Comcast internet plans range from $30 to $120 per month for the service itself, but your actual bill will be higher because of taxes, equipment rental fees, and promotional pricing that expires

Comcast (also called Xfinity) publishes starting prices, but those are promotional rates that last 12 months in most cases. After the promotion ends, your bill jumps to the regular price — sometimes by $40 or $50 per month. You also pay separately for a modem rental (usually $14 per month) unless you buy your own, plus taxes and fees that vary by location. The final number on your bill is almost always higher than the advertised price.

The actual cost depends on three things: which speed tier you choose, whether you rent or own your modem, and what your local taxes and fees are. Comcast does not publish a single "regular" price — it varies by region and changes over time. The best way to know what you will pay after the promotion ends is to ask the sales representative directly, or to check your service agreement before you sign.

Key Takeaways

  • Comcast advertises promotional prices that last 12 months; your bill will increase when the promotion ends, sometimes by $40 to $50 per month.
  • You pay a separate modem rental fee (around $14 per month) unless you purchase your own modem, which costs $100 to $200 upfront but saves money over time.
  • Taxes and fees vary by location and are added on top of the service price, so the total bill is always higher than the advertised rate.
  • Comcast's regular (non-promotional) prices vary by region and are not published online; ask the sales representative what your price will be after 12 months.
  • Bundling internet with TV or phone service may lower the per-service cost, but only if you actually want those services.

How Comcast's promotional pricing works

When you sign up for Comcast internet, the price you see advertised is almost always a promotional rate that lasts 12 months. After 12 months, the price automatically increases to Comcast's standard rate for that speed tier in your area. For example, you might see "$39.99 per month for the first 12 months" — but that does not tell you what month 13 costs.

Comcast does not widely advertise what happens after the promotion ends. The standard rates are higher and vary by location. In some areas, a plan that costs $40 for the first year might cost $80 to $90 per month after that. The increase is automatic; you do not have to do anything, and Comcast will not call to warn you. Your bill straightforward goes up on the date the promotion expires.

If you want to know the regular price before you sign up, ask the Comcast sales representative directly. They should tell you in writing what your price will be after the promotional period. If they will not, that is a sign to ask again or to get the information in your service agreement before you commit.

Modem rental fees and the cost of buying your own

Comcast charges a modem rental fee on top of your internet service price. As of 2024, that fee is around $14 per month, though it varies slightly by region. If you rent a modem for two years, you pay roughly $336 just for the equipment — money that goes to Comcast, not toward owning anything.

You can buy your own modem instead. Comcast-compatible modems cost $100 to $200 depending on the speed tier you need. A modem typically lasts 5 to 7 years, so buying one pays for itself in about 12 to 18 months of avoided rental fees. After that, you own the equipment and pay nothing extra for it each month.

If you buy a modem, make sure it is on Comcast's approved list before you purchase it. Comcast publishes a list of compatible modems on their website. Once you own the modem, you can take it with you if you move or switch providers, which is another advantage over renting.

Taxes and fees that are added to your bill

Your Comcast bill includes taxes and fees that are not part of the advertised price. These vary by state, county, and city. Common additions include sales tax, a regional sports network fee (in some areas), and a "broadcast TV surcharge" if you bundle TV service. Some areas also charge a utility tax on internet service.

These fees can add $5 to $15 or more per month to your bill, depending on where you live. Comcast is required to show these fees in your service agreement before you sign, but they are often listed in small print or in a separate section. Ask to see the full estimated bill, including all taxes and fees, before you commit.

Speed tiers and their monthly costs

Comcast offers internet at different speeds, and the price increases with speed. The tiers available in your area depend on the infrastructure in your neighborhood. Common tiers include 25 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, 400 Mbps, and 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps). Faster speeds cost more per month.

A 25 Mbps plan might start at $30 per month (promotional), while a 400 Mbps plan might start at $80 per month. The difference in speed matters if you have multiple people streaming video, working from home, or gaming at the same time. If you live alone and mostly browse the web and check email, a slower (and cheaper) tier may be enough. If you have a household of four people all using video at once, you probably need a faster tier.

Test what speed you actually need before you sign up for the fastest (and most expensive) option. Comcast offers a speed test tool on their website. You can also use free tools like Speedtest.net to see what your current connection can do, which gives you a baseline for comparison.

Bundling internet with TV or phone service

Comcast often advertises bundle deals that combine internet, TV, and phone service at a lower total price than buying each service separately. For example, a bundle might cost $99 per month for all three services, whereas buying them individually might cost $130. The savings are real, but only if you actually want all three services.

If you do not watch cable TV or need a home phone line, bundling does not save you money — it costs you more. Calculate the cost of internet alone versus the bundle price, and subtract the cost of services you do not want. If the bundle is cheaper for internet alone than buying internet by itself, then the bundle makes sense. Otherwise, stick with internet only.

Bundle promotions also expire after 12 months, just like standalone internet promotions. The price increase applies to the entire bundle, not just one service. If you bundle and then cancel TV or phone later, your internet price may jump significantly because you lose the bundle discount.

What to ask before you sign up

Before you commit to Comcast, get these details in writing: the promotional price and how long it lasts, the regular price after the promotion ends, the modem rental fee (or confirmation that you can use your own), all taxes and fees that will be on your bill, and the contract terms (whether there is an early termination fee if you cancel before a certain date).

Ask the sales representative to show you the full estimated bill for month 1 and month 13, so you can see the price jump. If they cannot or will not provide this information, ask to speak with someone who can. You have the right to know what you will pay before you sign.

Also ask whether Comcast is currently running any promotions in your area that might be better than the one being offered to you. Comcast sometimes has different deals for new customers versus existing customers, or different deals depending on how you sign up (online versus phone versus in-store).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Comcast internet without renting a modem?

Yes. You can buy your own modem from a retailer or online, as long as it is on Comcast's approved equipment list. Once you own it, you avoid the monthly rental fee. Comcast will not reduce your internet bill if you use your own modem, but you stop paying the rental charge, which saves money over time.

What happens to my bill after the 12-month promotion ends?

Your price increases to Comcast's standard rate for that speed tier in your area. The increase is automatic and can be $40 to $50 or more per month. You can call Comcast and ask about new promotions, or you can shop around with other providers to see if switching makes sense.

Are there any hidden fees I should know about?

Comcast must disclose all fees in your service agreement, but they are not always straightforward to spot. Common ones include modem rental, taxes, regional sports network fees, and broadcast TV surcharges (if you bundle). Ask the sales representative to list every charge that will appear on your bill before you sign.

Does Comcast offer discounts for low-income households?

Comcast has a program called Internet Essentials that offers discounted internet (around $10 per month) to households that meet income requirements. You can learn more on Comcast's website or by calling their customer service line. Income limits and availability vary by location.

What speed do I actually need?

It depends on how many people use your internet and what they do. For one person browsing and email, 25 to 50 Mbps is usually enough. For a household of four with video streaming and remote work, 100 to 200 Mbps is more comfortable. Comcast's website has a speed recommendation tool, or you can test your current speed to see what you need.