Streaming vs Cable Savings Calculator
Compare a stack of streaming subscriptions against a cable bill and see whether cutting the cord actually saves money.
How it works
Monthly saving = cable bill − (streaming + extra internet + live-TV add-on)
Cord-cutting only saves money if the replacement stack stays lean. Once you add a live-TV service, a faster internet tier and several premium apps, streaming can quietly climb back toward the cable bill it was meant to beat. Totalling every recurring charge — not just the headline app price — is the only honest way to compare.
Worked example
A $110 cable bill replaced by $45 of streaming apps, $10 of extra internet and no live-TV add-on totals $55. That saves $110 − $55 = $55 a month, or $660 over a year.
Frequently asked questions
Why does streaming sometimes cost more than cable?
Because subscription creep adds up: a few $10–$20 apps, a live-TV service and an internet upgrade can match a cable package. Cutting the cord saves money only if you keep the number of services small.
Should I count internet in the comparison?
Only the extra internet cost caused by streaming. If you already pay for internet regardless, leave it out; if you had to upgrade your speed or data specifically to stream, include that difference.
How can I cut the streaming total?
Rotate services rather than paying for all of them year-round, share family plans where allowed, and drop apps you have not opened in a month. Streaming rewards active pruning in a way a single cable bill does not.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.