With global coffee prices at their peak, many Australians are considering whether making coffee at home through a subscription service is more cost-effective than buying coffee from a cafe. While grabbing a flat white or cappuccino from your favourite local spot is convenient, brewing at home can offer significant savings without sacrificing quality. Additionally, home-brewing allows you to experiment with different beans, brewing techniques, and flavours to tailor your coffee experience precisely to your preferences.
How Much Does Coffee Cost in a Cafe?
The average price of a regular coffee in an Australian cafe ranges between $4.50 and $6, depending on the location and type of coffee. If you buy one coffee per day, that adds up to $31.50 to $42 per week or $126 to $168 per month—and that’s just for one cup per day!
For those who enjoy two coffees per day, the costs can easily double, reaching $250-$336 per month or more. Over the course of a year, this can add up to $3,000 to $4,000, a substantial expense for something consumed daily.
Moreover, when purchasing from a cafe, additional costs such as alternative milk choices, syrups, and extra shots of espresso can further increase the expense. For those who buy pastries or breakfast with their coffee, the costs rise even more, making daily cafe visits an expensive habit.
How Much Does a Coffee Subscription Cost?
Subscribing to a coffee delivery service allows you to enjoy specialty coffee at home for a fraction of the cost. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:
- 250g of specialty coffee beans (about 15 cups) costs $18-$29.
- 1kg of beans (about 60 cups) costs $50-$80.
- Monthly subscription costs for a single drinker (500g-1kg) range between $50 and $100.
Even factoring in milk, electricity, and the initial investment in a coffee machine or brewing equipment, making high-quality coffee at home typically costs between 50 cents and $1 per cup, leading to significant savings compared to a cafe.
For those who prefer high-end espresso machines or premium coffee beans, there might be a higher upfront cost, but this investment quickly pays off over time.
Comparing the Costs: Home vs. Cafe
| Coffee Source | Cost per Cup | Monthly Cost (One Cup/Day) | Monthly Cost (Two Cups/Day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cafe | $4.50 - $6.00 | $126 - $168 | $252 - $336 |
| Home (Subscription) | $0.50 - $1.00 | $15 - $30 | $30 - $60 |
By switching to home brewing with a subscription, you could save between $96 and $138 per month for one cup per day or $222 to $276 per month for two cups per day. Over the course of a year, this translates to potential savings of $1,200 to $3,300, making home brewing a financially wise choice.
Other Benefits of a Coffee Subscription
Beyond cost savings, coffee subscriptions offer several advantages:
- Convenience: Fresh coffee delivered straight to your door, ensuring you never run out of beans.
- Quality: Access to specialty beans from top roasters, often fresher than those available in supermarkets.
- Customisation: Choose your preferred roast, grind size, and delivery frequency to match your brewing method.
- Sustainability: Many subscription services focus on ethically sourced coffee and eco-friendly packaging.
- Learning & Experimentation: Brewing at home allows you to experiment with different brewing techniques like espresso, pour-over, AeroPress, and French press to refine your coffee-making skills.
- Control Over Ingredients: When making coffee at home, you control the quality of milk, sugar, and other additives, helping you make healthier choices.
Is Home Brewing Right for You?
If you prioritise convenience and social interactions, visiting a cafe may still be worthwhile, especially if you enjoy the experience of sitting in a well-crafted coffee space. However, if cost savings, sustainability, and customisation are important to you, investing in a coffee subscription and home brewing setup is a fantastic alternative.
For those transitioning from cafe coffee to home brewing, it might take a short learning curve to perfect your technique, but the rewards, both financially and in terms of coffee enjoyment, are well worth it.
Final Thoughts
While cafe coffee remains a beloved ritual, brewing at home through a coffee subscription provides a budget-friendly alternative, especially with rising coffee prices. By making the switch or mixed it up, you can enjoy premium coffee while saving hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per year. Additionally, the ability to control every aspect of your brew ensures a consistently great cup tailored to your taste.
If you love your daily coffee but want to cut costs without sacrificing quality, a home coffee subscription might be the perfect solution.
Happy brewing!