Significant differences in café prices across Switzerland

As shown by the Deloitte Coffee Study 2024, espresso has overtaken café crème as the most popular coffee drink in Switzerland. Around half of all coffee drinkers in German-, French- and Italian-speaking Switzerland regularly drink espresso – more than any other coffee speciality. This suggests an ‘Italianisation’ of Swiss coffee culture.

A survey of cafés indicates that for Swiss residents, the cost of an espresso varies depending on the city, canton and language region. In August and September 2026, Deloitte Switzerland commissioned a survey to determine the price of a single espresso at 580 coffee shops across Switzerland. This survey covers the whole of Switzerland (distribution: 67 per cent in German-speaking Switzerland, 28 per cent in French-speaking Switzerland and 5 per cent in Italian-speaking Switzerland) and at least 10 per cent of the cafés in each canton.

The espresso divide running along the Alps

Nationwide, the average price of a standard espresso is CHF 4.15, although there is a wide range between the lowest price of CHF 1.80 and the highest of CHF 6.00. The most pronounced ‘espresso divide’ lies between German-speaking Switzerland and Italian-speaking Switzerland. Whereas the average price north of the Alps is CHF 4.40, the figure falls by 42 per cent to CHF 2.55 in the Ticino region and the Italian-speaking part of Graubünden. In French-speaking Switzerland, an espresso costs an average of CHF 3.85, which is around 12 per cent less than in German-speaking Switzerland, while in Italian-speaking Switzerland the price is 34 per cent lower than in French-speaking Switzerland. The differences in espresso prices are primarily due to variations in staff costs, rent and customers’ willingness to pay.

Among the cantons and major regions, the Canton of Zurich (CHF 4.57), Central Switzerland (CHF 4.48) and Northwestern Switzerland (CHF 4.41) top the ranking in terms of average prices. At the other end of the scale, the cheapest espresso can be found in Ticino (CHF 2.56), the Canton of Neuchâtel (CHF 3.71) and the Canton of Valais (CHF 3.83).

In a comparison of the five largest cities, Zurich ranks first with an average price of CHF 4.67, followed by Basel (CHF 4.40) and Bern (CHF 4.31). By contrast, an espresso costs less than four francs on average in Lausanne (CHF 3.91) and Geneva (CHF 3.84).

Much lower prices across the border

As expected, in addition to price differences within Switzerland, there are also significant differences compared with other countries. It is interesting to note that the relative price difference in each of the three border regions examined is similar, standing at around 50 per cent. For example, a simple espresso costs the equivalent of CHF 2.47 in German municipalities near the border – an average of 44 per cent less than in German-speaking Switzerland; the equivalent of CHF 1.85 in French municipalities near the border – an average of 52 per cent less than in French-speaking Switzerland; and the equivalent of CHF 1.32 in Italian municipalities near the border – an average of 48 per cent less than in Italian-speaking Switzerland (exchange rate as at September 2026: EUR 1 = CHF 0.94).

Explore the findings of our Deloitte Coffee Study 2024 for a broader view of market trends and consumer behaviour. To discuss what these insights could mean for your business, get in touch with our Deloitte Switzerland contacts below.