Most life insurance projects cost between $200 and $5,000 per year, with a typical price near $1,000. Prices vary by state and city, so the range below is a planning guide rather than a quote.
Typical life insurance cost
$200 – $5,000
per year · typical $1,000
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Life insurance cost breakdown
- Term life (20-year, $500k)$200 – $800typical $400
- Whole life ($250k coverage)$1,500 – $5,000typical $3,000
- Universal life ($500k coverage)$1,000 – $4,000typical $2,500
What Life Insurance costs
Annual cost for term or whole life coverage. Term is cheaper, whole life builds cash value. Premiums depend on age, health, coverage amount, and policy type.
Costs by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently asked questions
How much does life insurance cost per month?
For a healthy 30-year-old, a $500k term policy might cost $30–$60/month. Whole life runs $200–$500/month for similar coverage.
What affects life insurance premiums?
Age, health, lifestyle (smoking, risky hobbies), coverage amount, and policy type. Term is cheaper than permanent insurance.
How can I get cheaper life insurance?
Buy term, not whole life. Compare quotes, improve health (lose weight, quit smoking), and apply young. Consider group plans through work.