Total spend over period
US$19,896
Average monthly equivalent: US$166
Subscription Cost Inflation Predictor
Project how recurring subscriptions grow with price increases.
Model nominal and inflation adjusted spending, see the cumulative total, and understand the share of household income that the final-year cost represents.
Subscription profile
Cost in final year
US$2,647
Increase vs today: 83.8%
Income impact
Enter income to see share
Uses the final-year subscription cost for the ratio.
These figures illustrate how recurring subscriptions compound when annual price increases and inflation are layered together, highlighting the full carrying cost of today’s services.
Estimates are illustrative and for educational purposes only. This tool does not provide financial or investment advice.
AI insight
Numeric subscription summary
Press the button to create a plain-language description of these numbers. Nothing is stored or sent anywhere.
This AI text describes numbers only and is not advice.
Cost projection
Annual subscription trajectory
Each bar compares the nominal subscription spend against the inflation-adjusted view for that year.
Scenarios
Scenario comparison
Save mixes of monthly cost, price increase, and projection period to compare their long-run impact.
Save at least one scenario to start building a comparison set.
Results explainer
You’ll see how your subscription spend could climb each year, the total over your chosen timeline, and how that compares to a flat-cost baseline. Switch on the inflation view to get a “today’s dollars” look next to the nominal line.
Disclaimer
Estimates are illustrative and for educational purposes only. This tool does not provide financial, tax, or legal advice. Results depend on your inputs and assumptions and may not reflect actual billing terms, price changes, promotions, or usage. This tool does not access your bank or account data.
How it works
The calculator adds your yearly price increase to the starting monthly spend, compounds it over the years you pick, and sums every month. A flat-cost baseline and optional inflation view sit beside the projection so you can see the gap clearly.
Inputs used
- Starting monthly subscription spend
- Years to project
- Annual price increase rate
- Optional flat-cost baseline
- Optional inflation rate for a simple real view
- Saved scenarios you choose to compare
Core formulas
- Yearly-adjusted monthly: base × (1 + increase)^year ÷ 12 (if increase applied annually)
- Total spend: sum of monthly costs over all months
- Flat baseline: monthly cost × months
- Inflation (optional): nominal spend ÷ (1 + inflation)^years
Calculation steps
- Apply the annual increase to the monthly amount each year.
- Track the adjusted monthly cost after each yearly bump.
- Sum every monthly charge for the total spend.
- Compute a flat-cost total as a baseline.
- Optionally deflate totals by (1 + inflation)^years for a simple real view.
- Repeat for saved scenarios to compare side by side.
Example scenario
Starting monthly spend: $150. Years: 4. Annual price increase: 5%. After four years, the monthly amount is about $183. Total paid across the period is roughly $7,740. A flat $150/month baseline would total about $7,200, so the increases add around $540 over four years. Turn on a 2% inflation view to see a “today” value, or save a second scenario at 2% annual increases to compare the gap.
Interpretation notes
- Higher annual increases stack up quickly over a few years.
- A flat baseline can understate real spend if providers hike yearly.
- The inflation toggle is illustrative; everyone’s costs differ.
- Shorter timelines soften the effect of compounding increases.
- Changing currency or start amounts shifts totals; keep them aligned when comparing.
Limitations & assumptions
The model uses one steady annual increase and assumes the same billing schedule throughout. Taxes, fees, promos, usage-based charges, and mid-cycle changes are not included. Inflation and flat baselines are simple illustrative views. Shared plans or discounts are not split automatically. Use the figures as directional, not advice.
FAQs
Quick answers
What does this tool estimate?
It estimates how your subscription spend grows year over year, shows the total over your timeline, and lets you see the gap versus a flat-cost view.
What’s included or excluded?
Included: starting monthly spend, years, annual price increase rate, optional inflation, and an optional flat baseline. Excluded: taxes, fees, promos, and one-off purchases.
What assumptions are used?
A steady annual increase is applied to the starting amount and compounded over time. Inflation and a flat baseline are simple illustrative views; income or usage changes are not modeled.
Can I save or export scenarios?
Yes. You can save multiple setups, compare them, and export summaries for your records.
Is my data private?
Calculations run in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server unless you export files locally.
Is this financial advice?
No. It’s an educational model. Confirm prices with your provider and seek professional advice for money decisions.
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