Texans face higher connectivity costs than other states, report finds

DALLAS (KDAF) — A new report from Power Choice Texas reveals that the Lone Star State ranks third most expensive in the U.S. for basic internet and phone connections, with residents spending an average of $1,225 per year to stay online and in touch.

That breaks down to approximately $437 annually for internet and a staggering $788 for phone services, totaling 2.67% of the average Texan’s income.

Most Expensive States for Connectivity

Rank	State	Annual Cost Per Person	Internet Cost	Phone Cost	Percentage of Income Spent	Income Percentage Rank
1	Washington	$1,618	$751	$867	2.70%	2
2	Kansas	$1,576	$545	$1,031	3.48%	1
3	Texas	$1,225	$437	$788	2.67%	3
4	New York	$1,030	$373	$657	1.81%	11
5	Virginia	$1,018	$343	$675	2.04%	5
6	Alaska	$1,006	$481	$525	1.79%	13
7	Massachusetts	$1,006	$366	$640	1.66%	20
8	California	$1,004	$404	$600	1.86%	7
9	Pennsylvania	$994	$300	$694	2.10%	4
10	New Hampshire	$992	$351	$641	1.99%	6

And while Texas takes bronze in the nation’s priciest states for connectivity, the financial burden hits particularly hard in regions where high-speed internet is a lifeline for work, school, and healthcare access. Residents in certain states fork out quadruple what others pay for identical services.

Wondering where it’s cheaper to stay connected? Power Choice Texas has also revealed the most affordable states for connectivity.

Most Affordable States for Connectivity

Rank	State	Annual Cost Per Person	Internet Cost	Phone Cost	Percentage of Income Spent	Income Percentage Rank
1	Idaho	$379	$130	$249	0.86%	49
2	Oregon	$423	$181	$242	0.85%	50
3	Indiana	$476	$167	$309	1.05%	47
4	Mississippi	$468	$171	$297	1.25%	37
5	Nevada	$487	$180	$307	1.09%	44
6	Maine	$496	$175	$321	1.04%	48
7	Alabama	$503	$168	$335	1.22%	40
8	Wisconsin	$504	$163	$341	1.06%	46
9	Iowa	$513	$166	$347	1.10%	43
10	Vermont	$533	$183	$349	1.07%	45