Americans are drinking a staggering amount of coffee these days. In fact, according to a recent National Coffee Association survey, 519 million cups of coffee are consumed daily, with 66% of the population having a cup of Joe every day.
This coffee obsession varies by location, with some cities offering more robust scenes than others. WalletHub, a financial management tool, studied and compared the 100 largest U.S. cities across 12 key metrics of “coffee-friendliness.”
Their analysts examined factors, such as average prices, spending patterns, coffee shop accessibility, manufacturing presence and coffee-related search trends. Data was collected from an array of sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Coffee has become a staple of American culture, helping people stay energized for the workday and bond with friends or dates,” noted WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo. “In the cities that are craziest about coffee, the average household may spend as much as $327 per year on the beverage.”
Portland, Oregon, earned its top ranking as America’s top coffee destination with a score of 71.09 out of 100. This is due to its abundance of highly rated, affordable coffee shops and strong coffee manufacturing presence.
Orlando, Florida, comes in second place with a score of 69.44, thanks to having the most donut shops per capita. It also ranked third for coffee shops. Orlando is also a hub for coffee enthusiasts, with its array of coffee-centric events. This is all despite the theme park capital’s ranking among cities with the fewest coffee manufacturers.
Long Beach, California, claimed third place with a score of 65.46, featuring numerous highly rated coffee shops and ranking 24th for coffee shops offering free Wi‑Fi. The city also ranked seventh nationally for “coffee” search frequency, and residents spend an average of $171 annually on the beverage.
Despite its spot in the history books as Starbucks’ birthplace, Seattle only ranks fifth, with a score of 63.82.
The comprehensive study also revealed significant price variations across cities and regions. Garland, Texas, offers the cheapest cappuccinos, while prices in Lubbock, Texas, are twice as high. Buffalo, New York, has the lowest-priced coffee packs, while Honolulu’s prices are double.
“The costs of having one or more cups of Joe daily can add up, especially as prices inflate,” said Lupo.
