Cord Cutting Myths Debunked: The Myth of No Savings

Are you tired of watching your cable bill creep higher and higher each month? Do you find yourself wondering if all this talk about saving money by "cutting the cord" is just hype? You're not alone. One of the most persistent myths surrounding the move to streaming is that it doesn't actually save you money in the long run. Some folks believe that the cost of internet and multiple streaming subscriptions ends up equaling, or even exceeding, their old cable bill.

Well, as someone who ditched cable back in 2011 and hasn't looked back, I'm here to tell you that this myth is simply untrue. In fact, the savings can be quite significant. Let's take a closer look at the real costs and see how cord-cutting stacks up against traditional cable.

The Rising Cost of Cable TV

The landscape of cable television in 2025 is one of ever-increasing prices. What was once a relatively straightforward monthly bill has become a complex web of base package costs, hidden fees, and equipment rentals. To illustrate this, let's consider a common provider in my area (Savannah, Georgia): Comcast/Xfinity.

To get a "regular" cable experience with a decent channel lineup (their "Popular TV" package) and the ability to watch on two TVs (requiring two cable boxes), you're already looking at a base cost of around $162.75 per month (including any multi-service discounts). But that's not the final number. Comcast, like many cable companies, tacks on additional fees. In the Savannah area, the Broadcast TV Fee currently adds about $30.65 to your monthly bill.

Suddenly, that $162.75 package jumps to a hefty $193.40 per month. And keep in mind, this is for a mid-tier package. If you want more channels or premium networks, that number will climb even higher. Plus, we haven't even factored in potential Regional Sports Fees or the cost of a DVR if you like to record shows.

The Reality of Cord-Cutting Costs (My Experience)

Now, let's compare that to my current cord-cutting setup. I rely on a solid internet connection (NOW Internet at $25 per month – a necessity regardless of how you watch TV). For local channels, I invested in a good quality outdoor antenna years ago. The beauty of an antenna? Once you buy it, the over-the-air broadcast channels are absolutely free. That's ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and a host of other smaller networks like MeTV and Antenna TV, all in glorious HD, without a recurring monthly charge.

For those times when I want access to some of the cable channels I used to watch, I subscribe to a budget-friendly service called Frndly TV, which costs me just $10 per month.

So, my total monthly cost for internet and television is a mere $25 (internet) + $0 (OTA) + $10 (Frndly TV) = $35.00 per month.

The difference is staggering. Compared to the estimated $193.40 I'd be paying for a comparable cable setup from Comcast, my cord-cutting lifestyle saves me $158.40 every single month. That's nearly $1,900 in savings per year!

Exploring Other Cord-Cutting Scenarios (Further Debunking)

Of course, everyone's viewing needs are different. Some people want a more comprehensive cable replacement than what Frndly TV offers. Let's look at a couple of other popular cord-cutting options:

• Philo: For $28 per month, Philo offers a wider range of entertainment and lifestyle cable channels. However, it's important to note that Philo does not typically include local broadcast channels (like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox) or major sports networks. If I opted for Philo instead of Frndly TV, my total monthly cost would be $25 (internet) + $0 (OTA) + $28 (Philo) = $53.00 per month. Even with this upgrade, I'd still be saving around $140.40 per month compared to the Comcast cable package, though it comes with a different channel selection.
• YouTube TV: For those who want a live TV streaming service that closely mimics the traditional cable experience, YouTube TV is a popular choice. Currently priced at $82.99 per month, it offers a significant advantage over services like Frndly TV and Philo by including local broadcast channels, a variety of news channels, and major sports networks (though specific regional sports availability can vary). My total cost would be $25 (internet) + $0 (OTA) + $82.99 (YouTube TV) = $107.99 per month. While this is more expensive than my basic setup, it still offers significant savings of $85.41 per month compared to the Comcast option we looked at, while providing a much broader range of content, including live local channels and sports that the budget-friendly options lack. And unlike cable, YouTube TV typically includes DVR service in the base price.

Addressing Potential Counterarguments

Some might argue that the initial cost of an antenna negates the savings. However, a good quality antenna is a one-time purchase that pays for itself within a couple of months of canceling cable. Others might point to individual streaming service subscriptions like Netflix or Disney Plus. But the key here is that many people who have cable also subscribe to these services. They aren't replacements for the core cable package but rather additions. For a true cost comparison, we need to look at the infrastructure of getting live and on-demand television.

Conclusion

The myth that cord-cutting doesn't save money simply doesn't hold up when you look at the real numbers. The ever-increasing costs and hidden fees associated with traditional cable make it a significantly more expensive option than combining internet with free over-the-air TV and even adding budget-friendly or more comprehensive streaming services. My own experience, and the comparison with current cable costs in my area, clearly demonstrates the substantial savings that are possible. It's time to ditch the outdated notion that cord-cutting is just another expense and embrace the freedom and affordability of streaming.

My Streaming Life has been transformed by the flexibility and affordability I've gained since ditching cable in 2011. With my Google TV devices providing access to a variety of services and my trusty antenna pulling in local channels, I enjoy a wealth of content without the hefty price tag of traditional cable. Even considering a robust live TV option like YouTube TV, the cost remains significantly lower than what I'd pay for a comparable cable package.