The national average price for a regular cup of coffee has climbed to $3.08 in 2024, compared to $2.15 in 2004, according to a new report from Toast. The report highlights significant regional price variations, with coffee costing nearly $5 in Hawaii and averaging $3.88 in California. Conversely, Nebraska offers the most affordable coffee, averaging $2.12. Specialty drinks like cold brew and lattes are even pricier, especially in Hawaii and Alaska. Economic factors such as regional living costs and supply chain challenges contribute to these disparities. Despite a slight year-over-year decrease in the Consumer Price Index for coffee, consumers still face higher prices at cafes. In response, major chains like Starbucks have introduced value menus to appeal to budget-conscious customers. The article includes an interactive map detailing coffee prices by state, emphasizing the stark contrasts and underlying reasons for these price differences.
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