Starbucks coffee prices have gone up over the years, and to make matters worse, one Starbucks location may have different prices compared to the next Starbucks just 20 miles down the road.
So if you’re wondering, how much is Starbucks coffee, you’re not alone. The truth is, unless you go to the same SBUX location regularly, you won’t know the actual prices of a particular location and you most certainly can’t expect all Starbucks stores in your area to have uniform prices.
That said, I’ll be listing the Starbucks coffee prices in this post in the hopes that it will give you some idea of how much your drink will cost you the next time you’re craving for an Iced Venti Macchiato with 4 pumps vanilla sauce, whole milk, cold foam and extra caramel drizzle.
What is the Price of Coffee at Starbucks Per Ounce?
At a Starbucks in Los Angeles, the price per ounce of coffee ranges from $0.17 to $0.36, depending on the size of the coffee you purchase. For example, a venti drip coffee in LA costs $3.45, which translates to approximately $0.173 per ounce. A grande drip coffee costs $3.25, which amounts to about $0.203 per ounce.
Menu prices may vary based on location, even within Los Angeles. The same coffee at SBUX in LAX (airport) will likely be more expensive due to the premium pricing in airports.
How Expensive is Starbucks in Your State?
According to a new analysis, coffee drinkers in Maine pay, on average, $1.30 less for a Starbucks coffee than those in Vermont. Maine has the cheapest Starbucks coffee in the US, with residents paying $4.44 per cup on average. This is followed by Maryland and Virginia, where prices are $4.47 and $4.63, respectively.
By comparison, Starbucks patrons in Vermont pay $5.73 per cup, which is the highest in the country. Central US states like Wyoming, South Dakota, Arkansas, and Oklahoma also have some of the most expensive coffees. In high-cost-of-living areas like New York and Washington, DC, the price is around $5.20 per cup, while in California, it averages $5.07 per cup.
Factors Influencing Price Variations in Starbucks
Several factors contribute to the price differences across states, including:
- Sales Taxes and Levies – Higher sales taxes or additional levies on certain goods can increase the final price consumers pay for their coffee.
- Cost of Living – States with higher living costs, such as California and New York have higher prices for goods and services, including coffee.
Starbucks’ Revenue Growth
Starbucks’ yearly revenue has been increasing since 2020. In the fourth quarter of last year, North American sales were up 8 percent, and net revenues rose 11 percent to a record $9.4 billion. Over the past four fiscal years, the company’s revenue has grown by more than 50 percent.
Factors Driving Starbucks’ Performance
Several factors are driving Starbucks’ strong performance:
- Dynamic Seasonal Menu – Constantly updating the menu with seasonal items attracts customers.
- Rewards Program – The loyalty program encourages repeat business.
- Fresh Initiatives – New initiatives and product offerings keep the brand relevant.
- Social Media Presence – Effective use of social media enhances brand visibility and customer engagement.
The Impact of New Minimum Wage on Starbucks Coffee Prices
Recently, California introduced a new minimum wage for fast-food workers. In response, Starbucks and other restaurant chains increased menu prices to offset higher labor costs. According to Business Insider, Starbucks menu items rose by $0.50 to $1.00. A Starbucks spokesperson confirmed the price hikes but did not specify the average increase per menu item.