How much do the best budgeting apps cost?
Direct Answer
The most popular budgeting apps cost between $0 and $109 per year in 2026. YNAB charges $14.99/month or $109/year. Monarch is $99/year. Copilot is $95/year (iOS only). Rocket Money is free with paid premium at $48–$120/year. Empower Personal Dashboard is fully free.
Cost scenarios
| Scenario | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Empower Personal Dashboard | $0 / year | |
| Rocket Money (premium) | $48–$120 / year | |
| Copilot (iOS) | $95 / year | |
| Monarch | $99 / year | |
| YNAB | $109 / year ($14.99/mo) |
Is a paid app actually worth it?
Independent surveys consistently find YNAB users save an average of $600 in their first two months — well above the $109 annual fee. But the savings come from the method (zero-based budgeting + every-dollar-assigned), not the software itself. If a free spreadsheet would get used just as consistently, it's the better deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are free budgeting apps safe?
- Reputable free apps (Empower, Rocket Money) use bank-grade encryption and read-only Plaid connections — they cannot move money. They monetize through advisory upsells (Empower) or financial-product affiliate revenue (Rocket Money).
Sources
- Choosing a Budgeting App or Service , Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Verified May 10, 2026.
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