What $250,000 costs
| Example buyer | Monthly price |
|---|---|
| 30 year old woman, nonsmoker, average health, 20 year term | $23/mo |
| 30 year old man, nonsmoker, average health, 20 year term | $26/mo |
| 40 year old woman, nonsmoker, average health, 20 year term | $28/mo |
| 40 year old man, nonsmoker, average health, 20 year term | $35/mo |
| 30 year old woman, nonsmoker, preferred, 20 year term | $15.17/mo |
| 30 year old man, nonsmoker, preferred, 20 year term | $18.19/mo |
Published sample rates from MoneyGeek, updated September 22, 2026. Your price depends on your age, health and the company.
What it can pay for
- A mortgage balance
- A few years of income
- Child care
- Final costs and debts
Common questions
Why do sources show different prices?
Each site uses different insurers, health classes and dates. Policygenius uses preferred health. MoneyGeek uses average health.
What do people guess it costs?
LIMRA's 2025 study says adults under 31 guessed a median of $2,000 a year for $250,000 of 20 year term. Real prices are far lower.
Is $250,000 enough for a family?
It may cover a mortgage and a few years. Many families with kids need more.
Is $250,000 enough?
A policy this size is usually term life. As a rough guide, $250,000 replaces about 5 years of a $55,000 paycheck before any mortgage or debts.
To check, add up your pay for the years your family needs it, your mortgage, other debts, school money for kids and the funeral. Then subtract savings and coverage you already have. Our coverage calculator does it in a minute.
Ways to lower the price
- Buy sooner. Prices go up with age.
- Pick term life if you only need coverage for a set number of years.
- Quit tobacco. Smokers can pay several times more.
- Compare companies. Each one prices age, health and jobs differently.
