Study Reveals Variations in U.S. Coffee Prices

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Jul 15, 2024

Study Reveals Variations in U.S. Coffee Prices

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A recent study conducted by CashNetUSA has provided an in-depth analysis of coffee prices across the United States, revealing significant variations impacting consumers and the broader economy. With Americans spending a staggering $110 billion annually on coffee, the fluctuations are more than a matter of taste.

The research shows that Maine offers the most affordable coffee, with an average price of $2.60 per cup, making it the cheapest state nationwide. On the other hand, South Dakota has seen a sharp increase in coffee prices, now averaging $3.79 per cup, the highest in the country. This represents a dramatic 63.36% jump from previous figures, overtaking Washington, which was the most expensive state in the 2021 report.

The study also highlights how these costs relate to local incomes. Massachusetts is noted for having the most affordable coffee when price is considered a percentage of the average hourly wage, with a cup costing just 10.31% of the hourly income. Conversely, Mississippi has the least affordable coffee, where a cup costs 18.28% of the average hourly wage.

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As coffee remains a staple in the daily lives of millions of Americans, its pricing across different regions paints a picture of economic disparity and cultural richness. In Irving, Texas, where a cup costs as little as $2.13, the price is significantly lower than in Eugene, Oregon, which escalates to $4.39.

Portland, Oregon, epitomizes the cultural influence on coffee pricing with its approximately 100 microroasters. These artisans meticulously craft small batches, often as little as 50 to 10 pounds at a time, which naturally drives up the price due to the specialized nature of their production. This emphasis on unique, local flavors and roasting techniques enriches the local coffee culture and increases consumer costs.

Despite fluctuations in coffee prices, which often follow wage adjustments and economic shifts, American consumers demonstrate notable resilience. For example, in California, where Starbucks prices surged following a minimum wage hike, customers showed initial dismay but continued to patronize the coffee giant, a testament to the ingrained coffee culture and consumer loyalty.

Here's the breakdown and ways to afford your daily grind.

States	Average Price of a Cup of Coffee	Affordability of a Cup of Coffee
Alabama	$3.11	15.65%
Alaska	$3.38	12.53%
Arizona	$2.96	12.90%
Arkansas	$2.85	15.17%
California	$3.20	12.33%
Colorado	$3.32	12.39%
Connecticut	$3.10	11.49%
Delaware	$3.07	12.98%
Florida	$2.97	13.73%
Georgia	$3.02	13.83%
Hawaii	$3.63	14.96%
Idaho	$3.14	14.76%
Illinois	$3.05	13.03%
Indiana	$2.95	13.50%
Iowa	$3.41	15.24%
Kansas	$3.00	13.78%
Kentucky	$2.94	13.97%
Louisiana	$2.79	14.06%
Maine	$2.60	11.36%
Maryland	$3.01	11.21%
Massachusetts	$3.01	10.31%
Michigan	$3.13	12.65%
Minnesota	$3.01	12.31%
Mississippi	$3.30	18.28%
Missouri	$3.15	14.52%
Montana	$3.13	14.23%
Nebraska	$2.87	12.86%
Nevada	$3.47	16.13%
New Hampshire	$3.50	14.56%
New Jersey	$3.05	11.57%
New Mexico	$3.23	15.40%
New York	$3.15	11.54%
North Carolina	$3.00	13.75%
North Dakota	$3.40	14.47%
Ohio	$2.99	13.31%
Oklahoma	$2.91	14.58%
Oregon	$3.51	14.61%
Pennsylvania	$2.96	12.97%
Rhode Island	$3.00	12.26%
South Carolina	$3.59	17.67%
South Dakota	$3.79	18.06%
Tennessee	$3.03	14.37%
Texas	$3.04	13.77%
Utah	$3.22	14.26%
Vermont	$3.14	13.17%
Virginia	$3.06	12.77%
Washington	$3.13	10.85%
West Virginia	$3.16	16.54%
Wisconsin	$3.13	13.68%
Wyoming	$3.75	16.51%

Research conducted by CashNetUSA and can be found here.

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Lissa Poirot is an award-winning journalist and editor with a focus on finance, travel and health. Her work has appeared online and in print, and she has often been cited as a source on both. She currently resides in Pennsylvania.

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