Streaming vs Cable Cost Calculator
Cutting the cord only saves money if your streaming stack really costs less than cable once you count every subscription and add-on. This calculator totals your streaming subscriptions and any extra internet against your cable base, equipment, and premium fees, then shows the monthly and annual difference so you can see which is cheaper for your household.
Streaming vs cable formula
Streaming monthly = subscriptions + extra internet
Cable monthly = base package + equipment and fees + premium channels
Monthly saving = cable monthly - streaming monthly
Annual saving = monthly saving * 12
A positive saving means streaming costs less than cable for your inputs. A negative figure means cable is cheaper once all add-ons are counted.
Counting the true cost
- List every streaming subscription, including ones you forget on annual billing.
- Only add extra internet cost that exists because of streaming.
- Include cable equipment rental, regional sports fees, and broadcast surcharges.
- Re-run when a promotional rate ends, since cable bills often rise after a year.
Streaming vs cable: frequently asked questions
How do I compare streaming and cable fairly?
Add up every recurring charge on each side. For streaming, total all subscriptions plus any internet add-on you would not otherwise pay. For cable, include the base package plus equipment, fees, and any premium channels. This calculator sums each side and shows the monthly and annual difference.
Should I include internet cost?
Include only the extra you pay for internet because of streaming. If you keep the same internet plan whether or not you stream, leave the streaming internet add-on at zero. Cable often bundles internet, so compare like with like using the inputs provided.
Why is the annual figure useful?
Monthly differences look small but compound over a year. A ten-dollar monthly gap is one hundred and twenty dollars a year. This calculator multiplies each monthly total by twelve so you can see the yearly impact of your choice.
Are these prices fixed?
No. Subscription and cable prices change often and vary by region and promotion. Every amount here is a user-editable input, so enter your own current bills rather than relying on a fixed default.
Notes and sources
- Streaming and cable prices vary by provider, region, and promotion; all figures here are user-editable inputs (CalculatorHub Tenet 3).
- Consumer guidance on bills and subscriptions: Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Advice.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 19 June 2026. See our methodology.