Generally, tea is often cheaper than coffee, with prices varying by type and brand, but tea typically offers a more affordable daily beverage option.
For budget-conscious beverage lovers, the choice between tea and coffee often comes down to cost. While both drinks offer comfort and caffeine, their price tags differ significantly. Let’s break down the numbers to see which one gives you more bang for your buck.
The Price Difference Between Tea and Coffee
Basic black tea costs as little as 2 cents per cup when purchased in bulk. Even premium teas rarely exceed 20 cents per serving. Coffee prices start higher, with instant varieties costing about 14 cents per cup before adding cream or sweeteners.
Cost Comparison Table
| Beverage | Low-End Cost | Mid-Range Cost | Premium Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Tea | 2¢ per cup | 5¢ per cup | 20¢ per cup |
| Coffee (black) | 14¢ per cup | 28¢ per cup | 39¢ per cup |
| Coffee with cream | 30¢ per cup | 44¢ per cup | 55¢ per cup |
Why Tea Costs Less
Several factors make tea the more economical choice:
- Tea leaves yield more servings per ounce than coffee grounds
- Tea requires fewer additives to taste good
- Tea bags can sometimes be reused for a second cup
- Bulk tea purchases offer significant savings
Real-World Savings Example
One family reported saving $600 annually by switching from coffee to tea. They previously spent:
- 14¢ per cup for instant coffee
- 16¢ per cup for heavy cream
- Total: 30¢ per coffee mug
After switching to 2¢ tea bags, their annual cost dropped from $630 to $42 for two people.
Coffee Cost Considerations
While coffee generally costs more, there are ways to reduce expenses:
- Use a budget-friendly coffee maker instead of daily café visits
- Buy whole beans in bulk and grind as needed
- Skip expensive creamers in favor of milk or drink it black
According to Consumer Reports, brewing at home can save coffee drinkers hundreds annually.
Quality vs. Cost
Both tea and coffee offer budget and premium options:
Tea Price Spectrum
- Discount store brands: 2¢ per bag
- Mid-range brands: 5¢ per bag
- Specialty teas: 20¢+ per bag
Coffee Price Spectrum
- Instant coffee: 14¢ per serving
- Store-brand grounds: 20¢ per cup
- Premium whole beans: 39¢+ per cup
Additional Cost Factors
Consider these often-overlooked expenses:
Equipment Costs
While tea requires minimal equipment, coffee drinkers might invest in:
- Coffee makers ($20-$200+)
- Grinders ($15-$150)
- Specialty brewers like French presses or pour-over setups
Tea enthusiasts might eventually want a versatile blender for matcha or chai, but basic tea needs are simple.
Additives
Coffee often requires:
- Dairy or creamers
- Sweeteners
- Flavor syrups
As noted by Healthline, tea typically needs fewer additions, further reducing costs.
Long-Term Savings
The small daily difference adds up significantly:
- 5¢ tea vs. 30¢ coffee = $91.25 annual savings
- Over 10 years: $912.50 saved
- For two people: $1,825 potential savings
These savings could fund other priorities or occasional premium treats.
