Across decades of internet, TV, streaming, and phone bills, the average American is heading toward a staggering lifetime expense—approximately $200,000—to stay connected. That number is based on the cost of monthly internet access, mobile plans, cable TV, streaming services, and the numerous add-ons that keep us connected. When you break it down year by year and service by service, the total becomes even more startling. Curious how those costs stack up and where your money might be slipping away? Read on for a breakdown and uncover the surprising components of your connectivity budget.
Americans’ lifetime spending on internet, mobile, TV, and streaming
How much are Americans really spending to stay connected in today’s media-driven world? Reviews.org’s State of Consumer Media Spending 2025 report sheds light on the numbers, surveying 1,000 Americans and analyzing the latest internet, mobile, TV, and streaming plans to reveal how much households are paying.
The report finds that the average American spends nearly $280 per month on internet, mobile, TV, and streaming subscriptions. That adds up to roughly $3,350 per year, and over a 60-year lifetime, totals an astonishing $200,980. Compared to 2024, overall media spending has increased by 2%, largely due to rising TV costs, while internet prices decreased by 1.5% and mobile plan costs fell by 4.5%. At the same time, TV expenses increased by 13.7%, and streaming service costs surged 22%.
Reviews.org notes that TV services continue to dominate household media budgets, with streaming platforms routinely implementing price hikes, encouraging premium subscriptions, and bundling services in ways that steadily drive costs higher. Over a lifetime, these steady increases turn staying connected into a surprisingly expensive endeavor.
Average internet bill in 2025
Reviews.org’s analysis of nearly 100 major internet service providers reveals that the average monthly cost of home internet in 2025 is $68. Over a year, this totals about $820, and across a 60-year lifetime, households could spend an eye-opening $49,218. Compared with 2024, internet costs have seen a slight dip of 1.6%, offering a small reprieve amid rising overall media expenses.
Connectivity continues to deepen in American homes. On average, each household consists of 4.3 people with 4.35 devices connected to the internet—essentially a device for every person. The number of connected households also grew by 1.2%, according to the latest American Community Survey, showing that digital adoption remains on a steady upward trajectory.
However, access is not uniform. Internet service providers are limited to areas where they have established broadband infrastructure, leaving households with few options. Instead of choosing the most reliable or cost-effective service, many families opt for the provider that is available locally, even if it means paying more or compromising on quality.
Average mobile phone plan price in 2025
Reviews.org examined the cost of mobile phone service by averaging prices from the three largest U.S. carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) to reveal what Americans typically pay. In 2025, a standard plan from one of these major carriers costs approximately $58 per month, which adds up to $696 annually and an eye-opening $41,732 over a 60-year lifetime.
Switching to a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) can make a noticeable difference in cost. MVNOs lease network infrastructure from the Big Three but have lower operating expenses, allowing them to offer plans at more affordable rates. Consumers who make the switch save roughly $17 per month, or $199 per year, totaling nearly $11,918 over a lifetime. Considering all carriers—including both major networks and MVNOs—the average monthly bill drops to $44, translating to $523 per year and $31,383 over 60 years.
Higher prices from the Big Three are largely maintained by including unlimited data alongside extra travel or entertainment perks. However, Reviews.org’s survey shows that most Americans don’t actually use all the data they pay for. The typical user consumes around 15GB per month, only 13% exceed 40GB, and about 11% rely almost entirely on Wi-Fi. This indicates that many consumers are paying for features they rarely need, contributing to the surprisingly high lifetime cost of mobile service.
Average TV subscription price in 2025
To determine the average cost of traditional TV services, Reviews.org analyzed pricing and plans from major cable and satellite providers. The findings reveal that the average American pays about $101.11 per month for TV services, totaling roughly $1,213.32 per year and an eye-popping $72,799.20 over a 60-year lifetime. TV costs have increased by 12% year-over-year, making it the single most expensive category of media spending, even surpassing internet costs.
Average streaming subscription fee in 2025
Streaming has become an essential part of daily life, but the Reviews.org’s State of Consumer Media Spending 2025 report shows it comes with a hefty price tag. Surveying 1,000 Americans, the report finds that the typical monthly spending on streaming services is $51.71, translating to around $620.51 per year and an eye-opening $37,230.43 over a 60-year lifetime. Compared with 2024, streaming expenses have surged 18%, largely because consumers are subscribing to more platforms—2.68 services on average, up from 2.2 last year.
Affordability is a significant concern: 58% of Americans say their streaming costs are too high, and 55% have opted for ad-supported plans to manage their expenses. The report also highlights the strain of modern streaming habits: 32% pay for services they rarely use, 46% subscribe solely for a single show or movie, and 31% admit to experiencing “streaming fatigue,” feeling overwhelmed by the need to juggle multiple platforms.
Smart tips for cutting connectivity costs
There are several straightforward ways for Americans to reduce their media and connectivity costs. According to Reviews.org, one option is exploring 5G home internet providers, which often offer lower rates, easy setup, and more stable pricing than traditional internet plans. Switching to an MVNO carrier, such as Mint Mobile or Visible, can also help users save up to $200 per year on mobile services. For TV expenses, replacing traditional cable with live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live, or Fubo can significantly lower monthly bills. Additionally, pausing or rotating streaming subscriptions based on the shows you’re currently watching allows households to avoid paying for multiple platforms at once, keeping costs manageable without giving up entertainment.
Source: Reviews.org