popular internet service (nominal)
$48.42
$45.97
-5.1%
Fastest internet service (nominal)
$74.80
$73.55
-1.7%
Popular internet service (real)
$42.59
$36.33
-14.7%
Fastest internet service (real)
$65.75
$58.12
-11.6%
These figures show that while the average internet bill per month varies based on speed, internet remains relatively affordable compared to other rising expenses.
3 Factors That Influence Your Internet Bill
Several key factors determine how much you’ll pay for internet.
Internet speed. Higher speeds come at higher costs. Many households overpay because they sign up for speeds they don’t actually need. A gamer or small business owner may require ultra-fast internet, but a household mainly using Wi-Fi for browsing and streaming might find a mid-range plan sufficient. The FCC’s Broadband Speed Guide is a reliable tool to help you determine the right internet.
Type of internet connection. The type of connection also affects the monthly cost of internet. Options include dial-up, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable, wireless, fiber optic, satellite, and cellular. Rural areas may have fewer choices, often limited to DSL or satellite. Fiber optic offers the fastest speeds, while satellite—though slower—can provide access in regions where other options aren’t available.
Additional costs. Your monthly internet bill can include more than just the base price. Rental fees for modems, routers, taxes, and service charges all add up — and so can internet data caps and overage fees if you stream or work from home. Introductory deals can also be misleading—costs often increase significantly once promotional pricing ends. Bundling internet with TV or mobile services can impact your total monthly bill, sometimes saving money but often locking you into higher overall costs.
4 Are You Paying Too Much for Internet?
Many Americans don’t realize they’re overpaying for internet. Consider asking yourself:
Should I buy my own modem/router instead of paying rental fees?
Do I really need the speed I’m currently paying for?
Am I actually receiving the internet speeds I was promised? (test your internet speed to find out.)
Have I compared multiple providers recently?
Am I locked into an outdated or promotional contract?
If the answer to any of these is “yes,” it’s likely time to reassess your internet bill.
Billshark · Bill Negotiation Experts Helping consumers and small businesses stop overpaying on recurring bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is internet per month in the U.S.?
On average, Americans pay about $45.97 per month for internet, though costs vary by speed, provider, and location.
What is the average internet bill per month in the state of Georgia?
The average internet bill in Georgia is close to the national average, though rural areas may see higher costs due to fewer provider options.
How much does wireless internet cost per month?
Wireless internet plans typically range from $40 to $70 per month, depending on speed and data limits.
What factors increase the cost of internet per month?
Speed, type of connection, equipment rental fees, taxes, and bundled services can all raise your monthly internet bill.
How can I lower my internet bill each month?
You can lower costs by negotiating with your provider, purchasing your own modem/router, or switching to a plan that matches your actual internet needs.
How Much Should Internet Cost Per Month? Ensure You’re Not Overpaying! page context
How Much Should Internet Cost Per Month? Ensure You’re Not Overpaying! is a Billshark page. It can help you with your bills and your choices, and it can show you how to save.
How much should internet cost per month? See the average bill, what really drives the price, and how to tell if you are overpaying. Lower your bill today.
Use this page to learn about Billshark. Then go to the part of the site that fits what you need. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.
We share this page to help you make sense of your monthly bills, your choices, and what to do next. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.
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Read each part of this page at your own pace. If you need more help, go on to a guide on your topic. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.
We put facts and tips in one place. This makes it easy to learn about the bills you pay at home. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.
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Use the menu and the links to go from a big question to the facts that fit your own needs. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.
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The links on this page help you weigh your choices. They also help you see what you pay and what to do next. You can save a lot over time.
Our goal is to help you spot the bills you pay each month. We also share smart ways to keep them low. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.
Come back to this page when you have a new question. It will still be here to help with bills and savings. You are in the right place. It is free to read.
We link the small choices you make each day to the big picture. That means your budget and what you spend at home. We make it easy for you.
Each part of this page helps you see what you need. It may be help with a plan, your account, or a good read. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.
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This page makes it easy to find the key facts first. Then you can pick a plan or make a change with less stress. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.
Good facts help you see why a bill went up. They also show you what to check before you call or reply. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.
This page puts the key facts in one place. It can help you talk with a company about your bills and how to save. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.
Our other pages explain the words you see on a bill. They also help you weigh the pros and cons of each plan. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.
Our tips focus on real choices you can make. Start with the basics, then read a more detailed guide if you need one. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.
This page is one of many that we share. Together they cover home costs, the firms you pay, and how to get help. You are in the right place. It is free to read.
Take your time and read this page first. It helps you see your choices and find out what to read next. We make it easy for you. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.
We set this page up so you can compare and keep reading. You will not need to hunt for what you want. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.
Monthly bills come with rules, terms, and fine print. This page helps you find the parts that count for you. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.
Our pages give you a clear view of what you pay each month. You can then pick the plan or guide you want. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.
Some of our guides cover the basics. Others go into detail on one company or one type of bill. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.
It pays to read first and act later. This page links you to the next guide if you want to learn more. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.
We share guides that help you make sense of your bills. They show your choices and the best next step. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.
Want more detail on a bill, a plan, or your account? Check this page against the links we share here. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.
We group our pages by topic to keep things simple. This helps you stay on track as you read about your costs. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.
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Your needs can change, so come back any time. Our other pages can help you look into a new cost or plan. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.
We laid out this page to help you get the facts and compare them. You can then choose your next step with ease. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.
Internet has become as essential as any household utility — but many families pay more than they need to.
The average American household spends a significant portion of its income on bills every month.
Housing costs include rent or mortgage payments, insurance, property taxes, repairs, and utilities.
Internet is now a vital part of American households—not just for work and school, but also for shopping, entertainment, and communication.
Internet is one of the few services where costs have remained relatively stable despite nationwide inflation.
When adjusted for inflation, the real average cost of internet per month dropped by 14.7%, from $42.59 in 2021 to $36.33 in 2022.
For high-speed internet plans, the average cost in 2022 was $73.55 per month, a slight decrease from $74.80 in 2021.
Table: Real and Nominal Prices of Popular vs.
These figures show that while the average internet bill per month varies based on speed, internet remains relatively affordable compared to other rising expenses.
Several key factors determine how much you’ll pay for internet.
Internet speed.
Type of internet connection.
Additional costs.
Many Americans don’t realize they’re overpaying for internet.
If the answer to any of these is “yes,” it’s likely time to reassess your internet bill.
That’s where Billshark can help — see how bill negotiation works .
On average, Americans pay about $45.97 per month for internet, though costs vary by speed, provider, and location.
The average internet bill in Georgia is close to the national average, though rural areas may see higher costs due to fewer provider options.
Wireless internet plans typically range from $40 to $70 per month, depending on speed and data limits.
