Cell phone bills have been steadily rising in recent years. This places more strain on household budgets. For many families and individuals, staying connected has become increasingly expensive nowadays.
So, how much is phone bill per month in 2025 and what can you do to cut down these costs?
Let’s break it down and explore how the Lifeline program can help you save.
1. How Much Is Phone Bill Per Month?
You may be wondering: What is the average cell phone bill per month? This section will be the answer.
Based on recent industry data, the average cell phone cost per month in 2025 ranges between $150 and $160. Single-line plans typically cost $70–$100, while family plans can range from $160–$200.
Over the course of a year, this means an average household spends anywhere from $840 to $2,400 just to stay connected.
These numbers mark a clear increase from 2023, when JD Power reported the average monthly bill at $141, a 3.8% annual rise. This jump is fueled by higher data consumption, inflation, and the widespread rollout of 5G coverage.
Of course, exact costs depend on your carrier, the type of plan you choose, and how much data you use. Unlimited data plans tend to be more expensive than “by-the-gig” options, while family bundles usually provide better value per line compared to single plans.
Here’s a breakdown of what typical cell phone bills look like in 2025:
| Plan Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (2025) | Estimated Annual Cost |
| Single line | $70 – $100 | $840 – $1,200 |
| 2-line plan | $120 – $140 | $1,440 – $1,680 |
| 4-line plan | $160 – $200 | $1,920 – $2,400 |
Note: Costs vary based on your carrier, data usage, and whether your plan includes unlimited or by-the-gig data.
As you can see, phone bills are a major monthly expense.
The good news is: there are practical steps you can take to bring these costs down. Let’s move to the next section for more details!
2. Top 5 Practical Tips to Lower Your Phone Bill
Keeping your phone bill under control doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few smart strategies, you can reduce monthly costs without sacrificing essential features. We’ve collected some effective tips below:
2.1 Review Your Plan Regularly
Many people stick with the same plan for years, even when their usage habits change. Take a close look at your bill to see:
- Are you paying for unlimited data you don’t actually use?
- Or perhaps you’re on an older plan that no longer offers the best rates?
Switching to a plan that better matches your needs could save you $20–$30 each month.
2.2 Limit Data Usage
Data overages are one of the most common reasons bills skyrocket. By connecting to Wi-Fi whenever possible, you can minimize cellular data usage.
Many carriers also let you track usage through their apps, so you’ll know when you’re close to your limit. If you consistently use less than what your plan offers, consider downgrading to a smaller data package.
2.3 Take Advantage of Family or Group Plans
If you have multiple lines in your household, a family or group plan can reduce the average cost per person. For example:
A four-line plan that costs $180 per month breaks down to $45 per person, significantly cheaper than each individual paying $70 or more for single lines.
Even if you don’t have family to bundle with, some carriers allow group savings with friends or roommates.
2.4 Look for Discounts and Promotions
Carriers often provide discounts for certain groups, such as students, seniors, veterans, or employees of specific companies. Additionally, limited-time promotions may include perks like free streaming subscriptions or discounted devices.
Keeping an eye out for these offers can help you cut costs without changing your plan entirely.
2.5 Lower Your Bill with Government Assistance (Lifeline Program)
If high phone bills are straining your budget, the Lifeline program can provide meaningful relief. Created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Lifeline helps eligible low-income households by offering a monthly discount on phone or internet service, specifically:
- Up to $9.25 off your monthly bill
- Up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands
When you apply through a certified provider like AirTalk Wireless, you can also access additional benefits, such as free or discounted devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches.
By reducing your monthly expenses, Lifeline makes it easier to stay connected to family, work, healthcare, and other essential services.
For many households, this program is a real game-changer in lowering communication costs!
IMPORTANT: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.
3. How To Apply For Lifeline and Save On Your Phone Bill?
Are you curious if you qualify and how to apply for Lifeline to save your phone bill? In this section, we’ll break down everything you need.
3.1 How to Qualify for Lifeline?
Lifeline eligibility is based on income or participation in federal assistance programs.
You may qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Additionally, you’re automatically eligible if you participate in programs such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit Programs
Qualifying programs may vary slightly by your state. Check with your local Lifeline for the most accurate guide!
Note: Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household, and it can be applied to either phone or internet service.
3.2 Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Lifeline Benefits
Once you confirm eligibility, follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
During the application, you may be asked to provide proof of eligibility. The exact documents depend on how you qualify. For example, a benefit award letter or a recent tax return.
Preparing these documents in advance helps avoid delays. The USAC Lifeline Support website offers a detailed guide on what you may need.
Step 2: Research and Choose a Provider
Not every carrier participates in Lifeline, so it’s important to find one that serves your area. You can use the official Companies Near Me tool to search for options.
A reliable choice is AirTalk Wireless, which offers qualifying customers:
- Free monthly service
- Access to a variety of free or heavily discounted devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches.
AirTalk plans typically include unlimited talk and text, along with up to 30GB of data each month.
Step 3: Apply Online Through Your Provider
Visit your chosen provider’s website and begin the application. While the process may differ slightly, you’ll generally need to:
- Confirm that service is available in your area
- Select a Lifeline plan that matches your needs. There might be Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) option, which lets you use your current device with the new data plan and SIM card.
- Choose a free or discounted device, if offered
- Enter your personal details
- Upload proof of eligibility documents, if required
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve completed the form and uploaded any documents, submit your application for review.
Step 5: Wait for Approval and Activation
Once your application is approved, your service will be activated. If you applied through AirTalk Wireless, your selected device will be shipped within about 5–7 business days.
After activation, you’ll be able to enjoy consistent savings on your monthly phone bill while staying connected with reliable service.
4. FAQs
4.1 How much is a phone bill per month for one person?
For a single person, the average monthly phone bill in 2025 falls between $70 and $100. The exact cost depends on the type of plan you choose, your mobile carrier, and how much data you use.
Those who opt for unlimited data typically pay closer to the higher end, while light users who select smaller data packages may pay less. Over a year, this means an individual can expect to spend $840–$1,200 on phone service.
4.2 What is the average cell phone bill in 2025?
The average cell phone bill in 2025 is estimated at $150–$160 per month. This includes both single-line and family plans.
Industry reports show this is a notable increase compared to 2023’s average of $141. This reflects inflation, higher data demand, and the continued rollout of 5G coverage nationwide.
4.3 What is the average age to get a phone in 2025?
By 2025, many children in the U.S. receive their first phone between the ages of 10 and 12. The average age has steadily lowered over the past decade. This is driven by the growing need for digital communication and safety.
However, parents often decide based on maturity and necessity rather than age alone.
Final Words
If you’ve been asking how much is phone bill per month, the answer shows just how costly staying connected has become. The good news is that there are ways to ease the burden. From reviewing your plan and lowering data usage to applying for the Lifeline program, you have practical options to reduce costs.
If you’re eligible, applying with AirTalk Wireless could be the key to affordable, reliable phone service to stay connected without the financial stress.