Cheap Internet in Chicago, Illinois - Most Affordable Plans (February 2026)
Cheapest internet in Chicago: Xfinity Connect at $25/mo for 75 Mbps (Cable). Call 1-844-963-0138 to sign up today. Chicago is a vibrant city in the Midwest where residents enjoy about 8% above the national average living costs, and the average internet bill here is approximately $73/mo. Use our comparison table below to find the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
Saving on internet does not require settling for slow speeds, especially with fiber and 5G options in the area. In Chicago, Illinois, 8 providers offer budget-friendly internet plans with promotional rates starting as low as $25/mo. With a population of 2,746,388, the local market is competitive enough that most households can find reliable service under $50 per month.
Chicago Internet Plans Sorted by Price
The following table lists the cheapest plan available from each provider in Chicago, organized by price to help you quickly identify the best deal.
| Provider | Plan | Speed | Promo Price | Regular Price | Type | Contract | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Connect | 75 Mbps | $25/mo* | $50/mo | Cable | No | View Plans | 1-844-963-0138 |
| AT&T Internet | Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $35/mo* | $55/mo | Fiber/DSL | No | View Plans | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Verizon Fios | Fios 300 | 300 Mbps | $40/mo* | $50/mo | Fiber | No | View Plans | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G Home | 85-300 Mbps | $45/mo* | $60/mo | 5G | No | View Plans |
| T-Mobile | 5G Home Internet | 72-245 Mbps | $50/mo* | $50/mo | 5G | No | View Plans | 1-844-275-9311 |
| HughesNet | Select | 50 Mbps | $50/mo* | $65/mo | Satellite | No | View Plans | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Unleashed 100 | 100 Mbps | $70/mo* | $100/mo | Satellite | 24 mo | View Plans | 1-855-463-9333 |
| Starlink | Residential | 50-200 Mbps | $120/mo* | $120/mo | Satellite | No | View Plans |
*Promotional prices for new customers. Taxes and fees may apply. Prices as of February 2026.
Chicago Xfinity Plans Starting at $25/mo
Roughly 94% of Chicago has access to Xfinity cable internet, where promotional pricing and no-contract flexibility make it a popular budget choice.
- Connect: 75 Mbps for $25/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Cable, No contract
- Connect More: 200 Mbps for $35/mo (regular $60/mo) -- Cable, No contract
Call 1-844-963-0138 to check Xfinity availability and current promotions in Chicago.
Compare all Xfinity plans in Chicago →
AT&T Internet - Affordable Options in Chicago, IL
Fixed wireless from AT&T Internet serves roughly 86% of Chicago with speeds that handle streaming, browsing, and video calls without the high cost of satellite.
- Internet 100: 100 Mbps for $35/mo (regular $55/mo) -- Fiber/DSL, No contract
- Internet 300: 300 Mbps for $45/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Ready to sign up? Call AT&T Internet at 1-855-850-5977 for the latest deals in Chicago.
See full AT&T Internet plan details and pricing →
Budget-Friendly Verizon Fios Plans in Chicago
Fiber from Verizon Fios is available to about 37% of Chicago residents, offering a premium internet experience at competitive entry-level prices.
- Fios 300: 300 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
- Fios 500: 500 Mbps for $60/mo (regular $70/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Contact Verizon Fios at 1-855-387-1456 to see which plans are available at your Chicago address.
Check Verizon Fios availability in Chicago →
Verizon 5G Home Internet Deals in Chicago
With 37% coverage in Chicago, Verizon 5G Home 5G home internet offers a budget-friendly wireless option that does not require professional installation.
- 5G Home: 85-300 Mbps for $45/mo (regular $60/mo) -- 5G, No contract
- 5G Home Plus: 300-1000 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $80/mo) -- 5G, No contract
View all Verizon 5G Home deals for Chicago →
Save with T-Mobile in Chicago
If you are in T-Mobile's 5G zone (covering about 83% of Chicago), their home internet plan offers competitive speeds without the complexity of traditional ISP contracts.
- 5G Home Internet: 72-245 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $50/mo) -- 5G, No contract
Call 1-844-275-9311 to check T-Mobile availability and current promotions in Chicago.
Compare all T-Mobile plans in Chicago →
HughesNet - Low-Price Plans for Chicago
Satellite internet from HughesNet is available to 100% of Chicago, ensuring that even the most remote addresses have access to broadband connectivity.
- Select: 50 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
- Elite: 100 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $85/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Ready to sign up? Call HughesNet at 1-855-543-5405 for the latest deals in Chicago.
Viasat Plans Under $100/mo in Chicago
Viasat beams satellite internet to 74% of Chicago, making it available virtually everywhere -- though speeds and latency do not match wired alternatives.
- Unleashed 100: 100 Mbps for $70/mo (regular $100/mo) -- Satellite, 24 mo contract
- Unleashed 150: 150 Mbps for $100/mo (regular $130/mo) -- Satellite, 24 mo contract
Contact Viasat at 1-855-463-9333 to see which plans are available at your Chicago address.
Starlink Budget Tiers in Chicago, IL
Starlink's satellite coverage spans 100% of Chicago, providing broadband as a fallback for addresses beyond the reach of local cable and fiber networks.
- Residential: 50-200 Mbps for $120/mo (regular $120/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Internet Costs in Chicago: Local Market Overview
The competitive dynamics in Chicago work in favor of consumers looking for affordable connectivity.
Chicago, known as one of Illinois's largest cities, has a cost of living index of 108 (national average = 100). The median household income is approximately $62,800, and the average monthly internet bill in the area is around $73. Even with higher overall costs, residents can find competitive internet pricing thanks to strong provider competition in the market.
Having 8 providers compete for customers in Chicago translates to better deals and more options. For the lowest bills, look at fiber and cable providers first -- Xfinity and AT&T Internet both offer introductory rates that can keep your bill under $40/mo.
Budget Internet Assistance Available in Chicago
Chicago residents who meet income guidelines can access deeply discounted internet service through the following programs. Some plans cost under $10 per month.
- FCC Lifeline Program: Provides up to $9.25/mo discount on internet or phone service for households at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Illinois residents can apply through the National Verifier.
- Xfinity Internet Essentials: 50 Mbps for $9.95/mo for qualifying low-income households. Call 1-844-963-0138 for details.
- AT&T Access: Plans starting at $30/mo for households participating in SNAP or with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Call 1-855-850-5977 for eligibility info.
- State and Local Assistance: Check with Illinois state agencies and Chicago community organizations for additional digital inclusion programs and subsidized internet access initiatives.
5 Ways to Reduce Your Internet Costs in Chicago
Reducing your monthly internet expense does not always mean switching providers -- sometimes small changes add up. Here are five proven ways to save.
Bundle services strategically
Some providers offer discounts when you add mobile service to your internet plan. T-Mobile gives $5-$15 off home internet for existing wireless customers, and Xfinity offers similar bundle savings.
Negotiate with your current provider
Call your provider's retention department when your promotional rate expires. Mention competitor offers and ask for a loyalty discount -- many providers will match or beat rival pricing to keep you as a customer.
Look into fixed wireless alternatives
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home offer flat-rate pricing with no data caps, often at $25-$50/mo. If 5G coverage is available at your address, this can be a significant savings over cable.
Check if you qualify for low-income programs
Government programs like the Lifeline Program and provider-specific options such as Spectrum Internet Assist or Xfinity Internet Essentials offer discounted service to qualifying households.
Watch for hidden fees
Installation fees, activation charges, and equipment rental costs can add $20-$40 to your first few bills. Ask about self-install options and fee waivers before signing up.
Cheap Internet in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest-priced internet plan available in Chicago, IL?
The cheapest internet plan in Chicago is Xfinity Connect at $25/mo for 75 Mbps. This promotional rate is available to new customers. The next most affordable option is AT&T Internet at $35/mo.
Are there any internet plans under $30 per month in Chicago, IL?
Yes, Xfinity offers promotional rates under $30/mo for new customers in Chicago. Low-income programs like Xfinity Internet Essentials ($9.95/mo) and Spectrum Internet Assist ($17.99/mo) are also available to qualifying households.
Which provider offers the most speed per dollar in Chicago?
For the best speed-per-dollar value in Chicago, look at providers offering fiber or cable service. Xfinity offers 75 Mbps for $25/mo, while AT&T Internet provides 100 Mbps for $35/mo. Fiber plans typically deliver the best long-term value with symmetrical speeds and no data caps.
Do any Chicago providers offer no-contract internet?
Yes, most providers in Chicago now offer no-contract plans. Xfinity, AT&T Internet, and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet all provide service without requiring a long-term commitment, giving you the flexibility to switch providers if a better deal becomes available.
How much do Chicago residents typically spend on internet?
The average monthly internet bill in Chicago, IL is approximately $73, which is below the national average of about $75/mo. By choosing a promotional rate or low-income program, you could pay significantly less than this average.
What is the fastest internet plan under $50/mo in Chicago, IL?
Among budget-friendly plans under $50/mo in Chicago, fiber providers typically offer the fastest speeds. Plans like Xfinity Connect (75 Mbps) and AT&T Internet Internet 100 (100 Mbps) deliver strong performance at introductory prices.
Related Resources
Looking for more? These related pages cover additional providers and plan details for your area.
- Internet Providers in Chicago, IL
- Xfinity Plans and Pricing
- AT&T Internet Plans and Pricing
- Verizon Fios Plans and Pricing
- Verizon 5G Home Plans and Pricing
- Internet Providers in Illinois
Disclosure: Certain links on this page may earn InternetProviders.ai a referral commission at no additional cost to you. We maintain full editorial control over our content and recommendations. All pricing information reflects rates available as of February 2026. Plans and availability are subject to change and may vary by address in Chicago.