How to save money on coffee: a step-by-step guide to brewing at home
Wealthist
Financial insights for everyone
Why daily coffee shop runs punish your budget
If you buy a six dollar drink five times a week, you are spending more than $1,500 per year on coffee. That money be working for you in an emergency fund, getting rid of debt, or investing. Brewing coffee at home can deliver the same experience for a fraction of the cost.
Step 1: Calculate your current coffee spending
Before we do any buying, we should find out how much your spending at the coffee shop. We created a coffee cost calculator so you'll know exactly what your coffee costs are. If you don't get your coffee at Starbucks, the prices are usually pretty close to your typical indie coffee shop.
Once you know your coffee cost, you can start to find ways to get that same taste, but for less.
Step 2: Choose the right coffee maker for your budget
Lowest cost per cup
Classic drip coffee maker. Simple, reliable, and perfect for households.
Best flavor on a budget
French press or pour-over. Minimal gear with excellent taste and easy cleanup.
Most convenient
Single-serve pod machine. Faster than a drive-through and still cheaper than most café drinks.
Best for latte lovers
Entry-level espresso machine. Higher upfront cost with the lowest price for lattes at home.
Step 3: Set up a bean or ground coffee subscription
Subscriptions lower cost per ounce and keep you stocked. Look for volume discounts, fresh roast dates, and flexible deliveries.
Budget house blend
Balanced flavor, low cost per cup. And yes, you can buy Starbucks roasts too.
Subscribe on AmazonWhole bean subscription
Freshly roasted beans with grind control for better taste. Don't forget to get a bean grinder.
Shop whole beanFlavored options
Add flavors or use flavored coffee. We'll also be creating coffee recipes to copy your favorite drinks at home.
Shop flavored optionsStep 4: Make home coffee feel like a café
- Use a handheld milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Add simple syrups or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Drink from a reusable insulated mug to match the experience.
- Check out our coffee recipe builder (coming soon)
Step 5: Track your savings and watch your money grow
If you cut weekly coffee shop spending from $50 to $10, you're saving over $2,000 per year. Start sending that money to an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account. Put the transfer on autopilot and let your budget compound the gains.
Stacking this savings trick on other small behvaiors elsewhere can change your entire life. You'll notice more money in your account and you'll realize that you are in charge of your own wealth journey.
Still have questions about saving money on coffee?
How much can I actually save by switching?
Most people can save five hundred to fifteen hundred dollars per year. Use our calculator to get your real number (We have Starbucks' menu prices, but those prices should be at or near your indie coffee shop prices).
Is grinding beans worth it?
Yes! Especially if taste matters to you. A basic burr grinder improves flavor and still keeps cost per cup way below coffee-shop prices. Here are some starter grinders.
What is the cheapest, best-tasting method?
Drip with paper filters or a french press. Both balance low cost with amazing flavor. And the beans or type of coffee matters too.
Is a pod machine cheaper than Starbucks?
Pods usually cost more per cup than drip or pour-over, but they are still cheaper than most coffee shop drinks. For the lowest cost, use drip, French press, or pour-over.
What is the best budget coffee maker for families?
A drip coffee maker give you a lot of cups at the lowest cost per serving and it's easy for families or coffee drinkers that can never get enough.