Starlink's current pricing structure

Starlink residential service costs $120 per month for standard speeds, or $150 per month for priority access during peak hours. The upfront equipment cost is $599 for the dish, router, and mounting hardware — you buy this once, not monthly. Starlink also charges a one-time $99 installation fee if you use their professional installation service, though self-installation is free.

These prices apply to most of the continental United States. Starlink's pricing varies by region and changes periodically, so the amounts listed here reflect current rates but may shift. You can check your exact local price by entering your address on Starlink's website.

There is no contract. You can cancel at any time without penalty, though Starlink will keep the equipment cost — you do not get a refund on the dish and router once you have paid for them.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Starlink costs $120 monthly plus $599 upfront for equipment, with no long-term contract required.
  • Priority tier ($150 monthly) guarantees faster speeds during congested hours but costs $30 more per month.
  • Professional installation adds $99 one-time; self-installation is free but requires you to mount the dish yourself.
  • Equipment cost is non-refundable once purchased, even if you cancel service later.
  • Prices vary by location and Starlink adjusts them periodically, so check your address for your actual local rate.

What the monthly fee covers

The $120 or $150 monthly payment covers unlimited data — there is no data cap. Starlink does not throttle or slow you down after you hit a certain amount of usage. You get access to the satellite network, technical support, and service maintenance.

Typical download speeds on standard service range from 50 to 150 Mbps depending on your location, weather, and network congestion. Priority service ($150/month) does not increase your maximum speed; instead, it ensures your traffic moves to the front of the queue during peak hours when the network is busy. If you live in a rural area with few other Starlink users, you may not notice much difference between the two tiers.

The monthly fee does not include a modem or router rental — the $599 equipment purchase is yours to keep. You own the hardware outright.

Equipment you have to buy upfront

The $599 one-time cost covers three pieces: the satellite dish (called a Starlink terminal), a Wi-Fi router, and mounting hardware. You need all three to use the service. This is a purchase, not a rental — once you pay, the equipment belongs to you and you can keep it even if you cancel Starlink later.

Starlink occasionally offers discounts on equipment during promotions, though these are temporary. The standard price remains $599. If your equipment breaks after the first year, Starlink offers a replacement service, but you will pay for the replacement hardware at that time.

If you choose professional installation ($99), a technician will come to your home, mount the dish, run cables, and set up the network. If you install it yourself, you save the $99 but you handle the physical mounting and cable routing.

How Starlink compares to other internet options on cost

Cable and fiber internet typically cost $50 to $100 monthly with no equipment purchase, though some providers charge $10 to $15 monthly for modem rental. DSL is often cheaper ($30 to $60 monthly) but slower. Fixed wireless from carriers like T-Mobile or Verizon ranges from $50 to $80 monthly with no equipment cost.

Starlink's advantage is availability — it works in rural areas where cable, fiber, and DSL do not reach. The trade-off is the $599 upfront cost and slightly higher monthly fee. If you are comparing Starlink to cable in an area where both are available, cable is usually cheaper per month, but Starlink has no contract and no data caps.

Satellite internet from competitors like Viasat or HughesNet typically costs $50 to $150 monthly but includes data caps (often 50 to 150 GB per month), meaning your speed slows after you exceed your limit. Starlink has no cap.

Hidden costs and things that cost extra

Starlink's advertised price is mostly what you pay — there are few surprise charges. However, a few add-ons exist. If you need a second router to extend coverage in a large home, Starlink sells additional routers for around $50 to $100. If you want to move your service to a new address, Starlink charges a relocation fee (typically $50 to $100, though this varies).

Taxes and local fees are added to your monthly bill depending on your state and county. These are not Starlink charges but government taxes, and they vary widely by location — anywhere from 5% to 15% of your bill.

If you need a professional technician to troubleshoot a problem after installation, Starlink's support is included in your monthly fee. However, if the problem is with your own equipment or wiring (not Starlink's network), you may be charged for a service visit.

Regional pricing differences

Starlink charges different prices in different parts of the country. Urban and suburban areas often cost less than rural areas because the network is more congested and Starlink uses pricing to manage demand. Some regions pay $120 monthly while others pay $150 or more for the same standard tier.

International pricing is significantly higher — Starlink costs more in Canada, the UK, Australia, and other countries. If you are outside the continental United States, check Starlink's website for your region's specific rates.

Starlink occasionally runs promotions that waive or reduce the equipment cost for new customers, though these are temporary and regional. Checking your address on their website will show you the current price and any active promotions in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Starlink without paying the $599 upfront?

Starlink occasionally runs promotions that reduce or waive the equipment cost, but these are temporary and location-specific. Standard pricing requires the $599 purchase. Check your address on Starlink's website to see if a promotion is active in your area.

Do I have to sign a contract?

No. Starlink has no contract — you can cancel at any time. However, the $599 equipment cost is non-refundable once you have purchased it, so you lose that money if you cancel.

What happens if I move to a new address?

You can move your Starlink service to a new address, but Starlink charges a relocation fee (typically $50 to $100). You keep your existing equipment and bring it with you — you do not have to buy a new dish.

Is the $120 price the same everywhere?

No. Starlink's price varies by region and changes over time. Enter your address on Starlink's website to see your local rate. Some areas pay $120 monthly while others pay $150 or more.

What if my equipment breaks?

Starlink covers equipment failures under warranty for the first year. After that, you pay for replacement hardware. The cost of a replacement dish is typically several hundred dollars, though Starlink may offer discounted replacement rates to existing customers.