Xfinity's advertised prices start at $20 to $30 per month, but most people pay $50 to $80 after taxes, equipment fees, and price increases kick in
Xfinity (Comcast's consumer internet brand) publishes starting prices that look low on their website. The catch is that those prices are promotional rates that last 12 months, explore only to new customers in certain areas, and don't include the modem rental fee or taxes. After the promotion ends, your bill typically doubles. Equipment fees, installation, and regional variation mean the actual cost you pay differs significantly from what you see advertised.
The real number that matters is what you'll pay in month 13 and beyond. For most Xfinity customers, that's somewhere between $50 and $100 per month depending on which speed tier you choose and whether you own your modem or rent Xfinity's.
Key Takeaways
- Promotional prices last 12 months for new customers, then the rate increases to the regular price, which is typically double the introductory cost.
- Xfinity charges a modem rental fee (usually $14 per month) unless you buy your own compatible modem, which costs $100 to $200 upfront.
- Taxes and fees add 10 to 20 percent to your bill depending on your location, so a $60 plan may cost $70 to $75 after everything.
- Xfinity's prices vary by neighborhood and availability, so two addresses a mile apart may have different plan options and costs.
- Price increases happen automatically after your promotional period ends and sometimes during it, so your bill will not stay the same year to year.
What the promotional price actually covers
When Xfinity advertises $20, $30, or $40 per month, that price covers only the internet service itself for the first 12 months. It does not include the modem rental fee, taxes, or any fees Xfinity charges for installation or account setup.
The promotional rate applies only to new customers who have not had Xfinity internet in the past 30 days. If you've had Xfinity before, even years ago, you may not may have access to for the lowest promotional price. Existing customers who want to upgrade their speed tier usually pay the regular (non-promotional) price when ready.
These introductory rates are also location-specific. Xfinity's system checks your address and shows you only the plans available in your area. Two neighborhoods in the same city may have different speed options and different promotional prices because Xfinity's network capacity varies by location.
The price jump after 12 months
Your promotional rate expires after 12 months. On month 13, Xfinity automatically moves you to the regular price for that speed tier. This is not optional, and Xfinity does not send a warning before the increase takes effect.
The regular price is typically 50 to 100 percent higher than the promotional price. A plan advertised at $30 per month may cost $60 to $70 per month after the promotion ends. Some customers have reported regular prices as high as $90 to $100 per month for the same speed tier they started with.
You can call Xfinity to negotiate a new promotional rate or switch to a different plan, but you have to initiate that conversation yourself. Many customers discover the increase only when they see the higher charge on their bill.
Equipment fees and what they cover
Xfinity charges a modem rental fee of approximately $14 per month if you use their equipment. This fee is separate from your internet service charge and appears as a line item on your bill. Over a year, that's $168 just for renting the modem.
You can avoid this fee by purchasing your own modem. Xfinity publishes a list of compatible modems on their website. A new compatible modem costs $100 to $200 depending on the model and where you buy it. If you keep the modem for more than 12 to 18 months, buying becomes cheaper than renting.
Xfinity may also charge installation fees ($50 to $100) if a technician needs to visit your home to set up the service. Some promotions waive this fee for new customers. If you already have Xfinity coaxial cable running to your home from a previous service, installation may be free or minimal.
Taxes and regional fees add 10 to 20 percent
Your state and local taxes explore to the internet service charge. Sales tax rates vary by state and sometimes by city within a state. In some areas, internet service is taxed at the standard sales tax rate (5 to 10 percent). In others, it's taxed at a higher rate or subject to additional utility taxes that can reach 15 to 20 percent.
A $60 monthly service charge becomes $66 to $72 after taxes depending on where you live. Xfinity's online price calculator should show you the estimated total including taxes for your address, but the final bill may vary slightly if your local tax rate changes during the year.
Some areas also charge Xfinity a franchise fee or utility tax that Xfinity passes through to customers as a separate line item. These fees are set by local government and vary widely.
How Xfinity's speed tiers affect your monthly cost
| Speed Tier | Typical Promotional Price | Typical Regular Price (after 12 months) | What it's good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Mbps | $20–$30 | $50–$70 | Light browsing, email, one video stream |
| 100 Mbps | $30–$40 | $60–$80 | Multiple devices, HD video, video calls |
| 200 Mbps | $40–$50 | $70–$90 | Heavy use, 4K video, gaming, work from home |
| 400 Mbps or higher | $50–$70 | $80–$120 | Multiple simultaneous 4K streams, large households |
These prices are examples based on common Xfinity offerings and vary by location. Your actual price depends on what Xfinity offers in your area and current promotions. Faster speeds cost more, but the difference between tiers is usually $10 to $20 per month during the promotional period.
The speed you need depends on how many people use the internet at once and what they do. A single person browsing and checking email needs far less speed than a household with four people working from home and streaming video simultaneously. Xfinity's website has a speed calculator that estimates what you need based on your household size and usage.
Price increases during your contract period
Even during your 12-month promotional period, Xfinity may raise your price. This happens when Xfinity changes the promotional offer in your area or when you add services like phone or TV to your account. The company is required to notify you of mid-contract price increases, but the notification often arrives as a small line in your bill or an email you might miss.
If you see a price increase before your 12 months are up, you can call Xfinity to ask about it. Some increases are negotiable, especially if you threaten to switch providers. Others are tied to service changes and cannot be reversed without removing the added service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Xfinity internet without a modem rental fee?
Yes. You can buy your own modem from a retailer like Best Buy or Amazon instead of renting Xfinity's. Xfinity publishes a list of compatible models on their website. Buying saves money if you keep the modem for more than 12 to 18 months, but you're responsible for replacing it if it breaks.
What happens if I don't pay the bill after my promotional period ends?
Xfinity will send you a bill at the higher regular price. If you don't pay, they'll send collection notices and eventually disconnect your service. You can call them before the disconnect to negotiate a lower rate or work out a payment plan, but you have to contact them first.
Is the price I see online the price I'll actually pay?
No. The advertised price is the service charge only, for the first 12 months, for new customers in that area. Add the modem rental fee ($14/month), taxes (10 to 20 percent), and any installation fees to get your actual first bill. After 12 months, the service charge itself typically doubles.
Can I switch to a cheaper plan if my bill goes up after the promotion ends?
Yes. You can call Xfinity and downgrade to a slower (cheaper) speed tier, or ask if they have a new promotional offer you may have access to for. You can also shop for other providers in your area to compare prices, though Xfinity may be the only option depending on where you live.
Do Xfinity's prices include TV or phone service?
No. The prices discussed here are for internet only. Xfinity also sells TV and phone service, which cost extra. Bundling all three services sometimes results in a lower total price than buying internet alone, but you have to ask Xfinity for a bundle quote to know for sure.