Starlink Cost in 2025: The Complete Guide to What You'll Really Pay

If you're hunting for fast, stable internet — maybe you're in a rural zone, living off-grid, or just totally fed up with unreliable service — one of your first big questions is probably: What does Starlink really cost?

Here's the quick answer: It's often more than just that advertised monthly price, but honestly, based on installations I've done across North Bay, it can be less than you think when you consider the reliable internet you'll finally get.

In this full guide, we'll dive deep into every expense tied to Starlink. We're talking the obvious stuff like the dish and monthly plan, but also those less-expected bills like installation, extra accessories, and even how much power it uses. You'll also discover when Starlink can actually save you money compared to other internet options, and how you can keep your total cost of ownership as low as possible.

What You'll Find Inside:

• The full breakdown of every Starlink cost.

• A clear look at all the Starlink service plans and their prices.

• Every hardware cost, from the dish itself to any extra gear you might need.

• The real expenses of Starlink installation – whether you DIY or call in the pros.

• Those hidden costs that sneak up on most new users.

• How much power your Starlink uses and what that adds to your electricity bill.

• When Starlink actually becomes your most cost-effective internet choice.

• Smart tips to keep your total ownership cost down over time.

  
  

Let's dive in.

The Full Starlink Cost Breakdown: 6 Key Components

Most traditional internet services are pretty simple: just a flat monthly fee. But with Starlink, there's more to consider. You'll need to think about the hardware, potential installation, power usage, and any accessories – all these add up and affect your true cost down the road. Heads Up on Pricing: Starlink's monthly fees and hardware kit prices can jump around depending on your area. Always check starlink.com for the exact, most up-to-date pricing for your address.

1. Monthly Service Plans: A Detailed Look at All Starlink Options

Starlink offers a diverse range of service plans designed to meet various connectivity needs, from individual home users to large global businesses. Understanding each plan's features, priority, and pricing is key to choosing the right option for your specific requirements. All prices are in USD.

A. Starlink Plans for Personal Use

These plans are tailored for individual homes, RVs, and personal travel, focusing on flexibility and standard connectivity.

• Residential (Standard)

• Price: $120 per month

• Key Features: Unlimited Data, Fixed Location.

• Description: This is the most common plan for home users, offering unlimited data with standard network priority. It's ideal for typical household activities like streaming, working from home, and online gaming, providing high-speed internet where traditional options may be limited.

• Residential (Lite / Best Effort)

  • Price: $80 per month

  • Key Features: Unlimited Data, Fixed Location (Lower Priority).

  • Description: Offered in areas with network congestion, this plan provides unlimited data but with lower network priority compared to the Standard Residential plan. It's best for lighter internet users or those on a tighter budget who prioritize cost over consistent top speeds, as performance may be slower during peak hours.

• Starlink Roam (Mobile Standard)

  • Price: $50 - $165 per month (Varies by data tier: 50GB or Unlimited)

  • Key Features: Countrywide Coverage, In-motion Use, International Travel, Coastal Coverage, Pause Service.

  • Description: Designed for mobility, this plan allows you to use Starlink in various locations. It's perfect for RVs, digital nomads, and travelers. Price varies based on the data tier chosen (e.g., a 50GB option at $50/month or an Unlimited option at $165/month). You also have the flexibility to pause service when not needed.

B. Starlink Plans for Business Use (High Priority)

These plans are built for demanding business applications, providing higher network priority, guaranteed speeds, and often include features like a Public IP address and a dedicated dashboard for management.

1. Starlink Local Priority (For Fixed and Land Mobile Businesses)

This plan is optimized for businesses operating within a single country or needing regional land mobility. It guarantees network priority and reliable performance for both fixed locations and in-motion use within the specified region.

• Key Features:

  • Single Country Land Use and Regional Travel

  • Network Priority

  • Reliable Fixed & In-motion Use

  • Public IP & Dashboard

• Sub-plans and Monthly Prices (USD):

  • Local Priority - 50GB: $65

  • Local Priority - 250GB: $165

  • Local Priority - 1TB: $290

  • Local Priority - 2TB: $540

• Priority Data Management: The prices above include the indicated amount of priority data for each sub-plan. After exhausting this priority data, the service continues to be unlimited but at a standard priority (performance may be reduced during peak hours or in congested areas).

• Priority Data Overage Costs:

  • After 50GB: +$0.25 per GB

  • After 250GB: +$0.65 per GB

  • After 1TB: +$0.29 per GB

  • After 2TB: +$0.27 per GB

2. Starlink Global Priority (For Maritime and Global Connectivity)

This plan is the top-tier solution for businesses that require uninterrupted global connectivity, whether on land, in motion, or at sea (maritime). It offers the highest network priority to ensure exceptional performance anywhere in the world.

• Key Features:

  • Ocean & Global Land Use

  • Network Priority

  • Reliable Fixed & In-motion Use

  • Public IP & Dashboard

• Sub-plans and Monthly Prices (USD):

  • Global Priority - 50GB: $250

  • Global Priority - 250GB: $650

  • Global Priority - 1TB: $1,150

  • Global Priority - 2TB: $2,150

• Priority Data Management: The prices above include the indicated amount of priority data for each sub-plan. After exhausting this priority data, the service continues to be unlimited but at a standard priority.

• Priority Data Overage Costs:

  • After 50GB: +$2.50 per GB

  • After 250GB: +$2.60 per GB

  • After 1TB: +$1.15 per GB

  • After 2TB: +$1.08 per GB

  
  

2. Hardware Equipment

You’ll need to purchase the Starlink dish and related equipment before service begins.

Standard Kit – $349 or $199 (refurbished) or $0 (12 month contract)

• Most common for homes

• Includes: dish, Gen3 router, 15m cable, mount

• Power use: 75–100W

• Coverage: ~3,000 sq ft

  
  

Mini Kit – $499 or $349 (refurbished)

• More portable and power-efficient

• Power use: 25–40W

• Coverage: ~1,500 sq ft

• Ideal for: cabins, RVs, solar-powered setups

  
  

High Performance Kit – $1,999

• Built for harsh weather and marine use

• Power use: 110–150W

• Wider tracking, auto ice-melting

  
  

Enterprise Kit – $999

• For business environments

• Requires business plan ($250/month and up)

  
  

3. Starlink Installation (0 to $1,249)

Starlink can be installed DIY — but in rural Sonoma, Napa and Marin often demand expert help.

DIY Installation – $0

• Possible if you have a clear view and simple layout

• Tools and time required

  
  

Professional Starlink Installation – $1,249

While Starlink promotes itself as a plug-and-play system, many properties in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties face real challenges: tree coverage, complex roof layouts, or long cable runs. That’s where a professional Starlink installer can make a difference.

At Clear Telecommunications, the $1,249 installation package includes:

• Starlink mount (we have multiple different mounts in stock so we can provide the correct mount for your specific installation needs)

• Up to 200 feet of cable

• All small parts needed to complete a standard installation

• No extra charge for basic mounting or cabling within that range

4. Starlink Accessories

Some extras may be required based on your home layout:

• Roof Mounts: $40–$150

• Extended Cables: $100–$200

• Ethernet Adapter: $25 (not included by default)

• Mesh Nodes: $200–$400 (for larger homes)

  
  

5. Power Consumption

This is the part most people forget: your Starlink dish draws electricity 24/7 — and that adds up.

Based on an average California residential electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh, here’s what you can expect to spend:

• Mini Kit: 25–40 watts → around $3–5/month

• Standard Kit: 75–100 watts → roughly $8–11/month

• High-performance kits: 110–150 watts → about $12–16/month

For solar users:

• Mini Kit: 300–400W panel setup + 100Ah battery

• Standard Kit: 600W+ panel setup + 200Ah+ battery bank

• Add ~30% for inverter losses and cloudy days

6. Mobile/Travel Data Overages

Applies to Roam plans only:

• $1/GB after 50GB cap

• $2–$12/GB for international roaming

Common Hidden Starlink Costs

While Starlink is relatively straightforward to set up, there are a few extra costs that often catch new users by surprise — especially in more complex or exposed environments.

Mounting hardware isn’t always included. If you need a ridgeline mount, pole mount, or anything beyond the default setup, expect to pay extra. Steeper roofs or non-standard surfaces may require specialized hardware.

Weather-related protection may be necessary. For homes in areas with snow, strong winds, or heavy rain, additional measures might be needed — like securing the dish against high winds or clearing snow from the standard dish (which doesn’t have a built-in heater like the High Performance model).

Surge protection is strongly recommended. To protect your Starlink equipment from lightning or power surges, especially in rural areas with unstable grids, consider investing in a surge protector ($50–$200).

Network integration may require professional help. If you're trying to connect Starlink to an existing mesh network, security system, or VoIP phone service, you might need a technician to help with proper setup and optimization.

Backup internet might still be necessary. For mission-critical operations — like remote monitoring, business communications, or security systems — some users choose to keep a low-cost cellular backup just in case.

You may need to replace your landline or VoIP setup. Since Starlink is purely an internet service, it doesn’t include phone service. If you're switching from a bundle with landline, you'll need a separate VoIP provider (usually $20–$50/month).

Common Questions About Starlink Cost

Can I try Starlink without commitment? Yes. Starlink offers a 30-day return policy on hardware. If the service doesn’t work for you, you can send the kit back for a full refund (you’ll just cover return shipping).

Is there a contract or long-term commitment? Starlink is available as both a month to month service, or a 12-month contract for discounted up front hardware cost.

What happens if I move? You can update your service address through your Starlink account. Depending on availability, you might also need to switch plans (e.g., from Residential to Roam).

How long does the hardware last? Most Starlink kits are designed to last 5–7 years. Some users go even longer with proper care.

Are installation or service costs tax-deductible? They can be — especially if you’re using Starlink for business, farming, or a home office. Always check with a tax professional for your specific case.

Will the prices change in the future? It’s possible. Starlink occasionally adjusts hardware pricing or introduces promotions. Always check starlink.com for the latest updates.