YouTube TV has become a popular choice for cord-cutters looking for a live TV streaming service that offers a wide range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news. However, one of the most common questions people ask before signing up for YouTube TV is: how much does it really cost? In this article, we’ll break down the cost of YouTube TV, including taxes and fees, to help you make an informed decision.
YouTube TV Pricing Plans
YouTube TV offers a single pricing plan that costs $64.99 per month. This plan includes access to over 85 live TV channels, including local networks, sports, and news. You’ll also get unlimited cloud DVR storage, so you can record as many shows as you want and watch them later.
However, it’s worth noting that YouTube TV occasionally offers promotions and discounts for new customers. For example, you might be able to get a free trial or a discounted rate for the first few months. Be sure to check the YouTube TV website for any current promotions.
Additional Fees for Premium Channels
In addition to the base pricing plan, YouTube TV also offers a range of premium channels that you can add to your subscription for an extra fee. These channels include:
- HBO: $14.99 per month
- Showtime: $10.99 per month
- Starz: $8.99 per month
- Epix: $4.99 per month
You can also add a range of sports and entertainment packages to your subscription, including:
- NFL RedZone: $10.99 per month
- MLB.TV: $24.99 per month
- NBA League Pass: $28.99 per month
- AMC+: $6.99 per month
How to Calculate the Total Cost of YouTube TV
To calculate the total cost of YouTube TV, you’ll need to add the cost of the base pricing plan to any additional fees for premium channels or packages. For example, if you want to add HBO to your subscription, your total monthly cost would be:
$64.99 (base plan) + $14.99 (HBO) = $79.98 per month
Taxes and Fees on YouTube TV
In addition to the base pricing plan and any additional fees for premium channels, you’ll also need to pay taxes and fees on your YouTube TV subscription. These taxes and fees vary depending on your location, but they typically include:
- Sales tax: This is a state and local tax that’s applied to the cost of your YouTube TV subscription. The rate varies depending on your location, but it’s typically around 5-10%.
- Regulatory recovery fees: These fees are used to recover the costs of complying with government regulations. They’re typically around $1-2 per month.
- Broadcast fees: These fees are used to compensate broadcasters for the cost of transmitting their signals. They’re typically around $10-15 per month.
To give you a better idea of how much you can expect to pay in taxes and fees, here’s an example of the estimated taxes and fees for a YouTube TV subscription in different states:
| State | Sales Tax Rate | Estimated Taxes and Fees |
|---|---|---|
| California | 7.25% | $4.67 per month |
| New York | 8.875% | $5.67 per month |
| Florida | 6% | $3.90 per month |
| Texas | 6.25% | $4.06 per month |
How to Minimize Taxes and Fees on YouTube TV
While you can’t avoid paying taxes and fees on your YouTube TV subscription entirely, there are a few ways to minimize them:
- Consider using a VPN: A VPN can help you mask your location and avoid paying taxes and fees in certain states. However, be aware that using a VPN to avoid taxes and fees may be against the terms of service of YouTube TV.
- Look for promotions and discounts: YouTube TV occasionally offers promotions and discounts that can help you save money on your subscription. Be sure to check the YouTube TV website for any current deals.
- Consider a different streaming service: If you’re looking for a live TV streaming service with lower taxes and fees, you might want to consider a different option. For example, Hulu with Live TV and Sling TV both offer lower prices and fewer taxes and fees.
YouTube TV vs. Other Live TV Streaming Services
YouTube TV is just one of many live TV streaming services available. Here’s how it compares to some of the other popular options:
- Hulu with Live TV: Hulu with Live TV costs $64.99 per month, which is the same as YouTube TV. However, Hulu with Live TV offers a range of additional features, including access to Hulu’s on-demand library.
- Sling TV: Sling TV costs $30 per month, which is significantly cheaper than YouTube TV. However, Sling TV offers fewer channels and less cloud DVR storage.
- AT&T TV Now: AT&T TV Now costs $55 per month, which is cheaper than YouTube TV. However, AT&T TV Now offers fewer channels and less cloud DVR storage.
Key Features of YouTube TV
Here are some of the key features of YouTube TV:
- Over 85 live TV channels: YouTube TV offers a wide range of live TV channels, including local networks, sports, and news.
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage: YouTube TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, so you can record as many shows as you want and watch them later.
- Up to 3 simultaneous streams: YouTube TV allows you to stream on up to 3 devices at the same time.
- Availability on a range of devices: YouTube TV is available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.
Conclusion
YouTube TV is a popular live TV streaming service that offers a wide range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news. While the base pricing plan is $64.99 per month, you’ll also need to pay taxes and fees, which can add up to $10-20 per month. However, with its unlimited cloud DVR storage and availability on a range of devices, YouTube TV is a great option for cord-cutters who want to watch live TV without the hassle of a traditional cable subscription.
What is the base cost of YouTube TV?
The base cost of YouTube TV is $64.99 per month for the standard plan, which includes access to over 85 live TV channels, including local networks, sports, and news. This plan also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing users to record and store their favorite shows and movies.
It’s worth noting that prices may vary depending on the user’s location, and some channels may be available for an additional fee. Additionally, users can customize their plan by adding or removing channels, which can affect the overall cost.
What are the additional fees and taxes associated with YouTube TV?
In addition to the base cost, YouTube TV users may be charged additional fees and taxes, which can vary depending on their location. These fees can include local broadcast fees, regional sports fees, and state and local taxes. The amount of these fees can range from a few dollars to over $20 per month, depending on the user’s location.
It’s also worth noting that some channels may be available for an additional fee, such as HBO or Showtime. These fees can range from $5 to $15 per month, depending on the channel. Users can choose to add or remove these channels at any time, which can affect the overall cost of their plan.
How do local broadcast fees work on YouTube TV?
Local broadcast fees are fees charged by local TV stations to broadcast their channels on streaming services like YouTube TV. These fees can range from $5 to $15 per month, depending on the user’s location. The fees are typically used to support the local TV stations and help them maintain their operations.
It’s worth noting that not all users will be charged local broadcast fees, and the amount of the fee can vary depending on the user’s location. Users can check their YouTube TV account to see if they are being charged local broadcast fees and how much they are paying.
What is the regional sports fee on YouTube TV?
The regional sports fee is a fee charged by YouTube TV to users who live in areas with regional sports networks. This fee can range from $5 to $15 per month, depending on the user’s location. The fee is used to support the regional sports networks and help them maintain their operations.
It’s worth noting that not all users will be charged the regional sports fee, and the amount of the fee can vary depending on the user’s location. Users can check their YouTube TV account to see if they are being charged the regional sports fee and how much they are paying.
Can I avoid paying taxes and fees on YouTube TV?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to avoid paying taxes and fees on YouTube TV. These fees are mandatory and are used to support the local TV stations, regional sports networks, and state and local governments. Users will be charged these fees regardless of their location or plan.
However, users can take steps to minimize their costs by choosing a plan that does not include channels that are subject to additional fees. Users can also consider using a different streaming service that may have lower fees or no fees at all.
How do I know how much I’ll be charged in taxes and fees on YouTube TV?
Users can check their YouTube TV account to see how much they will be charged in taxes and fees. The account will show a breakdown of the base cost, additional fees, and taxes, as well as the total cost of the plan. Users can also check the YouTube TV website for more information on taxes and fees.
It’s worth noting that taxes and fees can change over time, so users should check their account regularly to see if there have been any changes to their fees. Users can also contact YouTube TV customer support for more information on taxes and fees.
Are there any promotions or discounts available to reduce the cost of YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube TV occasionally offers promotions and discounts to new and existing users. These promotions can include discounts on the base cost, free trials, or free access to additional channels. Users can check the YouTube TV website for more information on current promotions and discounts.
It’s worth noting that promotions and discounts can change over time, so users should check the YouTube TV website regularly to see if there are any new offers available. Users can also contact YouTube TV customer support for more information on promotions and discounts.