Cable TV Cost

How Much Does Cable TV Cost?

Low: Basic Local-Only Packages Run $11-$20/month

Medium: Starter Packages Run $50-$65/month

High: Premium Packages Run $68-$127/month

Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cox Communications are the three largest cable television providers in the US. Though, not all of the cable providers may be available in a given service area. Cable television service is often provided in tiers, packages, and add-ons such as premium channels and additional set top boxes, so the price can vary a lot depending on one's requirements. Pricing for the same packages offered by the same cable company also varies from region to region and these will be noted with a price range where available.

Typical costs:

For Comcast, limited basic cable (mostly local, government and public access channels) ranges from $11 -$20 a month. Standard/Starter packages are $50 -$60 a month. The mid-level Preferred package is around $70 -$80 a month. While the top tier Premier package is $100 -$127. These prices do not include any premium channels (HBO, Cinemax, etc), HDTV, or DVR add-ons.
A DVR is a digital video recorder that records video onto a hard drive storage medium. It often includes features such as being able to pause live TV, dual tuners for recording two channels at once, and time shifting functions to allow instant replay, rewinding, and fast-forwarding of video programming.
Time Warner Cable basic cable is around $14 -$18 per month. For the most part, they offer a first tier digital package costing around $50 -$60 a month. And their top tier digital cable package is around $100 -$120, depending on the region.
Cox Cable TV offers limited cable service for around $12 -$17 a month. Their packages also break down similarly around three tiers. Their first tier costing around $50 -$55, the next tier ranging from $58 -$64, and their top tier costing $68 -$75.
As mentioned previously, these are typical price ranges. Geographic regions across the US will typically vary some, but will fall approximately within these costs.

What should be included:

Subscribing to just limited basic cable, requires just plugging the coaxial cable from the outlet directly into the TV's RF input.
With a the digital package, the cable company will provide a basic set top box along with audio and video cables and a remote control.

Additional costs:

In general, HDTV service costs about $6 -$8 per month for the HD cable box.
An HD DVR receiver costs around $10 -$16 per month, which includes access to HDTV channel viewing.
Additional rooms and outlets range from $7 -$10 per room and outlet for digital service.
Premium cable channels cost around $10 -$15 for each one per month. Each additional premium channels costs more, with small discounts when ordering multiple premium channels.
Service installation and home visits range from $20 -$40 depending on the services being installed.
TIP: After ordering a cable package, it may be possible to drop by the local cable office to pick up the equipment and self-install (afterwards, calling the cable company to activate the service and equipment). Note that this option may not be available in all areas.

Discounts:

Promotions for new customer service activation often have the best initial rates. They can be up to half the cost as the regular ongoing price. Promotions in some cases can also include free installation.
Comcast Digital Starter with HBO is currently being advertised for $30 for 12 months in some areas.
Time Warner Cable is now offering Digital Cable with a free HD DVR service for 12 months.
Cox Communications offers special monthly discounts ranging from getting the first month free to a $5 service discount off the monthly fees.
As these promotions vary much depending on the region, check online at cable company website by inputting your address to see what may be available.
TIP: If you already have cable service and are not a new subscriber, calling and asking to be signed up for another promotion or requesting a discount may yield some success due to the competitive market place of other offerings.

Shopping for cable tv:

Ordering online directly from the cable companies is one of the easier methods.
Stopping by your local cable company office is also viable as well to talk to someone in person.
Some online "authorized retailers" may also offer additional promotions and rebates as well. These are often third party vendors who are like a middle man between the subscriber and the cable company.
For example, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cox Communications all have similar sites with these authorized retailers and promotions.
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Article updated August 2009