US Consumer Prices Soar as Streaming Services Boost Subscriptions by 29%
A recent report from the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that Americans are shouldering a heavy burden when it comes to subscription-based services, with video streaming and gaming prices surging by an astonishing 29% between December 2024 and 2025.
According to the BLS data, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), which tracks over 90% of the US population, rose by a modest 2.7% in 2025 before seasonal adjustment. However, when it comes to "subscription and rental of video and video games," prices skyrocketed by an incredible 29%.
The BLS attributes this surge to subscription-based streaming services, which have become increasingly popular as Americans cut the cord on traditional TV providers. The agency notes that these services are not only offering a vast library of content but also providing users with on-demand access to their favorite shows and movies.
In fact, unadjusted data from 2025 revealed a staggering 19.5% increase in subscription and rental prices for video games alone between November and December last year. This is a significant jump compared to the 1.6% growth seen in 2024.
Streaming services have long been criticized for their exorbitant pricing, which has become increasingly unsustainable as consumers become more discerning about their viewing habits. The industry's reliance on price hikes to drive growth has also led to user dissatisfaction, with many expressing frustration over issues such as ad frequency, content availability, and ease of navigation.
Despite these concerns, experts predict that streaming prices will continue to rise in 2026, but in more subtle forms, such as through upcharges for premium features like 4K. As the industry seeks to appear more cost-effective and deter cancellations, we can expect to see more streaming companies bundle their subscriptions with other services.
The BLS data serves as a stark reminder of the growing economic burden that Americans are shouldering when it comes to subscription-based services. As consumers become increasingly savvy about their viewing habits, it remains to be seen whether streaming services will find a sustainable balance between pricing and user satisfaction.
A recent report from the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that Americans are shouldering a heavy burden when it comes to subscription-based services, with video streaming and gaming prices surging by an astonishing 29% between December 2024 and 2025.
According to the BLS data, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), which tracks over 90% of the US population, rose by a modest 2.7% in 2025 before seasonal adjustment. However, when it comes to "subscription and rental of video and video games," prices skyrocketed by an incredible 29%.
The BLS attributes this surge to subscription-based streaming services, which have become increasingly popular as Americans cut the cord on traditional TV providers. The agency notes that these services are not only offering a vast library of content but also providing users with on-demand access to their favorite shows and movies.
In fact, unadjusted data from 2025 revealed a staggering 19.5% increase in subscription and rental prices for video games alone between November and December last year. This is a significant jump compared to the 1.6% growth seen in 2024.
Streaming services have long been criticized for their exorbitant pricing, which has become increasingly unsustainable as consumers become more discerning about their viewing habits. The industry's reliance on price hikes to drive growth has also led to user dissatisfaction, with many expressing frustration over issues such as ad frequency, content availability, and ease of navigation.
Despite these concerns, experts predict that streaming prices will continue to rise in 2026, but in more subtle forms, such as through upcharges for premium features like 4K. As the industry seeks to appear more cost-effective and deter cancellations, we can expect to see more streaming companies bundle their subscriptions with other services.
The BLS data serves as a stark reminder of the growing economic burden that Americans are shouldering when it comes to subscription-based services. As consumers become increasingly savvy about their viewing habits, it remains to be seen whether streaming services will find a sustainable balance between pricing and user satisfaction.
I'm surprised they're gonna keep raising prices 
. Like, what's the limit? People are already getting suffocated with options and ads on some of these platforms 
. It's like they think we won't notice or something... Newsflash: we do! And it's just gonna lead to people canceling their subs or finding cheaper alternatives 
. I mean, who needs 4K or all the features? Can't we just have a decent streaming experience without breaking the bank 
?
. It's not just about the cost, it's also about the convenience and user experience. If they can't deliver on that then maybe it's time to reconsider their pricing strategy 
.
i don't know if i can afford it anymore i love binge watching all their shows and movies so much i guess this means i'll have to cancel my premium subscription now lol 
what's up with these streaming services always increasing prices? can't we just get a decent 4K stream without breaking the bank 
. I swear, if one more show about entitled rich kids gets released, I'm gonna lose my mind 
. 
It's like we're being asked to prove our love for streaming services by paying more and more 
It seems like streaming services are always finding new ways to nickel-and-dime us... I'm all for having access to great content, but come on! Can't we find a way to make it more affordable without sacrificing quality 
like, what's next? Are they gonna make us pay to breathe? 
.
. 29%?! that's like me wanting to charge my friends $100 for just watching a rom-com marathon... streaming is already pricey enough, I don't need the extra baggage of having to pay more just because I want to upgrade my experience.
That's like, whoa! 
I mean, I love my Netflix and whatnot, but I also feel me when I see those price hikes 
Can't we just have a decent streaming service without the ads?