Cheap Internet in San Diego, California - Most Affordable Plans (February 2026)
Cheapest internet in San Diego: Spectrum Internet at $30/mo for 300 Mbps (Cable). Call 1-844-481-5997 to sign up today. San Diego is California's largest cities, where the cost of living is above the national average at a 141 index, and the average internet bill here is approximately $87/mo. Keep reading to see how each provider stacks up on price, speed, and value.
As more providers expand coverage in the area, residents benefit from lower prices and better introductory deals. San Diego residents have access to 9 providers, with the cheapest promotional rate currently at $30/mo from Spectrum. In a metro area serving 1,386,932 people, there is no shortage of budget-friendly connectivity options.
Budget Internet Plans Available in San Diego
This comparison shows the entry-level plan from every provider in your area. Plans are ranked by their current promotional rate.
| 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 |
| Cox Internet | Internet Essential 50 | 50 Mbps | $30/mo* | $50/mo | Cable | No | View Plans | 1-855-342-0684 |
| 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.
Affordable Spectrum Plans for San Diego Residents
With cable coverage spanning 29% of San Diego, Spectrum is one of the most widely available providers in the area and offers competitive promotional pricing.
- 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
Contact Spectrum at 1-844-481-5997 to see which plans are available at your San Diego address.
Check Spectrum availability in San Diego →
Cox Internet in San Diego: Low-Cost Plan Options
Cox Internet serves about 60% of San Diego via its cable network, providing a solid balance of speed and affordability for everyday internet use.
- Internet Essential 50: 50 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Cable, No contract
- Internet Preferred 250: 250 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $72/mo) -- Cable, No contract
Reach Cox Internet at 1-855-342-0684 to learn about promotions and availability in San Diego.
View all Cox Internet deals for San Diego →
San Diego AT&T Internet Plans Starting at $35/mo
Approximately 78% of San Diego can access AT&T Internet's fixed wireless network, offering a middle ground between satellite and wired broadband.
- 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 San Diego.
Compare all AT&T Internet plans in San Diego →
Verizon Fios - Affordable Options in San Diego, CA
Verizon Fios's fiber network covers roughly 32% of San Diego and continues to expand, bringing next-generation speeds to more neighborhoods each quarter.
- 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
Ready to sign up? Call Verizon Fios at 1-855-387-1456 for the latest deals in San Diego.
See full Verizon Fios plan details and pricing →
Budget-Friendly Verizon 5G Home Plans in San Diego
For the 32% of San Diego covered by Verizon 5G Home's 5G network, home internet comes with straightforward pricing, no equipment rental fees, and no annual commitments.
- 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
Check Verizon 5G Home availability in San Diego →
T-Mobile Internet Deals in San Diego
T-Mobile delivers 5G home internet to roughly 66% of San Diego, 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
Reach T-Mobile at 1-844-275-9311 to learn about promotions and availability in San Diego.
Save with HughesNet in San Diego
With universal 100% coverage, HughesNet satellite is an option for any San Diego resident, though it is best considered after exploring more affordable wired and wireless plans.
- Select: 50 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
- Elite: 100 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $85/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Call 1-855-543-5405 to check HughesNet availability and current promotions in San Diego.
Viasat - Low-Price Plans for San Diego
For the 100% of San Diego covered by Viasat satellite (typically the entire metro area), this option provides connectivity where cable and fiber networks do not reach.
- 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
Ready to sign up? Call Viasat at 1-855-463-9333 for the latest deals in San Diego.
Starlink Plans Under $120/mo in San Diego
Satellite service from Starlink reaches 100% of San Diego and represents a broadband lifeline for underserved and rural-adjacent neighborhoods.
- Residential: 50-200 Mbps for $120/mo (regular $120/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Internet Costs in San Diego: Local Market Overview
Local market conditions play a significant role in determining what you will pay for internet service.
At a cost of living index of 141, San Diego sits above the national average for overall expenses. With a median household income of $101,300 and average internet bills of $87/mo, residents benefit from a competitive broadband market that keeps pricing in check.
San Diego 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 Cox Internet make sub-$40 monthly internet a reality for many households.
Discount Internet Programs for San Diego Residents
If you are on a limited income, these assistance programs can dramatically lower your monthly internet bill in San Diego. Qualifying households may pay as little as $9.95 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.
- Cox Connect2Compete: 100 Mbps for $9.95/mo for families with K-12 students on free or reduced-price lunch programs. Call 1-855-342-0684 to enroll.
- 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 San Diego community organizations for additional digital inclusion programs and subsidized internet access initiatives.
Money-Saving Tips for Internet in San Diego
Many households in San Diego overpay for internet without realizing they have options to cut costs. Here are five proven ways to save.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your Questions About Low-Cost Internet in San Diego, Answered
What is the most affordable internet option in San Diego, CA?
Spectrum offers the cheapest plan in San Diego -- Internet at $30/mo (300 Mbps). For a second option, Cox Internet starts at $30/mo with their Internet Essential 50 plan.
Are budget internet plans under $30 available in San Diego, CA?
While standard promotional rates in San Diego 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.
For the price, which internet plan is the best choice in San Diego?
For the best speed-per-dollar value in San Diego, look at providers offering fiber or cable service. Spectrum offers 300 Mbps for $30/mo, while Cox Internet provides 50 Mbps for $30/mo. Cable and fiber plans generally provide the best speed per dollar compared to wireless and satellite alternatives.
Do I have to sign a contract for internet in San Diego, CA?
Most internet providers in San Diego have moved away from requiring contracts. Spectrum, Cox Internet, and several other providers offer no-commitment plans that let you cancel anytime without penalty.
What is a typical monthly internet cost in San Diego?
The typical internet bill in San Diego runs about $87/mo, near the national average. New-customer promotions and income-based programs offer ways to bring your bill well below this figure.
What is the quickest budget-friendly internet option in San Diego?
Among budget-friendly plans under $50/mo in San Diego, fiber providers typically offer the fastest speeds. Plans like Spectrum Internet (300 Mbps) and Cox Internet Internet Essential 50 (50 Mbps) deliver strong performance at introductory prices.
Related Resources
These related guides can help you compare more providers and plans in your region.
- Internet Providers in San Diego, CA
- Spectrum Plans and Pricing
- Cox Internet Plans and Pricing
- AT&T Internet Plans and Pricing
- Verizon Fios Plans and Pricing
- Internet Providers in California
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you sign up through one of our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our editorial team independently researches and evaluates all plans listed. Pricing shown is current as of February 2026 and subject to change. Service availability depends on your specific address in San Diego.