Comcast internet prices start at around $30 per month for their slowest plan, but most people pay $50 to $90 monthly depending on speed and location

Comcast (also called Xfinity) charges different amounts based on three things: which speed tier you choose, whether you bundle with TV or phone service, and what promotions are running in your area. The advertised price you see online often includes a promotional discount that expires after 12 months, so your bill will jump when that ends. Your actual cost also depends on whether you already own your modem or need to rent one from Comcast.

The price you pay is not the same as the price your neighbor pays, even on the same street. Comcast sets rates by region, and they change frequently. The only way to know what Comcast costs in your specific address is to enter your zip code on their website or call 1-800-934-6489 and ask for current pricing without any promotional offers included.

Key Takeaways

  • Comcast's advertised prices almost always include a promotional discount that lasts 12 months, after which your bill increases to the regular rate.
  • Buying your own modem saves you $10 to $15 per month compared to renting one from Comcast, though you need to buy it upfront.
  • Bundling internet with TV or phone service usually costs less than buying internet alone, even though you are paying for services you may not use.
  • Comcast prices vary by region and change throughout the year, so the cost in one zip code may be completely different from another.
  • Your bill will include taxes and fees on top of the advertised price, which can add 10 to 20 percent to the monthly total.

Speed tiers and what they cost

Comcast offers internet in several speed tiers, and the price increases as the speed goes up. Their entry-level plan is usually around 25 Mbps (megabits per second), which is enough for basic web browsing and email but struggles with video streaming or multiple devices. The next tier up is typically 100 to 150 Mbps, which handles streaming and video calls without buffering. Their fastest widely available plan is usually 500 to 600 Mbps, marketed for households with heavy internet use.

Promotional pricing for the slowest tier often starts around $30 to $40 per month for the first 12 months. The mid-speed tier usually runs $50 to $70 with a promotion. The fastest tier can be $80 to $120 with a promotion. Once the promotion ends, expect the price to jump by $20 to $40 per month. Some areas also have a gigabit plan (1,000 Mbps) available, which costs significantly more and is not available everywhere.

Modem rental versus buying your own

Comcast charges $14 to $15 per month to rent a modem from them. If you keep the service for two years, that is $336 to $360 in rental fees. You can buy a compatible modem for $100 to $200 upfront and own it permanently, which pays for itself in about a year. After that, you save $14 to $15 every month for as long as you keep the modem.

Not all modems work with Comcast. You need a modem on their approved list, which you can find on their website by searching "Comcast approved modems." Popular options include the Netgear MB8600, Motorola MB8621, and Arris SB8200. Buying a modem also means you are responsible for replacing it if it breaks, whereas a rental modem is Comcast's responsibility. If you plan to stay with Comcast for more than 18 months, buying usually makes financial sense.

Bundle discounts and package deals

Comcast often bundles internet with TV service (called Xfinity TV) or phone service, and the bundle price is usually lower than buying internet alone. A bundle with internet and TV might cost $80 to $120 per month with a promotion, whereas internet by itself could be $60 to $80. The discount happens because Comcast wants to lock you into multiple services, not because the bundle is actually cheaper to deliver.

The catch is that you are paying for TV channels you may never watch or a phone line you do not use. When the promotional period ends, the bundle price increases just like the internet-only price does. If you only want internet, bundling is not worth it unless the promotional discount is so steep that it saves you money even after you subtract the cost of the services you do not want.

What happens after the promotion ends

Comcast's promotional pricing typically lasts 12 months. After that, your bill automatically increases to the regular (non-promotional) rate. A plan that cost $50 per month during the promotion might jump to $85 or $90 per month once the promotion expires. Comcast will usually send you a notice before this happens, but the increase is automatic unless you call to negotiate or switch to a different plan.

When your promotion is about to end, you have a few options. You can call Comcast at 1-800-934-6489 and ask if they have any new promotional offers available for existing customers. You can switch to a slower (cheaper) speed tier. Or you can look into other internet providers in your area to see if they offer better pricing. Some people cycle through promotions by switching providers every 12 to 18 months, though this requires changing email addresses and reinstalling equipment.

Taxes and fees on top of the advertised price

The price Comcast advertises is not the price you pay. Your bill includes taxes, regulatory fees, and equipment fees on top of the advertised monthly rate. These additions typically add 10 to 20 percent to your bill. A $60 advertised price might become $70 to $75 after taxes and fees are added. The exact amount depends on your state and local tax rates, which vary by location.

Comcast also charges a "broadcast TV fee" if you have TV service, which is technically separate from the internet price but appears on the same bill. This fee can be $15 to $20 per month and is not included in the advertised bundle price. Always ask for the total monthly bill amount, not just the advertised price, so you know what you will actually pay.

How to find the actual price for your address

The only way to know what Comcast costs at your specific address is to check their website or call them directly. Go to xfinity.com, enter your zip code and street address, and select "Internet" to see available plans and current pricing in your area. The website will show you promotional prices and the regular price after the promotion ends. You can also call 1-800-934-6489 and give them your address to ask about current offers.

When you check pricing online or by phone, ask specifically what the price will be after the promotional period ends. Ask whether the modem rental fee is included in the advertised price or added on top. Ask what taxes and fees will be added to your bill. Write down the plan name, the promotional price, the regular price, and the length of the promotion so you have it in writing. Comcast's pricing changes frequently, so prices you see today may be different next week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate my Comcast bill down if I have been a customer for a long time?

Yes, calling Comcast and asking to speak with the retention department sometimes results in a discount or a new promotional offer. They are more likely to negotiate if you mention switching to another provider. However, they cannot always offer discounts, and the outcome depends on what promotions are currently available in your area and how long you have been a customer.

What if Comcast is not available at my address?

Enter your address on Comcast's website to see if service is available. If it is not, you can check what other providers serve your area by visiting broadbandmap.fcc.gov and entering your address. Other options may include cable providers, fiber internet, fixed wireless, or satellite, depending on your location.

Do I have to sign a contract with Comcast?

Comcast does not require a long-term contract for internet service in most areas, though some promotions may have terms attached. Always ask whether the offer requires a contract before you sign up. If you do sign a contract and cancel early, you may owe an early termination fee.

Will my speed slow down during peak hours?

Comcast's advertised speeds are the maximum you can get under ideal conditions. During peak hours (usually evenings and weekends), your actual speed may be slower because more people are using the network. This is normal for cable internet and happens with most providers.

Can I get a lower price by switching providers and coming back to Comcast later?

Some people do this to take advantage of new customer promotions repeatedly. However, Comcast may not offer you a promotional rate if you have been a customer within the past 30 to 90 days, depending on their current policy. This strategy works sometimes but is not may provide.