FETV Cord-Cutting Cost Guide: How Much You'll Save
Cord-Cutting Cost Guide: How Much You’ll Actually Save
The average cable TV bill in 2026 is ~$157 per month. A well-planned streaming setup costs $50-$80 monthly, saving most households $900-$1,200 per year. But the math depends on what you watch. Here is a realistic breakdown of what cord-cutting actually costs and where the savings come from.
Cable vs. Streaming: The Numbers
| Category | Cable TV | Streaming Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly TV cost | ~$157 | $30-$80 |
| Equipment rental | ~$10-$20 | $0 (one-time device purchase) |
| Internet (required either way) | Included in bundle | $50-$80 standalone |
| Total monthly cost | ~$180-$200 | ~$80-$160 |
| Annual cost | ~$2,160-$2,400 | ~$960-$1,920 |
The key insight: you already pay for internet with cable. When you cut cable, internet becomes your only infrastructure cost. Some ISPs raise internet-only pricing by $10-$20 compared to bundle rates, but the net savings still exceed $100/month for most households.
Building Your Streaming Budget
Tier 1: Minimal Setup ($15-$25/month)
Pick one paid service and supplement with free options:
- Netflix with ads ($7.99) or Max with ads ($9.99)
- Tubi, Pluto TV, Roku Channel (free)
- Digital antenna for local channels (one-time $20-$40 purchase)
This covers a broad content range for a single viewer or couple without sports needs.
Tier 2: Standard Household ($30-$50/month)
Two or three services covering most content categories:
- Disney+/Hulu/Max bundle with ads ($20)
- Netflix Standard ($17.99)
- Total: ~$38/month
This combination provides the HBO library, Disney and Marvel franchises, FX originals, network TV, and Netflix’s massive catalog. For platform details, see our Netflix vs Disney+ vs Max vs Hulu comparison.
Tier 3: Full Replacement ($50-$80/month)
Comprehensive coverage including sports and premium features:
- Disney+/Hulu/Max bundle no ads ($33)
- Netflix Standard ($17.99)
- Apple TV+ ($9.99)
- Amazon Prime Video (included with $14.99 Prime membership)
- Total: ~$61-$76/month
Tier 4: Live TV Replacement ($80-$120/month)
For viewers who want live channels, sports, and news:
- YouTube TV ($82.99) or Hulu + Live TV ($82.99)
- Netflix with ads ($7.99)
- Total: ~$91/month
This replicates the cable experience most closely. You get 95+ live channels plus on-demand streaming. It costs less than cable, but the savings gap narrows significantly. See our YouTube TV vs Hulu Live comparison.
One-Time Costs
Cutting cable may require a one-time investment in hardware:
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming device | $30-$180 | Roku Streaming Stick ($30), Apple TV 4K ($130), Fire TV Stick 4K ($50) |
| Digital antenna | $20-$60 | For free local channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox) |
| Soundbar (optional) | $100-$500 | Cable boxes output audio; streaming devices may need a boost |
| Internet upgrade (if needed) | $0-$30/month | Most cable internet plans already support streaming |
Total one-time investment: $50-$300. These costs are recovered within 1-3 months of cable savings.
For device recommendations, see our streaming devices comparison and Roku vs Fire TV vs Chromecast guide.
What You Might Miss
Live sports are the most common reason people hesitate to cut cable. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV cover most major sports networks, but regional sports networks (RSNs) remain fragmented. Check whether your local team’s RSN is available on your chosen live TV service. See our NFL, NBA, and MLB cord-cutting guides.
Channel surfing disappears with on-demand streaming. Free ad-supported services like Pluto TV and Tubi simulate the channel-surfing experience with curated live channels if you miss the lean-back viewing style.
DVR functionality is replaced by on-demand libraries. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV include unlimited cloud DVR for recording live content you want to watch later.
The Rotation Strategy
The most cost-effective approach rotates two to three services quarterly:
- Q1: Netflix + Max (winter prestige releases)
- Q2: Disney+ bundle + Apple TV+ (spring originals, Marvel/Star Wars)
- Q3: Amazon Prime + Paramount+ (summer content, football preseason)
- Q4: Netflix + Hulu (fall network premieres, holiday content)
Average monthly cost with rotation: ~$25-$30. Annual cost: ~$300-$360, saving over $1,800 compared to cable. For more on managing subscriptions, see our subscription management guide.
Real Savings Calculator
| Scenario | Cable Cost/Year | Streaming Cost/Year | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimal (1 service + free) | $2,160 | $336 | $1,824 |
| Standard (3 services) | $2,160 | $552 | $1,608 |
| Full replacement (4+ services) | $2,160 | $912 | $1,248 |
| Live TV replacement | $2,160 | $1,092 | $1,068 |
Even the most expensive streaming setup saves over $1,000 annually compared to the average cable bill.
Steps to Cut the Cord
- Audit your viewing habits. Note which channels and shows you actually watch regularly — most cable subscribers use fewer than 20 of 200+ channels
- Check internet-only pricing. Call your ISP and ask for standalone internet rates. Negotiate if the quoted price seems high
- Choose your streaming services. Start with one or two services matching your top viewing priorities
- Get a streaming device if your TV lacks built-in smart TV apps, or if you want a better interface
- Install a digital antenna for free local channels
- Cancel cable. Return equipment promptly to avoid rental charges
- Evaluate after 30 days. Adjust your streaming lineup based on what you actually watch
For the complete walkthrough, see our cord-cutting guide.
Key Takeaways
- Most households save $1,000-$1,800 annually by replacing cable with streaming
- A three-service streaming setup at ~$38/month covers the majority of popular content
- One-time hardware costs ($50-$300) are recovered within the first few months
- Live sports add the most cost — YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV at $83/month narrows the savings gap
- Rotating services quarterly maximizes content access while minimizing monthly spending
Next Steps
- Compare every platform in our streaming services guide
- See if free services meet your needs with our free streaming guide
- Set up your home theater on a budget with our budget home theater guide
Cost estimates are based on publicly listed prices as of March 2026. Actual savings depend on your current cable package, internet plan, and streaming service choices. Contact your providers for exact pricing.
Sources
- IMDB — accessed March 2026
- Rotten Tomatoes — accessed March 2026