Real Cost Calculator
Tired of seeing $15/month plans that actually cost $20? Enter your ZIP code to see the real monthly cost with all taxes and fees included.
Real Cost Calculator
See your actual monthly bill with taxes and fees included. No surprises.
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We use this to estimate your local taxes
Why Does My Bill Have Extra Fees?
Cell phone bills include several taxes and fees beyond the advertised price:
- State Sales Tax - Most states tax wireless service as a utility, with rates ranging from 0% (Oregon, Montana) to over 7% (California, Tennessee).
- Local Taxes - Cities and counties often add their own taxes, which can add 2-5% in high-tax areas like New York City.
- Federal Universal Service Fund (USF) - A federal fee that supports phone service in rural areas and for low-income households. Currently about 6.2% of your interstate charges.
- Regulatory Fees - Various fees that carriers pass on to cover regulatory compliance costs, typically $0.50-$2.50/month.
Why MVNOs Are Still Cheaper
Even with taxes, most MVNO plans cost 50-70% less than major carrier postpaid plans. A $35/month MVNO plan might cost $42 after taxes, but that's still far less than Verizon's $80+ unlimited plans (which also have taxes on top).
Tax-Inclusive Plans
Some carriers like Visible and Google Fi include taxes in their advertised price. When comparing plans, always check whether the price includes taxes or not.