Evidence-led answer
The cheapest live TV with locals depends on your ZIP
A headline price cannot settle this nationally. Sling has the lowest current entry row among the providers here with a local-lineup lookup, but the exact Sling plan and local surcharge vary. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV cost more in this snapshot. None is a valid answer until the same home ZIP confirms every required station.
Price is only step one
Current starting points, then the ZIP test
We show cheaper incomplete rows on purpose. The evidence label explains why a lower number may not solve the local-channel requirement.
- 01
Frndly TV
Frndly TV Basic
Recurring$8.99/moLocal evidenceNo local match confirmed in this national evidence setThe lowest current price here, aimed at a narrower family, weather, history, and Hallmark-style lineup. Low cost does not make it a complete YouTube TV substitute.
- 02
Sling TV
Sling Essentials
Recurring$19.99/moLocal evidencePossible; official ZIP check requiredThe price is current, but a national row cannot prove which ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, or Spanish-language local station appears at your address.
- 03
Philo
Philo Essential
Recurring$25.00/moLocal evidenceNo local match confirmed in this national evidence setA lower-cost entertainment option with a strong tracked lifestyle lineup. It is not a like-for-like replacement when sports or local broadcast stations drive the decision.
- 04
YouTube TV
YouTube TV main plan
Recurring$82.99/moLocal evidencePossible; official ZIP check requiredThe price is current, but a national row cannot prove which ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, or Spanish-language local station appears at your address.
- 05
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV
Recurring$89.99/moLocal evidencePossible; official ZIP check requiredThe price is current, but a national row cannot prove which ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, or Spanish-language local station appears at your address.
The non-negotiable check
Use the same home ZIP on every provider.
A national page cannot establish the exact local station, regional sports network, blackout, surcharge, or reception result at an address. Keep the cheaper plan only if its official lookup confirms every must-have item by name.
Source ledger
The rows behind this answer
Direct provider links only. No paid destination controls order, inclusion, or wording.
- 01Frndly TV · Frndly TV BasicObserved Aug 7, 2026 · recheck by Aug 8, 2026Open ↗
- 02Sling TV · Sling EssentialsObserved Aug 7, 2026 · recheck by Aug 8, 2026Open ↗
- 03Philo · Philo EssentialObserved Aug 7, 2026 · recheck by Aug 8, 2026Open ↗
- 04YouTube TV · YouTube TV main planObserved Aug 7, 2026 · recheck by Aug 8, 2026Open ↗
- 05Hulu + Live TV · Hulu (With Ads) + Live TVObserved Aug 7, 2026 · recheck by Aug 8, 2026Open ↗