Comparison
Monthly vs Yearly Subscriptions Which Costs More
The same subscription can look cheaper monthly or yearly depending on the annual price, but yearly charges are easier to forget because they appear only once. Here is a simple way to compare them and surface yearly spend in the detector, at a pace that feels comfortable.
Published: December 24, 2025 - Updated: December 24, 2025 - By FinToolSuite Editorial
Quick answer
- Convert a yearly price into a monthly equivalent by dividing by 12.
- Yearly billing can hide spend because it shows once per year.
- The detector can include yearly subscriptions to estimate a monthly view.
- Run a scan in the detector.
Disclaimer
Educational purposes only; not financial advice. Examples are illustrative and results depend on your data; they are not guaranteed. Prices, taxes, and fees can vary by country and provider.
Your data is processed to detect recurring patterns; see the Privacy Policy for details.
The simple math
Monthly equivalent = yearly price / 12. Yearly equivalent = monthly price x 12. Here is an illustrative comparison.
| Plan | Price shown | Equivalent per month |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | GBP 12 per month | GBP 12 |
| Yearly | GBP 120 per year | GBP 10 |
Illustrative only; your prices will differ.
Why yearly subscriptions hide spend
- One large charge can blend into other statement items.
- Renewals happen once per year, easy to miss.
- Merchant name can change slightly at renewal.
Learn how to separate recurring vs one off charges: see the guide.
How the detector handles yearly subscriptions
If you enable the option to include yearly subscriptions, the detector can spread annual charges into an estimated monthly view. This is for budgeting and awareness; the actual charge still happens yearly.
Illustrative examples
Example A: Yearly charge looks one-off
A yearly renewal of GBP 96 appears once and might look like a single purchase. That equals about GBP 8 per month when spread across the year.
Try this in the detectorExample B: Monthly vs yearly offer
One option is GBP 9 per month; another is GBP 90 per year. The yearly path is GBP 7.50 per month in simple math, while monthly may feel more flexible. No one-size-fits-all choice, just a clearer comparison.
Try this in the detectorWhen monthly can cost more, when yearly can cost more
- Yearly costs more if the annual price is greater than 12 times the monthly price.
- Monthly costs more if the annual plan offers a discount.
- Taxes or fees can change totals; always check the final amount.
Practical tracking tip
Export results and keep a simple log of monthly equivalents so you can track trends over time.
More tracking help: track spend month over month.
Common mistakes
- Comparing monthly vs yearly without converting.
- Forgetting to include yearly charges in your view.
- Treating a yearly renewal as a random one-off purchase.
- Assuming a discount is always worth it.
FAQ
Is yearly always cheaper than monthly?
No. It depends on the annual price versus 12 months of the monthly price.
How do I compare prices quickly?
Divide the yearly price by 12, or multiply the monthly price by 12, then compare.
Why do yearly renewals feel like surprise charges?
They appear once and may use a slightly different descriptor. Adding them to a monthly view reduces surprises.
Does the detector find yearly subscriptions?
It can flag yearly patterns and, when enabled, include them as monthly equivalents for estimates.
What if I have multiple yearly renewals?
Include them so you see the combined monthly equivalent and set reminders near renewal dates.
Can taxes or fees change the comparison?
Yes. Taxes, fees, and currency changes can shift the effective monthly cost.
Are results guaranteed?
No. Estimates are illustrative; confirm amounts on your statements.
How can I track my subscription spend?
Export detector results and log monthly equivalents. See tracking tips.
Final call to action
Run a scan, include yearly subscriptions if you want a monthly view, and compare options with clear math.