Brew-tiful bargains: The top 10 countries with the cheapest coffee

Coffee culture is a huge part of many people’s daily life. For university students trying to get through the day, it’s an essential part of their day-to-day consumption. 

The rich aroma and stimulating effect of caffeine make coffee a great boost for tired minds and bodies. You might find yourself starting your day with a cup of coffee to kickstart your energy levels and reaching for another during long hours in the library. 

At some point, it’s not just a preference; it’s a necessity that helps you meet your deadlines and achieve your academic goals.

But drinking more coffee also means spending more. And it can cost us a lot — physically and financially.

Apart from the painful caffeine crashes and slew of downsides from downing too much espressos, you might have noticed that the price of coffee has increased in recent years. 

What once cost you around US$2 per cup may now be closer to US$4, doubling your daily coffee expenses and hurting your wallet just as much.

In some countries, the price hikes have even gone astronomical.

Countries with the most expensive coffee per cup 

1. Denmark 

An average cup of coffee costs US$5.40. 

The cost of living in Denmark is among the highest in Europe, and coffee inevitably forms part of that living expense.  

Still, even with just under six million people and really expensive coffee, Denmark consistently ranks among the top five coffee-consuming countries globally — the average person drinks 19 pounds of coffee each year, or roughly 430 cups annually.

2. Switzerland 

An average cup of coffee costs US$5. 

Living expenses in Switzerland, including food and beverages, have consistently risen, putting more financial pressure on students who have to have their daily doses of caffeine. 

Swiss drinking culture revolves around espresso-based milk drinks, including the “kaffee-crème,” a long coffee pulled from the espresso machine. People drink between two and five cups daily.

3. US

An average cup of coffee costs US$4.69. 

This price has increased over the years due to factors such as rising labour costs, increased coffee bean prices, and the growing popularity of coffee drinks. 

The average American drinks 27,944 cups of coffee in their lifetime, spending approximately US$121,131 on it. 

How does this affect the cost of living for students?

The price of coffee can often be an indicator of the overall cost of living in a country. When the cost of a simple cup of coffee is high, it typically suggests that other living expenses, such as housing, transportation, and food, are too. 

As an international student, the high cost of living in these countries can impact your budget. Beyond the tuition fees, you must account for daily expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and personal items. 

Statistics show that students in high-cost cities often face financial stress. Students in Australia, a country with high living costs, spend an average of US$1,171.69 monthly on living expenses, excluding tuition and rent. This financial burden can affect your academic performance and overall well-being as you might need to balance part-time work with your studies to cover your expenses.

Fortunately, there are several ways you can find cheaper coffee while studying abroad.

For example, you could purchase coffee beans and a small coffee maker, which allows you to brew your own coffee at a fraction of the cost. Many universities offer discounted coffee at on-campus cafés, providing a more budget-friendly alternative. You could also seek out local coffee shops that offer student discounts that can help reduce your expenses.

Alternatively,  check out these countries that offer the cheapest coffee in the world.

Top 10 countries with the cheapest coffee in the world 

1. Turkey 

Average price for a cup of coffee: US$1.54

Coffee is a big part of Turkish social life and provides many opportunities to engage with your peers, network, and experience the country’s rich cultural heritage. Turkish coffee culture and tradition were actually added to the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, marking the country’s love for this beloved drink and the act of drinking coffee.

Plus, the cost of living in Turkey is much lower than in many Western countries, making it a great destination for international students. 

You can pursue your studies at these Turkish universities as you enjoy Turkish coffee: 

• Cankaya University
• Bogazici University
• Istanbul Bilgi University

2. Italy 

Average price for a cup of coffee: US$1.54

Italy is renowned for its coffee culture. Here, you head to bars that primarily sell coffee. These bars, also known as cafés (caffé), sell snacks, pastries and alcohol too, but the focus here is coffee you can get on the go. 

This culture of ordering at the till, taking your coffee like a shot as you stand by the counter, and finishing your business at the bar takes less than five minutes. Better yet, it’s reflected in the cost too, so you can have that caffeine boost at an affordable price.

Meanwhile, check out the best universities in Italy as you enjoy their coffee culture:

• University of Padua
• University of Bologna
• Sapienza University Rome

3. Brazil 

Average price for a cup of coffee: US$1.55

One of the places where you can find yourself a cup of the cheapest coffee in the world is where coffee is the lifeblood of its people. One fine example is Brazil, where 98% of Brazilian households drink it, with cafezinho as the signature coffee of choice.

Brazilian coffee culture doesn’t revolve around complicated coffee drinks like those in other cultures. There’s a distinct lack of machinery, fancy ingredients, or anything else that will prevent you from enjoying a simple cup of good coffee.

Best universities in Brazil to check out while you enjoy your coffee:

• Universidade de Sao Paulo
• Universidade Estadual de Campinas
• Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

4. Hungary

Average price for a cup of coffee: US$1.57

Hungary’s coffee culture only really started picking up at the turn of the 20th century, when coffee shops were important social venues in society and were frequented by writers, poets, and artists. Soon enough, these regulars would be offered a “writers’ menu” of bread, cheese and cold cuts at a discount price.

Nowadays, the country’s lower prices allow you to enjoy your favourite caffeinated drinks without spending too much. This means that you can comfortably indulge in regular coffee breaks.

Best universities in Hungary to study at while you enjoy their coffee scene:

• Eotvos Lorand University
• Semmelweis University
• Szeged University

5. Bulgaria 

Average price for a cup of coffee: US$1.57

Bulgaria is a haven for coffee lovers, offering some of the cheapest coffees in the world. For international students, this is not just a perk but an advantage to save money. Compared to many other countries where daily expenses can quickly add up, Bulgaria’s coffee culture ensures that you can enjoy quality brews without going above your student budget. 

Here, coffee drinkers head to the social hubs of coffeehouses, referred to as “kavarni.” Their most iconic drink is the “kombi” or the “three-in-one” coffee sachets, which combine coffee, sugar, and cream in a single pack.

Meanwhile, these are the best universities in Bulgaria:

• New Bulgarian University
• Medical University of Sofia
• Plovdiv Medical University

6. Morocco

Average price for a cup of coffee: US$1.62

Like many other countries, Morocco’s coffee culture revolves around socialising, networking, and meeting up with friends. The country’s rich history and welcoming atmosphere make it a great destination for international students seeking academic growth and cultural immersion. 

If you’re unfamiliar with Moroccan coffee, it’s typically a dark roast with a rich and intense flavour. Traditional Moroccan cafés are known as a “café maure” or “ahwa,” where coffee is often prepared using a small pot called a “jebena” or a “kanoun.” The coffee is brewed slowly over a low flame, allowing the flavours to develop.

Visit the best universities in Morocco while you grab yourself a cup: 

• Hassan II University of Casablanca
• Mohammed First University of Oujda
• Mohammed V University in Rabat

7. Portugal

Average price for a cup of coffee: US$1.66 

In Portugal, there is approximately one coffee shop per 160 inhabitants, compared to one coffee shop per 400 inhabitants in the rest of Europe. The default coffee order here is an espresso; it’s just assumed that everyone desires their coffee short and strong.

Best universities in Portugal to check out while you have your coffee:

• Universidade de Lisboa
• Universidade do Porto
• Universidade de Coimbra

8. Thailand 

Average price for a cup of coffee: US$1.81

As one of the top three coffee-producing countries in Asia, Thailand makes itself known on the list for having one of the cheapest coffees in the world.

Aside from the Western-styled coffee, you’ll find their own concoctions, including the sweet and creamy Thai iced coffee (Kafe Yen), the traditional Thai iced coffee with sugar (Oliang) that still has some notes of bitterness, and the “front-wheel lift” or Yok Lor Oliang, a variation of Oliang where milk is added to the black coffee, making it more milky or creamy.

Best universities in Thailand while you enjoy cheap coffee:

• Mahidol University
• Chulalongkorn University
• Chiang Mai University

9. India 

Average price for a cup of coffee: US$1.83

As a nation known for its rich and diverse tea traditions, the coffee scene in India is an up-and-coming thing that many are anticipating. It’s affordable, it’s convenient, and it’s a great catalyst for conversations.

Plus, the cost of living in India is notably lower than in many developed countries, making it a practical choice for students seeking to stretch their budgets while pursuing their goals. 

Best universities in India to explore while checking out the tea and coffee scene:

• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
• Indian Institute of Science (IISC) – Bangalore
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Bombay

10. Spain

Average price for a cup of coffee: US$1.92

Spain has a reputation as a coffee lover’s paradise. Amidst the bustling streets and historic plazas, cafes and local bars serve up espresso and café con leche at affordable prices while on a student budget. 

This cost-effective coffee culture extends beyond the cafe doors; supermarkets and corner cafes also provide reasonably priced options. 

Best universities in Spain:

• University of Barcelona
• Autonomous University of Barcelona
• Pompeu Fabra University