In 1971, the first Starbucks location opened in Seattle, Washington’s Pike Place Market. Its founders were three former students from the University of San Francisco, who initially sold fresh roasted coffee beans, teas, and spices from around the world. From these humble beginnings, Starbucks has grown to become the world’s largest coffeehouse chain, boasting 38,038 stores in 80 countries (17,810 in North America and 20,228 in other regions, according to Statista) as of the end of 2023.

Starbucks Coffee Price in Every Country

Today, Starbucks is a global icon, synonymous with premium coffee and a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Starbucks has become more than just a coffeehouse. In fact, it has become a cultural phenomenon, with its own language and rituals. Many people who visit Starbucks do so not just for the coffee, but for the experience.

Despite the fact that Starbucks has become a cultural phenomenon, it is still known for its reasonable prices. While its coffee prices vary depending on the country, Starbucks remains competitive with other coffeehouses and fast-food chains. In fact, it is only second to McDonald’s in the fast-food chain business.

Most and Least Expensive Starbucks Coffee Around the World

Starbucks coffee price varies from country to country. Our team made some research to find out where is the most and the least expensive cost of an item taking a Tall Late as a sample. We used such sources as delivery apps, Google reviews, menu images from different countries, etc. Local prices were converted to USD, crosschecked and listed in the table below:

According to our research, Switzerland has the most expensive Tall Latte (12 oz) in the world, costing $7.17. This could be attributed to a combination of factors such as the high cost of living in Switzerland, the quality of ingredients used in coffee, and the wages paid to baristas. On the other hand, Turkey has a lower cost of living which could explain why the same drink can be purchased for just over one dollar. However, it’s important to note that the quality of the coffee and the wages paid to baristas may also play a role in the difference in price between the two countries. Furthermore, it’s interesting to compare the price of a Tall Latte in other countries to see how it varies depending on factors such as the economy, culture, and geography of the region.

Comparing Starbucks Coffee Cost and Country’s Median Daily Income

While it is true that converting local prices to USD can give a rough estimate of how much a cup of Starbucks coffee costs in different countries, this method does not take into account the differing purchasing power of each country’s currency. By factoring in purchasing power, we can gain a more accurate perspective on the relative cost of Starbucks in different locations. For instance, a Tall Latte may seem expensive in a country with a lower median daily income, but when factoring in the percentage of that income required to purchase the coffee, the perceived cost may actually be lower than in a country with a higher median daily income. Therefore, taking into account purchasing power can provide us with a more nuanced understanding of the true cost of Starbucks in different parts of the world.

Let’s point out the most and the least affordable Tall Latte according to median daily income:

In Cambodia and India, buying a Starbucks coffee would cost more than 70% of the median daily wage. This fact highlights the issue of income inequality in these countries, where the majority of the population struggles to make ends meet. On the other hand, countries like Indonesia, Morocco, and Bolivia have relatively cheaper Tall Lattes in U.S. dollar terms, but this does not necessarily mean that they are more accessible to locals. The cost of living in these countries is still high, and many people cannot afford to spend a significant portion of their income on luxury items like coffee. Thus, while the affordability of Tall Lattes in these countries is a positive sign, it is important to consider the broader economic context in which they are sold.

Top 10: The Most Expensive Items at Starbucks All Over the World

Instead of summing up, let’s delve into the most expensive items one could find at Starbucks’ menu around the world. Starbucks is known for its coffee, but it also has an extensive menu of food and drinks that cater to different tastes.

According to Starbucks’s Fiscal 2023 Annual Report, the company gets the lion’s share of its profits from North America (74%) despite its global scope of operations. Some stores are company-operated, while others are licensed (13% of the total number of stores).

Licensed stores typically have a lower gross margin but a higher operating margin than company-run locations. In this model, Starbucks earns from the branded products and supplies sold to the store operator, plus a royalty on the store’s sales.

This article was updated on Nov. 6, 2024, to add current information on Starbucks store numbers, geography and ownership structure, as well as correct minor inaccuracies and add illustrations.