The average cost to rent a movie at Blockbuster, or some other movie rental place is about $4.25. If you turn your movie in late, you are looking at $8.50. You can get a whole month of rentals from Netflix for about the same price.

The way Netflix works is that you buy a membership that allows you either one, two, or three movies at a time. You pay a monthly rate. For one movie it is usually about $10. They mail the movie to you, and you watch it, and send it back whenever you want. As soon as they receive it, they send you out the next movie in your que. You go online and determine what movies you want, and in what order. Then it is up to you how many per month you get.

In addition to that, Netflix offers a movie library online for instant download. So, if you choose one movie at a time, you can do that, and also download movies to enjoy on your computer while you are waiting the day it takes to have a new movie shipped to you.

So, you get the best of both worlds. You get the instant gratification of being able to download a movie and watch it whenever you want, and you also get movies sent to you, all for a low price.

Let's say you opt to do the 1 at a time plan. And, now let's say that you watch 6 movies that month. In addition, you download 4 onto your computer to watch. The cost will be $10. Now, let's say you get the same 10 movies from Blockbuster. The cost is going to be $40 or more, plus the cost of gas, and you might even be tempted to buy an overpriced soda, candy, or popcorn while you are waiting in line to check out. If you forget to return the movie, then you can add that cost in as well. So, the monthly savings for the normal movie lover is going to be about $30, possible more. If you watch a lot of movies, and opt for more than one movie at a time, your savings could be even higher.

In addition to the monetary savings, you also save time because the fact is that it is far easier to type the name of a movie you want into Netflix, then to search a store shelving system at Blockbuster. Also, you always get your movie, you never have to experience going there and having the movie all checked out already.

Netflix, and similar movie renting options is low cost, hassle free, and a great option. Of course, Blockbuster has a similar program, and you can sign up for it, the idea is that rather than paying per movie rental, and for late fees, pay one low fee, and get as many movies as you want, with no late fees. The typical savings is about $20 a month, but can be much more if you are a big movie watcher.