Overview
Starbucks is one of the most recognizable coffee companies in the world. But how much does a cup of coffee from Starbucks actually cost? The answer to that question largely depends upon where customers live, the type of beverage they choose and the size of their drink. In this article, we’ll take a look at the cost of Starbucks coffee and explore the many variables that influence the price of a cup of coffee.
Size Matters
The size of a cup of Starbucks coffee influences its price. Starbucks offers three sizes—Tall, Grande, and Venti—each of which typically costs between $4-5. However, customers can also opt for a “Short,” which is the smallest size and typically costs between $3-5. Prices may vary from region to region.
Location, Location, Location
The cost of a cup of Starbucks coffee varies between states, cities, and countries. In New York City, a Tall drip coffee costs $2.45 while a Tall latte, with two shots of espresso, costs $3.75. In Chicago, a Tall drip costs $2.45 and a Flat White costs $3.95. And in Los Angeles, a Tall drip costs $2.75 and a Tall latte costs $4.45.
Types of Beverages
The type of beverage customers choose also plays a role in the cost of their cup of Starbucks coffee. Most drinks at Starbucks contain espresso shots, which adds to the cost of the drink. The more shots of espresso in a drink, the higher its price. For instance, a Nitro Cold Brew without shots of espresso costs about $4.95, while a Venti Coffee Frappuccino with four shots of espresso costs about $6.45.
How to Save Money
One of the best ways to save money on Starbucks coffee is to subscribe to the company’s mobile ordering app. subscribers get the chance to earn rewards, enjoy exclusive discounts and access exclusive offers. Starbucks also offers a “Happy Hour” every Thursday and Friday, where customers can save 50% on all Frappuccinos.
Refill Prices
Customers with a Starbucks Rewards Card also receive free refills on coffee, tea, or brewed coffee. Customers paying with a Starbucks Card can also get free refills on tea, coffee or brewed coffee, but they must pay a small fee when filling their cup. The cost of the refill varies in each location. In New York City, the refill cost is only 50 cents.
Tipping
At Starbucks, customers are not expected to tip their baristas. However, if customers receive particularly good service, many prefer to leave a small tip of a few dollars. In some instances, customers may choose to leave tips in order to show appreciation for the barista’s hard work and excellent service.
Member Benefits
Starbucks members benefit from a variety of exclusive discounts and rewards. Customers who sign up for a membership receive a welcome offer for 150 reward stars, which can be used towards the purchase of food and drinks. Members also receive exclusive offers, special discounts and early access to new menus items.
Alternative Methods of Payment
Customers can pay for their Starbucks coffee via cash or card, as well as via PayPal or Apple Pay. Consumers can also take advantage of Starbucks’s mobile ordering app, which allows customers to order drinks and food remotely and pay via their app. This is an incredibly convenient way to pay, especially for customers who need to be in and out quickly.
Starbucks Cards and the Starbucks Rewards Program
Starbucks also offers physical cards and digital cards which customers can add to their mobile app. Customers can use these cards to pay for their coffee and rack up Starbucks Rewards points. Customers accumulate “Stars” with each purchase, which can then be redeemed for exclusive offers, discounts and items from the Starbucks Rewards menu.
Caffeine Content
When considering how much a cup of Starbucks coffee costs, customers should also take into account the caffeine content of their chosen beverage. Most Starbucks drinks contain a good amount of caffeine, so customers should take that into account when ordering. For instance, a Grande Caffè Americano contains 225mg of caffeine, while a Venti Caffè Mocha contains 135mg.
Does Starbucks Offer Free Coffee?
Starbucks does not offer free coffee to customers, however, customers can enjoy free samples of selected drinks if they ask their barista. Samples of the featured beverage of the day or new and seasonal items are offered in order to entice customers to try something new.
Starbucks Cold Beverages
Starbucks offers a wide range of cold beverages, including iced teas, Frappuccinos, cold brews, and iced coffees. These drinks typically cost between $3-6, depending on the size and type of drink. Popular drinks include the Classic Iced Coffee, the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino and the Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato.
What is the Most Expensive Starbucks Drink?
The most expensive Starbucks beverage on the menu is the super-fancy Starbucks “Trenta White Mocha Frappuccino”. This beverage made with nine pumps of Frappuccino roast coffee, mocha sauce, and white chocolate Mocha sauce costs a whopping $9.57.
Reusable and Refillable Cups
Starbucks also offers customers the chance to purchase reusable and refillable tumblers. These tumblers have a few advantages, such as being more environmentally-friendly and reducing the cost of beverages. Customers who purchase a refillable tumbler receive a 25 cents discount each time they fill it up.
Are Starbucks Prices Increasing?
Yes, Starbucks prices are increasing in some regions. The company cites the rising cost of labor, rent and ingredients as the reason for the price increase. In some cities, the price of a Grande latte has risen from $3.95 to $4.15.
Starbucks Store Alternatives
If customers are looking for alternatives to Starbucks, they may want to consider smaller specialty coffee shops. These establishments typically offer an even wider variety of high-quality coffees at equally affordable prices. Specialty coffee shops often employ trained baristas who can provide expert advice on the best coffee for each customer’s unique tastes.
