How Much Does a Phone Number Cost: What Most People Get Wrong

You’d think getting a phone number would be a straightforward transaction. You pick a provider, they give you a ten-digit code, and you pay a monthly bill. Simple, right? Honestly, it’s almost never that clean. If you’re asking how much does a phone number cost, you’re actually looking at a sliding scale that ranges from "totally free" to "thousands of dollars for a single word."

Most people end up overpaying because they don't realize they're buying a service bundle, not just the digits. Whether you need a burner for a weekend, a professional line for your startup, or a vanity 1-800 number that spells out your business name, the price tag shifts based on the "skin" you wrap around that number.

The basic breakdown of mobile and landline costs

For a standard individual mobile line in 2026, you're looking at an average monthly cost of about $141. That’s the nationwide average according to recent J.D. Power data. But wait—don't panic. That figure includes your actual phone payment (the device itself) and insurance.

If you just want the service:

• Prepaid plans are the budget king, usually sitting between $25 and $60 a month.
• Unlimited postpaid plans from the "Big Three" (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) typically run $70 to $120 for a single line.
• MVNOs like Mint Mobile or Visible can get you a number for as little as $15 to $25 if you pay upfront.

Landlines are a dying breed, but if you still want a copper wire in the wall, it's surprisingly pricey. You'll likely shell out $50 to $100 per month after you factor in the physical installation and equipment. It’s generally the least cost-effective way to get a number these days.

Business phone numbers and the VoIP revolution

If you're a business owner, you aren't just buying a number; you're buying a "system." Most modern businesses use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Basically, your phone number lives in the cloud.

For a standard business VoIP line, expect to pay between $15 and $50 per user, per month.
Providers like Dialpad or Zoom Phone start at the lower end—around $10 to $15—if you’re okay with a metered plan where you pay for the minutes you actually use. If you want the "unlimited everything" experience, RingCentral or Nextiva will put you closer to that $30 to $45 range.

The hidden "registration" fees

Here is the part everyone misses. Since late 2023 and into 2025/2026, the FCC and carriers have cracked down on spam. Now, if you want to text from a business number, you have to register your "brand."

• One-time registration fee: Usually around $19.
• Monthly campaign fees: Carriers charge about $1.50 to $3.00 a month just to keep your texting "vetted" and out of the spam folder.

The vanity number premium: Why 1-800-FLOWERS isn't cheap

Vanity numbers are the real estate of the phone world. A "random" toll-free number (like an 833 or 888 prefix) often costs the same as a local number—about $5 to $15 a month.

But if you want a vanity number—one that spells a word or has a repeating pattern—the price jumps.

1. Standard Vanity: A simple word like 1-800-LE-PIZZA might cost a one-time setup fee of $30 to $100 plus the monthly service.
2. Premium Vanity: Highly competitive numbers (think 1-800-LAW-FIRM) are often leased for hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month. In some cases, these are purchased outright in private auctions for six figures.

For most small businesses, a local number is actually better for "hometown" trust, and many VoIP providers will throw in one local or toll-free number for free with your subscription.

The "Invisible" costs that bloat your bill

You see a $20 plan advertised, but the bill comes and it's $32. What happened?
Welcome to the world of "cost recovery" fees. In early 2026, T-Mobile actually made headlines for hiking its Regulatory Programs and Telecommunications Recovery Fee to **$4.49 per line**.

You'll also see:

• 911 Surcharges: $0.50 to $1.75 (mandated by the state).
• Universal Service Fund: This varies by percentage and helps fund telecom access for rural areas.
• Activation Fees: Most major carriers still try to sneak in a $30 to $50 fee just to turn the number on. Pro tip: You can almost always get this waived if you bring your own device (BYOD) or just ask nicely.

How to get a phone number for $0

Yes, you can actually get a number for free, but there’s a catch.
Google Voice offers free personal numbers. You can call and text from your computer or an app on your existing phone. It’s great for freelancers. However, if you want to use it for a "real" business with multiple employees, Google charges $10 per user plus the cost of a Google Workspace subscription.

✨ Don't miss: Portable rechargeable LED light: Why your emergency kit is probably outdated

TextNow is another option. They give you a free number supported by ads. If you want to use it without Wi-Fi, you’ll pay about $5 for a one-time SIM card, but the basic service stays free. It’s a bit "low-rent" for a professional business, but for a side hustle? It’s perfect.

Making the right choice

When you're calculating the cost of a phone number, don't just look at the monthly sticker price.

• If you're a solo entrepreneur, grab a $10-15 VoIP line (like Zoom or OpenPhone) and use it on your existing cell phone.
• If you're a family of four, look for multi-line discounts where the per-line cost drops to $35-$45.
• If you're international, check for "local presence" numbers. You can often buy a London or Tokyo number for $5/month and answer it in New York.

Actionable Next Steps:

1. Audit your current bill: Check if you’re paying for "device insurance" or "premium voicemail"—that’s usually $15/month you can delete instantly.
2. Check for BYOD deals: If your phone is paid off, switch to an MVNO like Mint or Visible. You can keep your same number and cut your bill by 60% overnight.
3. Register your business brand: If you’re using a business number, pay the $19 registration fee now. If you don't, your texts will start getting blocked by carriers by mid-2026.