YouTube has made another announcement regarding a price increase for its YouTube TV service, prompting subscribers to deal with elevated expenses. The monthly fee for the Base plan is increasing from $72.99 to $82.99. This price adjustment is already applicable to new subscribers, while current users will experience the change starting January 13, 2025. As stated on YouTube TV’s [support page](https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/9285852?sjid=14719911139988147886-NA), this modification is attributed to the “rising cost of content” and seeks to align with the “complete value” of the service.

### Streaming vs. Cable: The Cost Debate
The notion of cord-cutting as a more economical option compared to cable appears to be diminishing. Streaming platforms, once celebrated for being wallet-friendly, are now nearing or even exceeding the prices of conventional cable. According to a report from [CableTV.com](https://www.cabletv.com/blog/how-much-should-i-pay-for-cable-tv), the average cable TV bill stands at $83 a month, while a combined cable and internet package runs about $134. When you account for a YouTube TV subscription along with your internet fees, the cost disparity becomes minimal.

When YouTube TV debuted in 2017, it was attractively priced at $35 per month, making it a favored option for those cutting the cord. However, over time, the price has consistently increased to its current $83 level. Regrettably, YouTube TV is not the only one following this trajectory—other live TV streaming services are similarly priced. For example, Hulu’s basic live TV plan is $82 monthly, and this does not encompass extras like ESPN+ or Disney+.

### The High Cost of Watching Football
For sports enthusiasts, especially NFL fans, the financial strain is even more pronounced. Mashable’s Tim Marcin [calculated](https://mashable.com/article/how-much-cost-nfl-game-tv) that watching every NFL game in a season across multiple streaming services would cost an astonishing $891.36. This figure includes YouTube TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket, which adds four payments of $95 to the base subscription fee.

### Is It Time to Reconsider Cable?
If the recent price increase seems excessive, canceling your YouTube TV subscription remains an option. [Here’s how to cancel](https://mashable.com/article/how-to-cancel-youtube-tv) if you’re prepared to switch. With streaming prices continually creeping closer to cable fees, it may be beneficial to reassess traditional cable as a feasible—and possibly more economical—alternative.