Cheap Internet in Riverside, California - Most Affordable Plans (February 2026)
Cheapest internet in Riverside: Spectrum Internet at $30/mo for 300 Mbps (Cable). Call 1-844-481-5997 to sign up today. Riverside is a sizable city in the West Coast offering higher than the national average costs relative to the national average, and the average internet bill here is approximately $86/mo. We have analyzed the local market to bring you the most up-to-date pricing -- see details below.
With 9 internet providers serving Riverside, California (population 314,998), competition keeps pricing accessible for most budgets. As more providers expand coverage in the area, residents benefit from lower prices and better introductory deals. The lowest promotional rate starts at $30/mo from Spectrum, with several other providers offering plans under $50.
Side-by-Side: Cheap Internet Plans in Riverside
We have compiled the lowest-priced plan from each of the 9 providers serving Riverside, sorted from cheapest to most expensive.
| 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 |
| AT&T Internet | Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $35/mo* | $55/mo | Fiber/DSL | No | View Plans | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Frontier Fiber | Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps | $40/mo* | $50/mo | Fiber | No | View Plans | 1-855-981-6281 |
| 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.
Spectrum Budget Tiers in Riverside, CA
Roughly 86% of Riverside 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
Reach Spectrum at 1-844-481-5997 to learn about promotions and availability in Riverside.
View all Spectrum deals for Riverside →
AT&T Internet - Budget Plans in Riverside
Roughly 53% of Riverside is served by AT&T Internet fixed wireless, an affordable option that does not require a phone line or cable connection.
- 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
Call 1-855-850-5977 to check AT&T Internet availability and current promotions in Riverside.
Compare all AT&T Internet plans in Riverside →
Frontier Fiber Cheap Internet Plans in Riverside
With 47% coverage in Riverside, Frontier Fiber DSL delivers dependable basic broadband at prices that undercut many cable and fiber competitors.
- Fiber 500: 500 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
- Fiber 1 Gig: 1 Gbps for $60/mo (regular $70/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Ready to sign up? Call Frontier Fiber at 1-855-981-6281 for the latest deals in Riverside.
See full Frontier Fiber plan details and pricing →
Affordable Verizon Fios Plans for Riverside Residents
Fiber from Verizon Fios is available to about 26% of Riverside 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 Riverside address.
Check Verizon Fios availability in Riverside →
Verizon 5G Home in Riverside: Low-Cost Plan Options
5G home internet from Verizon 5G Home is available to about 26% of Riverside, offering a wireless alternative to traditional cable and fiber connections.
- 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 Riverside →
Riverside T-Mobile Plans Starting at $50/mo
T-Mobile provides 5G fixed wireless coverage to roughly 53% of Riverside, with no data caps and no annual contracts required.
- 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 Riverside.
HughesNet - Affordable Options in Riverside, CA
For the 100% of Riverside 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
Ready to sign up? Call HughesNet at 1-855-543-5405 for the latest deals in Riverside.
Budget-Friendly Viasat Plans in Riverside
Viasat delivers satellite broadband to 100% of Riverside, providing a last-resort option for areas where no wired provider has infrastructure.
- 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 Riverside address.
Starlink Internet Deals in Riverside
Approximately 100% of Riverside can access Starlink's satellite internet, which works anywhere with a clear view of the sky regardless of local infrastructure.
- Residential: 50-200 Mbps for $120/mo (regular $120/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Internet Costs in Riverside: Local Market Overview
The broadband market in Riverside, CA is influenced by both national carriers and regional providers.
With a cost of living index of 152 and a median household income of $66,100, Riverside households pay about $86/mo on average for internet. Despite above-average living costs, local internet pricing remains competitive thanks to multiple providers vying for customers.
Riverside benefits from 9 competing internet providers, which keeps the market favorable for consumers. Wired connections (fiber and cable) deliver the best combination of speed, reliability, and price. Current promotional offers from Spectrum and AT&T Internet make sub-$40 monthly internet a reality for many households.
Subsidized Internet Options for Riverside Households
Several programs can help Riverside residents reduce their internet costs significantly. If your household income qualifies, these options can bring your bill below $20 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. California 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.
- 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 California state agencies and Riverside community organizations for additional digital inclusion programs and subsidized internet access initiatives.
How Riverside Residents Can Pay Less for Internet
Before accepting your next bill increase, consider these money-saving approaches used by budget-savvy subscribers. Here are five proven ways to save.
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.
Use your own modem and router
Renting equipment from your ISP typically costs $10-$15 per month. Purchasing a compatible modem and router can pay for itself within 6-8 months and save you over $100 annually.
Switch during promotional seasons
Providers often run their deepest discounts in January, back-to-school season (August-September), and Black Friday. Timing your switch can lock in a lower rate.
Downgrade your speed tier
If you live alone or have a small household, you may not need the fastest plan available. A 100-200 Mbps connection handles streaming, video calls, and gaming for most users.
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.
Your Questions About Low-Cost Internet in Riverside, Answered
Which ISP offers the lowest monthly rate in Riverside?
In Riverside, the most affordable internet starts at $30/mo from Spectrum (Internet, 300 Mbps). AT&T Internet is another budget option at $35/mo.
How can I get internet for less than $30 a month in Riverside?
While standard promotional rates in Riverside 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.
What internet plan gives you the best bang for your buck in Riverside?
For the best speed-per-dollar value in Riverside, look at providers offering fiber or cable service. Spectrum offers 300 Mbps for $30/mo, while AT&T Internet provides 100 Mbps for $35/mo. When evaluating value, consider both the promotional and regular price -- providers with smaller price jumps after the promo period offer better sustained value.
Which internet plans in Riverside do not require a contract?
Contract-free internet is widely available in Riverside. Providers including Spectrum, AT&T Internet, and T-Mobile let you sign up on a month-to-month basis with no cancellation fees.
What does internet cost on average in Riverside?
Most Riverside households spend approximately $86/mo on internet, putting the area near the $75 national average. Savvy shoppers who take advantage of promotional pricing can pay $30-$50 less than average.
Can I get fast internet for cheap in Riverside?
Among budget-friendly plans under $50/mo in Riverside, fiber providers typically offer the fastest speeds. Plans like Spectrum Internet (300 Mbps) and AT&T Internet Internet 100 (100 Mbps) deliver strong performance at introductory prices.
Related Resources
Round out your research with these helpful links to provider pages and state coverage guides.
- Internet Providers in Riverside, CA
- Spectrum Plans and Pricing
- AT&T Internet Plans and Pricing
- Frontier Fiber Plans and Pricing
- Verizon Fios Plans and Pricing
- Internet Providers in California
Disclosure: This resource contains affiliate links to help fund our independent research. InternetProviders.ai may earn commissions on signups at no cost to readers. All plan information reflects February 2026 pricing and may vary by address in Riverside.