Cheap Internet in Columbia, Missouri - Most Affordable Plans (February 2026)
Cheapest internet in Columbia: Spectrum Internet at $30/mo for 300 Mbps (Cable). Call 1-844-481-5997 to sign up today. Columbia is one of Missouri's notable cities with a cost of living about 8% below the national average, and the average internet bill here is approximately $74/mo. See the complete plan lineup and money-saving strategies below.
Balancing speed, reliability, and price is the key to finding the right internet plan for your household. In Columbia, Missouri, 9 providers offer budget-friendly internet plans with promotional rates starting as low as $30/mo. With a population of 129,330, the local market is competitive enough that most households can find reliable service under $50 per month.
Columbia, MO - Internet Plans by Price
Below you will find the budget plan from each provider, sorted by monthly promotional price. Regular rates are shown for comparison.
| Provider | Plan | Speed | Promo Price | Regular Price | Type | Contract | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Internet | 300 Mbps | $30/mo* | $55/mo | Cable | No | View Plans | 1-844-481-5997 |
| Mediacom | Access Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $30/mo* | $60/mo | Cable | No | View Plans | 1-855-634-3222 |
| 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.
Save with Spectrum in Columbia
Roughly 17% of Columbia has access to Spectrum cable internet, where promotional pricing and no-contract flexibility make it a popular budget choice.
- Internet: 300 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $55/mo) -- Cable, No contract
- Internet Ultra: 500 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $75/mo) -- Cable, No contract
Call 1-844-481-5997 to check Spectrum availability and current promotions in Columbia.
Compare all Spectrum plans in Columbia →
Mediacom - Low-Price Plans for Columbia
Mediacom provides cable-based internet across 59% of Columbia with plans that balance value, speed, and availability.
- Access Internet 100: 100 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $60/mo) -- Cable, No contract
- Xtream Internet 300: 300 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $80/mo) -- Cable, No contract
Ready to sign up? Call Mediacom at 1-855-634-3222 for the latest deals in Columbia.
See full Mediacom plan details and pricing →
AT&T Internet Plans Under $55/mo in Columbia
AT&T Internet uses fixed wireless technology to serve approximately 27% of Columbia, making it a viable alternative in areas where wired connections are limited.
- 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
Contact AT&T Internet at 1-855-850-5977 to see which plans are available at your Columbia address.
Check AT&T Internet availability in Columbia →
Verizon Fios Budget Tiers in Columbia, MO
Verizon Fios operates a growing fiber network across 18% of Columbia, providing speeds that scale well beyond what cable and DSL can offer.
- 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
Reach Verizon Fios at 1-855-387-1456 to learn about promotions and availability in Columbia.
View all Verizon Fios deals for Columbia →
Verizon 5G Home - Budget Plans in Columbia
Verizon 5G Home provides 5G fixed wireless coverage to roughly 18% of Columbia, with no data caps and no annual contracts required.
- 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
Compare all Verizon 5G Home plans in Columbia →
T-Mobile Cheap Internet Plans in Columbia
T-Mobile delivers 5G home internet to roughly 61% of Columbia, with typical speeds that compete with mid-tier cable plans at a flat monthly rate.
- 5G Home Internet: 72-245 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $50/mo) -- 5G, No contract
Ready to sign up? Call T-Mobile at 1-844-275-9311 for the latest deals in Columbia.
Affordable HughesNet Plans for Columbia Residents
For the 100% of Columbia covered by HughesNet satellite (typically the entire metro area), this option provides connectivity where cable and fiber networks do not reach.
- Select: 50 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
- Elite: 100 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $85/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Contact HughesNet at 1-855-543-5405 to see which plans are available at your Columbia address.
Viasat in Columbia: Low-Cost Plan Options
Satellite internet from Viasat is available to 100% of Columbia, ensuring that even the most remote addresses have access to broadband connectivity.
- 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
Reach Viasat at 1-855-463-9333 to learn about promotions and availability in Columbia.
Columbia Starlink Plans Starting at $120/mo
Starlink delivers satellite broadband to 100% of Columbia, providing a last-resort option for areas where no wired provider has infrastructure.
- Residential: 50-200 Mbps for $120/mo (regular $120/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Internet Costs in Columbia: Local Market Overview
Local internet pricing in Columbia is shaped by the number of available providers and the types of technology they deploy.
The cost of living in Columbia sits at 92 on the national index (100 = average). Local households earn a median income of approximately $57,000 and spend around $74/mo on internet. Budget-friendly broadband options are particularly valuable here.
Having 9 providers compete for customers in Columbia translates to better deals and more options. For the lowest bills, look at fiber and cable providers first -- Spectrum and Mediacom both offer introductory rates that can keep your bill under $40/mo.
Discount Internet Programs for Columbia Residents
Don't overlook these income-based discount programs available in Columbia. They can reduce your internet bill to a fraction of standard rates.
- 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. Missouri residents can apply through the National Verifier.
- Spectrum Internet Assist: 30 Mbps for $17.99/mo for eligible households, including seniors on SSI. Call 1-844-481-5997 to apply.
- Mediacom Connect2Compete: 25 Mbps for $9.95/mo for eligible households with school-age children. Call 1-855-634-3222 to check eligibility.
- 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 Missouri state agencies and Columbia community organizations for additional digital inclusion programs and subsidized internet access initiatives.
Internet Savings Tips for Columbia Residents
Saving $10-$20 per month on internet adds up to $120-$240 per year -- here is how Columbia residents can do it. 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.
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.
Audit your actual speed needs
Run a speed test during peak hours. If you are consistently using less than half your plan speed, you could downgrade to a cheaper tier without any noticeable performance difference.
Set a calendar reminder before promos expire
Most promotional rates last 12-24 months. Set a reminder 30 days before your promo expires so you have time to negotiate or switch to a cheaper plan.
Ask about autopay and paperless billing discounts
Many ISPs offer $5-$10 off your monthly bill when you enroll in autopay with a bank account or credit card and opt for paperless statements.
Cheap Internet in Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least expensive internet plan in Columbia, MO?
The cheapest internet plan in Columbia is Spectrum Internet at $30/mo for 300 Mbps. This promotional rate is available to new customers. The next most affordable option is Mediacom at $30/mo.
Can I get internet for under $30 a month in Columbia?
While standard promotional rates in Columbia start around $30/mo, you can find sub-$30 pricing through low-income programs. Low-income programs like Xfinity Internet Essentials ($9.95/mo) and Spectrum Internet Assist ($17.99/mo) are also available to qualifying households.
Which internet provider has the best value for the price in Columbia?
For the best speed-per-dollar value in Columbia, look at providers offering fiber or cable service. Spectrum offers 300 Mbps for $30/mo, while Mediacom provides 100 Mbps for $30/mo. Fiber plans typically deliver the best long-term value with symmetrical speeds and no data caps.
Are there no-contract internet plans in Columbia?
Yes, most providers in Columbia now offer no-contract plans. Spectrum, Mediacom, 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 does the average household in Columbia pay for internet?
The average monthly internet bill in Columbia, MO is approximately $74, 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 cheap internet option in Columbia?
Among budget-friendly plans under $50/mo in Columbia, fiber providers typically offer the fastest speeds. Plans like Spectrum Internet (300 Mbps) and Mediacom Access Internet 100 (100 Mbps) deliver strong performance at introductory prices.
Related Resources
Need more options? These pages offer deeper dives into internet service in and around Columbia.
- Internet Providers in Columbia, MO
- Spectrum Plans and Pricing
- Mediacom Plans and Pricing
- AT&T Internet Plans and Pricing
- Verizon Fios Plans and Pricing
- Internet Providers in Missouri
Disclosure: InternetProviders.ai is an independent resource. We may receive commissions from providers featured on this page through affiliate links. Pricing is based on publicly available data as of February 2026 and may vary. Check directly with providers for current offers specific to your Columbia address.