Curious: How much people in the world spend on takeaway coffee

The most expensive coffee in the world, Black Ivory, hits the $1,500-per-pound mark. The coffee is made from Arabica coffee beans grown at high altitudes in northern Thailand, which are consumed by elephants and collected from their waste. Elephants’ digestive enzymes break down protein in beans, making them less bitter. Black Ivory is also one of the rarest coffees, sold primarily to select five-star hotels.

You probably don’t spend that much on your coffee. But if you are a regular coffee drinker, your caffeine routine may be costing you a lot. If you’re not, this article will show you how much money you’re saving!

Mumbai, India

• Average price of a cup of coffee: $1.06 (in the city of Mumbai)
• Average person spends: $17.5 per year

Coffee was introduced to India in 1640. But only in recent years has the region seen a rise in coffee culture, partially thanks to international students from India who came back during the pandemic. Now, the market is swamped with new-age coffee chains and artisanal brands, with unique blends like Bella Kaapi and Sukku Kaapi.

Istanbul, Turkey 

• Average price of a cup of coffee: $1.80
• Average person spends: $217 per year

Turkey has a profound culture built around making and drinking Turkish coffee. The method combines special preparation and brewing techniques and a communal experience. But recently, millennials and gen Z have also defined trends within the coffee sector, introducing a number of espresso-based beverages.

Tokyo, Japan

• Average price of a cup of coffee: $2.38
• Average person spends: $492 per year

Japan has a long-standing coffee culture. The first coffee chain in the world was established in Tokyo and Osaka in 1907. These days, the Japanese enjoy kissatens, coffee shops known as the “third place” (after home and workplace), where they’re served a pour-over drip coffee.

Paris, France

• Average price of a cup of coffee: $2.51
• Average person spends: $1,832 per year

The French prefer a simple shot of espresso over big frothy lattes. However, the two other most popular coffee drinks are café au lait (coffee with hot milk in about equal parts) and café crème (an espresso topped off with a lot of milky foam).

Seattle, United States of America

• Average price of a cup of coffee: $3.46
• Average person spends: $1,097 per year

The US coffee culture is not associated with relaxation and enjoyment — on a day-to-day basis, it’s mostly about speed and quantity. While a simple cup of black coffee was embraced as America’s unofficial national beverage, the most popular coffee in the country is a latte.

London, United Kingdom

• Average price of a cup of coffee: $3.55
• Average person spends: $2,591 per year

The UK has always been associated with a nation of tea drinkers, so the British coffee culture is much less hampered by tradition than in other places around the world. But with the rise of coffee shops, cafes, and tearooms, the British make a significant contribution to worldwide coffee spending. 

Shanghai, China

• Average price of a cup of coffee: $4.70
• Average person spends: $24 per year

Tea has been the hot beverage of choice in China for thousands of years. Still, despite China ranking relatively low in coffee consumption, the total number of coffee consumers has been increasing vigorously since 2013. Milk coffee, Americano, espresso, and cold brew make up 90% of consumption.

Auckland, New Zealand

• Average price of a cup of coffee: $5.10
• Average person spends: $663 per year

New Zealanders lean toward more concentrated coffee drinks. In fact, New Zealand has been identified as the pioneer of flat white, which was a “happy little accident.” A barista, Fraser McInnes, tried to make a cappuccino with low-fat milk, but the milk just refused to froth.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Average price of a cup of coffee: $5.70
• Average person spends: $1,259 per year

Consumed thick and dark and with spices like cardamom, coffee is as popular in Dubai as in the best coffee cities like London or Seattle. But there are a few factors contributing to the steep price — the high cost of living, water scarcity, and high demand. The coffee shop scene offers everything from espresso to nitro coffee.