In 2004, a cup of coffee was a wallet-friendly indulgence, costing on average just $2.15. Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has changed dramatically, with the national average price for a regular cup of coffee climbing to $3.08. A new report from Toast, a restaurant management system, highlights this significant price increase and reveals how costs vary across the U.S. For instance, in the West and especially Hawaii, coffee prices can soar to nearly $5 a cup. Conversely, Nebraska offers a nostalgic throwback with an average coffee price of just $2.12. Specialty drinks, such as lattes and cold brews, also reflect these regional disparities, with Hawaii and Alaska charging premium prices due to their remoteness. Meanwhile, budget-conscious states like Kansas offer more affordable options. Despite a slight dip in the Consumer Price Index for coffee, prices at coffee shops remain high, prompting chains like Starbucks to introduce value menus to attract cost-conscious customers.
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