How Much Does Wi-Fi Cost for an Apartment? + FAQs

When renting an apartment, it pays to create a solid budget with all your expected expenses. That said, some costs are easier to estimate than others. Internet service or Wi-Fi costs can be challenging to estimate because of the many different providers, plans, and cost variability due to location.

Fortunately, we’ve done some of the hard work for you. Wi-Fi costs $55 per month on average. However, that’s only part of the story. If you want to take a deep dive into internet service costs in your area, check out Numbeo’s cost of living calculator.

For everything else, including starting plan costs with the top internet service providers in the US, an explanation of internet download speeds, and more – keep reading.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about WiFi costs for an apartment.

Does Wi-Fi Come With My Apartment?

Whether Wi-Fi comes with your apartment depends on your building and landlord. That said, if WiFi is included with your apartment, it will be added to your utility bill, so it’s not exactly free.

Although you’ll still be paying for the cost of Wi-Fi, you can skip the hassle of setting up the installation, choosing a plan, and handling billing — so, that’s definitely a bonus.

If you are renting an apartment with a governing HOA, monthly HOA fees are sometimes used to cover the cost of Wi-Fi. However, you’ll need to ask for a breakdown of the HOA fee structure and payments to get an in-depth look at where your money is going.

Whether you are renting an apartment with included Wi-Fi is one of the questions you should ask during your apartment tour. Though, as this is a coveted apartment amenity, it may be advertised on the listing.

Finally, if you are renting an apartment with Wi-Fi included, be sure to ask about internet speeds and whether the plan for your apartment is customizable. For example, if you are working from home, you’ll need a reliable, high-speed internet connection.

Wi-Fi Plans by Providers

There are a ton of internet providers in the US, so depending on your region, you’ll be able to make a selection based on your preferences and WiFi needs. Price and download speeds will likely play a major role in your decision.

Internet providers often run promotions with deep discounts for their internet plans. These discounts and promotional offers typically last anywhere from 12 - 24 months.

After this period, customers are typically expected to cover the cost of any promotional services (think: streaming services) and pay the standard monthly rate.

That said, read the fine print. Things like automatic bill pay enrollment, setup costs, equipment rental, and more can have a major impact on your WiFi bill.

Below, we’ve listed the cheapest* internet service plans offered by the top providers in the US.

*Some providers offer slower speeds for certain regions. The ones chosen above are the most widely available and offer at least 50 Mbps.

For more information on the providers, visit the following links:

• Xfinity
• AT&T
• Verizon
• CenturyLink
• Spectrum
• T-Mobile

Wi-Fi Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We've added some answers to frequently asked questions below!

How Much Internet Speed is Necessary?

You’ll notice that most internet providers offer introductory WiFi service plans with download speeds of up to 100 Mbps. But what does that mean for you?

Most US households are covered by internet provider plans with average download speeds.) that range from 12 - 25 Mbps. This range covers most households whose heaviest internet use is relegated to things like basic streaming, voice calls, and checking the news.

If you get into HD video streaming, video calls or conferencing, and online gaming, you’re going to want a plan with higher internet download speeds. This is especially true if your household includes two or more individuals and over four devices.

If you are telecommuting, the gold standard internet download speed is 1 gigabit. With this speed, you’ll be able to handle whatever work throws your way.

When signing up for your internet plan, it’s important to research internet speeds in your area. The highest speeds available depend on where you live. For example, larger metro areas typically have higher speeds available.

If you want a more in-depth look at internet speeds in a particular location, check out this internet speed test tool.

What Are the Different Kinds of Internet Services?

Choosing the right internet service provider for your apartment means knowing the difference between internet service types. We’ve come a long way from DSL (though it’s still a major player) and new infrastructure planning means that the US’s fiber-optic network will be greatly expanded.

If that sounds like gibberish to you, take a look at this breakdown of the different kinds of internet services.

• Cable: Cable internet transmits data using electricity. It’s not a great option for residents in locations that experience severe weather, as it’s the most susceptible to outages.
• DSL: Digital subscriber line (DSL) internet uses telephone lines to deliver internet service. It’s generally slower than the other options on the list, but it’s affordable and a great option for those who are not heavy internet users.
• Fiber: Fiber internet is an internet service delivered through fiber-optic cables. It’s a complex system, utilizing ethernet cords, light beams, subterranean cables, and more. It’s great for customers who prioritize reliability and speed in their internet connections.
• Satellite: Satellite internet is spaced-based internet, literally. With a satellite internet connection, your internet is beamed straight from satellites that orbit our planet. It’s a common choice for those who live in rural areas but isn’t a great option for high-data activities.

Should You Bundle Internet with Other Services?

It’s becoming increasingly common to purchase Wi-Fi and subscribe to different streaming services (think: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Apple TV). However, the whole cutting the cord deal is still pretty new.

When residential Wi-Fi service was in its infancy, most early adopters simply bundled their internet with their cable service.

Today, cable service is at an all-time low. The low cost of streaming services, even multiple subscriptions, makes for a more affordable and enticing option. More importantly, many internet service providers are also cell service providers.

If you get your cell service from a company that’s also an internet service provider, it’s possible that you may benefit from a discount by bundling your services with the provider.

If you’re okay with changing your provider or have moved out of state and are looking for a new provider, you’ll want to consider new customer discounts and bundling discounts at the same time.

For example, after moving last year, I was able to snag a new customer discount and bundle my internet and cell service. My music streaming service is currently paid for by my provider and I was given a $100 gift card and free streaming for a year.

That said, shopping around and doing your due diligence can go a long way toward saving on your internet bill. If you choose to bundle services, just be sure that you’re not losing out on quality, reliability, or price.

Final Thoughts

Internet costs, like most bills, can be highly variable depending on your preferences, needs, and location. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to find an affordable, reliable internet service if you do a bit of research beforehand.

To learn more about utility costs, check out our post: Estimating Utility Costs. We cover everything from electricity to phone plans, so you’ll get an in-depth look at the utility costs you can expect when renting an apartment.

To find your dream home, start hunting for an apartment on Apartment List today!