4 FL Cities Make U.S. Most Expensive Cell Phone Bills List

When it comes to having the nation's most expensive wireless phone bills, a new study has concluded that four Florida cities rank among the highest.

NumberBarn, a phone number management company, revealed the average monthly cell phone costs across 50 of the largest U.S. cities.

Analysts used average monthly wireless phone bill data from the Council for Community and Economic Research Cost of Living Index for this year's second quarter. In doing so, experts were able to estimate pricing based on standardized usage patterns across the U.S.

The study concluded that the city with the most expensive wireless bill in Florida is Tampa, where the average monthly bill is estimated to be $199.25. Nationally, Tampa is 24th.

Three Florida towns are not far behind. Jacksonville ranked 25th with an average monthly bill of $199.25, which equates to annual payments of $2,391.

Miami placed 27th; the average monthly bill is $198.80 or $2,385.60 annually. Orlando came directly after with an average monthly bill of $198.50 and a yearly cost of $2,382.

Nationwide, the average monthly phone bill is $196.70, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research.

NumberBarn reported 57 percent of Americans have shared or family phone plans, indicating most households are paying for multiple service lines.

The state with the highest combined tax rates on wireless is Illinois at 36 percent. Florida is 15th for highest taxes on wireless service, with customers paying 15.09 percent state-local tax.

According to the report, phone bills phone bills vary from town to town. Regional pricing strategies, taxes, infrastructure and local consumer behavior are factors in costs.

"Carriers like Verizon and AT&T often offer different rates and promotions depending on market competition. While one city might benefit from multi-line deals, another may face higher prices due to fewer options," NumberBarn said.

See the entire study here.