A single person's phone bill typically runs $50 to $90 per month, depending on your carrier and how much data you use
The price you pay depends on three things: which carrier you choose, how much data your plan includes, and whether you own your phone outright or are paying it off. A basic plan with limited data from a major carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile costs around $50 to $70 monthly. If you need more data or want a newer phone bundled in, you could pay $80 to $120. Smaller carriers that use the same networks—like Mint Mobile, Visible, or Cricket—often charge $25 to $50 for similar service, but the trade-off is usually less customer support and slower speeds during peak hours.
Your actual bill also depends on taxes and fees, which vary by state and city. These can add 10 to 20 percent to your base price. So a $60 plan might become $70 after taxes. Some carriers advertise a low starting price but add on fees for things like device payment, set up, or administrative costs—read the fine print before you sign up.
Key Takeaways
- Major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) charge $50 to $90 per month for a single line, while smaller carriers using their networks often cost $25 to $50.
- Your final bill includes taxes and regulatory fees that can add 10 to 20 percent to the advertised price.
- If you are paying off a phone through your carrier, that cost is added to your monthly bill and typically ranges from $15 to $40 depending on the phone.
- Unlimited data plans cost more than limited data plans, but most people use between 5 and 15 gigabytes per month.
How carriers structure their pricing
The three major carriers—Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile—all price similarly because they own the networks. A basic plan with a few gigabytes of data starts around $50 to $60. An unlimited data plan costs $70 to $90. If you bring your own phone (one you already own and paid for), you pay only the plan cost. If you want a new phone, the carrier adds a monthly device payment on top of the plan.
Smaller carriers like Mint Mobile, Visible, Cricket, and Google Fi rent access to those same major networks and pass the savings to you. Mint Mobile charges around $15 to $25 per month if you pay for three months upfront, or $25 to $35 if you pay monthly. Visible (which uses Verizon's network) charges $25 to $45 depending on how many lines you add. These carriers work well if you have a phone already and do not need much customer service, but they may deprioritize your data during busy times.
What happens when you finance a phone through your carrier
If you buy a new phone from your carrier and pay it off over time, that cost appears on your monthly bill as a separate line item. A mid-range phone like an iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy A53 costs around $600 to $800 total, split across 24 or 36 months. That works out to roughly $25 to $35 per month added to your plan cost. A flagship phone like an iPhone 15 or Galaxy S24 can cost $1,000 or more, pushing the monthly device payment to $40 or higher.
You can avoid this cost by buying a phone outright before you sign up for a plan, or by buying a used or refurbished phone from a third party. Many people buy phones from retailers like Best Buy or directly from manufacturers, then bring them to whatever carrier they choose. This is usually cheaper over time, though it requires more money upfront.
Regional differences and taxes
Your state and city add taxes and regulatory fees that are not always obvious in the advertised price. In some states, sales tax on phone service is 5 percent; in others it is 10 percent or higher. Cities sometimes add their own fees. A $70 plan in New York City might cost $85 after taxes, while the same plan in a state with lower taxes might cost $77.
Some carriers also charge administrative or set up fees, though these are becoming less common. Always ask what the final monthly cost will be, including all taxes and fees, before you commit to a plan.
How much data you actually need
Most people use between 5 and 15 gigabytes of data per month. Streaming video uses the most—one hour of Netflix on standard quality uses about 1 gigabyte, while high definition uses 3 gigabytes per hour. Scrolling social media, checking email, and using maps uses much less. If you mostly use your phone on WiFi at home and work, you might use only 2 to 3 gigabytes per month and could save money with a limited plan.
Carriers offer plans in tiers: 2 to 5 gigabytes, 10 to 20 gigabytes, and unlimited. A 5-gigabyte plan typically costs $50 to $60. A 20-gigabyte plan costs $65 to $75. Unlimited plans cost $75 to $90. If you go over your limit on a limited plan, most carriers either slow your speed for the rest of the month or charge you extra per gigabyte. Check your past usage before you choose a plan—most carriers let you see this in your account online.
What changes your bill month to month
Your base plan cost stays the same, but a few things can add charges. If you use more data than your plan includes and your carrier charges overage fees, that appears on your bill. If you travel internationally, roaming charges can add $5 to $20 per day depending on the country. Some carriers offer roaming packages for $10 to $15 per day that are cheaper than pay-as-you-go rates.
Device insurance, if you add it, costs $5 to $15 per month. Premium features like hotspot access or video streaming at higher quality may cost extra on some carriers, though most include these now. Check your bill each month to spot unexpected charges—carriers sometimes add services you did not request.
Comparing your options
| Carrier Type | Monthly Cost (Plan Only) | Data Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) | $50–$90 | Limited to unlimited | People who want customer service and consistent speeds |
| Smaller carrier (Mint, Visible, Cricket) | $15–$50 | Limited to unlimited | People with their own phone who want lower cost |
| Prepaid (pay as you go) | $20–$60 | Varies by plan | People who use their phone infrequently |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a phone bill for less than $50 per month?
Yes, if you use a smaller carrier and bring your own phone. Mint Mobile and similar carriers charge $15 to $35 per month. The trade-off is that you have less customer support and may experience slower speeds during busy times. Prepaid plans from carriers like Boost Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile can also run $20 to $40 per month if you do not use much data.
Why is my bill higher than the advertised price?
Taxes and regulatory fees are added after the advertised price. These can add 10 to 20 percent depending on your state and city. If you financed a phone through your carrier, that monthly payment is also added. Check your bill's itemized section to see what each charge is for.
Do I have to buy my phone from my carrier?
No. You can buy a phone from any retailer, including Apple, Best Buy, or used marketplaces, and bring it to any carrier that supports that phone model. This is often cheaper over time, though it requires more money upfront. Check that the phone is unlocked and compatible with your chosen carrier before you buy.
What is the difference between limited and unlimited data?
Limited data plans let you use a set amount each month (like 10 gigabytes) before your speed slows or you pay extra. Unlimited plans let you use as much as you want without overage charges, though some carriers slow your speed after you use a very large amount. Most people use 5 to 15 gigabytes per month, so a limited plan is often enough.
Can I lower my bill if I already have a plan?
Yes. Contact your carrier and ask about lower-tier plans, or switch to a smaller carrier if you own your phone. Many carriers offer discounts for autopay, bundling with internet, or being a long-term customer. You can also reduce data usage by using WiFi more often, which lowers the plan tier you need.