The « Starbucks index » of coffee to measure the cost of living: Rome less dear, but it is not good news

How many coffee cups can buy a medium monthly salary in Europe? In Amsterdam 794 per month, because they only throw a coast of 3.78% of the average monthly income. A Cardiff 731 cups, and Belfast 697. In the South and East Europe everything changes: in Athens only about 210 cups of milk and coffee can afford with their monthly salary. If they chose to buy one from Starbucks every day, they would consume 14.3% of their earnings. Bucharest and Bratislava, respectively, only 242 and 269 cups, while in Sofia 272, where a hot Starbucks drink per day amounts to 11.1% of the monthly income. I am The data of the Pedia Trading platformextracted from different sources such as Takaway, Uber Eats, Wolt, Wikipedia, Eurostat.

The most dear cities are often also the most convenient

Therefore, it can be said that the most expensive cities in terms of absolute coffee price are not always the least convenient if you take into account wages. Copenhagen and Amsterdam can be at the top of the rankings for the cost of a Starbucks drink, but their high income testify that those who live in these cities can easily afford to take it to great will. Consequently, they remain among the most convenient if measured according to the minutes of work needed to buy one.

Cultural analysis on consumption

On the other hand, cities like Budapest, Rome and Lisbon show a different dynamic. While Starbucks’ prices are lower in absolute terms, even the average income is considerably lower, Which means that a cup of coffee can still represent a remarkable slice of the time or salary of a worker. These cities then host a strong and deeply rooted coffee culture, where independent coffees offer a quality espresso to a fraction of the price. In response, Starbucks seems to adopt a more competitive price strategy in these marketsadapting its prices to align with both local expectations and reality of what consumers are willing to pay, explains Pedia trading.

How much does a coffee cost in terms of hours worked

When it comes to treating themselves an American coffee, the workers of some cities spend more time than others. At the top there is Athens, where it takes over 39 minutes and 22 seconds to afford a single cup. Then Sofia with 34 minutes and 42 seconds and Bucharest with 33 minutes and 55 seconds, followed by Prague with 28 minutes and 54 seconds. These data underline how apparently convenient coffee may seem a luxury if measured compared to medium incomes. The trend continues with the beloved Caffè Latte, where Athens is once again the protagonistrequesting almost 50 minutes of work for a single cup. Bucharest is not very behind with 37 minutes and 41 seconds, with Sofia just 27 seconds less. Coffee and cold milk follows exactly the same scheme.

Rome among the cheapest on the American

When looking for an economic American in Europe, some cities are distinguished to maintain the prices lower. Rome and Valletta, first of all, where an American costs only 3 euros, followed closely by Lisbon for 3.20 euros. In Budapest the price is 3.29 euroswhile Sofia completes the Top Five with 3.43 euros. These lower prices are not necessarily the reflection of a lowest cost of living or greater accessibility, but rather a price strategy that aligns with local income levels and market expectations. The same cities are distinguished as regards milk coffee. Budapest is in the lead with the cheapest milk at 2.80 eurosfollowed by Rome (3.00 euros), La Valletta (3.25 euros), Lisbon (3.40 euros) and Sofia (3.68 euros).

The most expensive cities

When it comes to ordering an American from Starbucks in Europe, some cities are distinguished not only for the high cost of living, but also for the high price of a simple cup of coffee. At the top of the list there is Copenhagen, where an American single costs 5.50 euros, which makes it the most expensive on the continent. Follow Brussels and Luxembourg, where the price is 5.00 euros, followed by Vienna for 4.75 euros, London for 4.66 euros and Paris at 4.25. These prices probably reflect both the cost of living in these cities and the Starbucks Premium brand in European urban markets.