How To Get Wifi In Apartment

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How much does Wi-Fi cost for an apartment? That question likely tops your list when you're looking into utilities for your new place. Here's a guide to comparing Wi-Fi providers, so you can have answers you need before signing a lease.

How much does Wi-Fi cost per month in an apartment?

Various internet service providers, or ISPs, will come with a range of prices. Of course, the exact bill you receive will depend on where you live. Still, when you're budgeting for your new place, you can keep certain guidelines in mind.

At the time of writing (August 2021), the average internet plan costs around $70 each month. However, ultra-fast gigabit plans skew that average. You may not actually need the fastest service. You can often find more basic internet plans closer to $50 each month — and that doesn't account for promotional prices you may get for the first year or so of service.

Examples of possible monthly prices for the first 12 months with popular ISPs include:

Provider	Monthly Price	Download Speeds	Learn More
Xfinity Internet	$29.99–$84.99	50–1200 Mbps	View Plans
AT&T Internet	$35.00-$60.00	300-1000 Mbps	View Plans
Verizon Fios Home Internet	$39.99-$89.99	200-1000 Mbps	View Plans
CenturyLink Internet	$50.00–$65.00	100–940 Mbps	View Plans

Finally, fully answering "how much is internet in an apartment?" requires considering a few other "hidden" fees that you might encounter when installing or using your service.

Common fees to watch out for include:

Data cap fees.
Equipment rental fees.
Installation fees.

Do I have to pay for a motem or a router?

As you shop for ISPs, you may notice that the cost of the WiFi service isn't the only fee you have to pay.

You usually can't just get WiFi, as Wi-Fi is simply the radio signal that allows you to connect to the internet without a wire connection. To connect your devices to the internet, you need hardware in addition to the WiFi service, which often adds an additional monthly cost: routers and motems.

Some ISPs charge an extra fee for renting a Wi-Fi-enabled modem. If you already have your own router (that little box that distributes the Wi-Fi signal throughout your unit), you can typically contact your ISP and have the Wi-Fi-enabled modem turned off to save a little on your monthly bill.

Fancy routers cost upwards of $100, but you'll find basic models between $20 and $60. That one-time cost will come in addition to the monthly fee of internet service in your apartment.

Can you always get Wi-Fi in an apartment?

Certain considerations regarding Wi-Fi exist when you live in an apartment. Typically, you get your own service set up via an ISP as the renter. Before you sign your rental agreement, check with your landlord to ensure you're allowed a provider to install internet.

Once you have the go-ahead from your landlord, you can research the providers available in your area and compare packages based on what you need. Consider factors, such as internet connection speeds, bundling options if you want things like cable TV, and the overall price, to make your decision. Then, you should sign up with the ISP and make arrangements so they can install any needed cables and equipment.

In some cases, your apartment may come with the internet as part of your utilities. Ask your landlord about the type of internet you get and whether you can get your own set up. Additional factors may decide whether it's easier to stay with the Wi-Fi included in your rent. For example, public Wi-Fi means less security. Many devices accessing the same connection can also lead to performance issues if you're playing games or streaming shows.

You'll want to pay close attention to included Wi-Fi if you rent in a community with a homeowners association (HOA). Your HOA fees may cover access to the internet as the HOA sometimes works out bulk cable and internet contracts for renters and owners of the units within the community. You may want to look into other options depending on your needs, but check with your HOA or landlord to see if your contract allows you to get your own internet.

What is a high-speed connection?

Technically speaking, a connection with 25 Mbps or more download speed qualifies as high-speed internet. That's fine if you're the only person using that connection. If you're planning to share costs and split bills with roommates, you may need a lot more than 25 Mbps.

One gigabit per second translates to 1,000 Mbps, and you will find some super-fast gigabit plans out there. These plans come closer to $100 each month, and they're not necessarily available everywhere.

If you have a bunch of roommates and you all want to stream your favorite shows simultaneously, you may need these higher speeds. Carefully consider what you need so you don't pay for the extra speed you won't ultimately use.

What are the different types of internet?

Beyond deciphering internet speeds and service prices, you'll also need to understand the different types of internet service. The most common types of internet (in other words, the type of connection that gets you Wi-Fi) include:

Cable:Running on the copper wiring of a coaxial cable company, cable internet delivers fast download speeds and solid connections. Cable works well if you're downloading data, such as checking emails or streaming videos but won't offer the best speeds for upload-heavy tasks like video calls. Other users can impact the connection because the cable runs via a neighborhood-wide network. Still, if coaxial cabling already exists in your unit, you'll have an easier time in terms of installation.
DSL: DSL internet operates over a landline phone network, so it doesn't offer quick speeds. However, DSL is budget-friendly and available almost everywhere.
Fiber: Fiber-optic internet is the fastest and most reliable internet and will deliver a smooth Wi-Fi connection. However, fiber isn't available everywhere, and it can get expensive.
Satellite: Satellite internet relies on signals from space. The service is expensive and slow but sometimes the only option in rural or remote areas.

Understanding factors that impact internet costs can help you shop for the right internet package. That way, you can set up Wi-Fi that works for your needs.