Foo - How much does your coffee habit cost you?

I've been looking at all my opportunities to reduce my household budget and decided to check out how much my Tim Horton's coffee habit is costing me.

I basically buy 2 coffees per day (weekdays and weekends), therefore my 2 coffee per day habit (at $1.60 per cup) costs me $998.40 per year. So then I thought I'd throw it into my compound interest / savings calculator. Assuming coffee prices go up 2% per year, and instead of buying coffee I put that amount into a tax-deferred investment (6% return), I'd end up with the following savings:

After 10 years = $15,129.87
After 20 years = $45,538.51
After 30 years = $104,034.71
After 40 years = $213,715.98
After 45 years = $299,678.80 That's the cost of a decent house :eek:

Any other coffee addicts here? How much is your habit costing you?

$6*52 = $312/yr. estimated. (excluding fuel costs for roasting....and depreciation on the stove and pot :p)

Almost nothing, as I drink the free stuff here in the office 5d/wk, and brew the cheap/gifted stuff at home on the weekends/holidays.

$8 - About a pound a month of home coffee
$8 - a month for home half and half
$1 - a month for home sugar
$20-40 - a month for away espressos and lattes, not including tip.

$444-684 per year for me. I don't do coffee every single day, however. I'd save more if I cut beer from my diet.

Home coffee is that Kivu stuff in Fred Meyers - half decaf Columbian and half Costa Rican. I usually do cowboy coffee at home, Gevalia drip machine at the shop.

Zip, nada, nil, in other words not a thing as I don't drink the stuff(had another word here but didn't want to offend the fragile sensibilities). Beer and Scotch now......:D

Zip, nada, nil, in other words not a thing as I don't drink the stuff.

I second that. Actually the smell of coffee alone can give me instantaneous splitting headaches. I avoid going into a Starbucks if at all possible.

Hmm depends on the week. I actually love the taste of coffee but hate the idea of being addicted to caffeine so I limit myself to 4 days a week (sometimes over sometimes under). But I usually drink the stuff made at home which is fair trade columbian or ferre brothers highlander delite (half caffeinated)... I try to treat myself to coffee once a week or every other week at our local coffee house. I do sometimes get coffee at my work which is $0.10 a cup (positive thing about working at a hospital!).
So:
$10 every 1.5 months for a pound of coffee
$3 x 2 for splurging
$4 for almond milk that I use as my creamer
No sugar

So around $210 a year... What really makes me cringe is my cell phone bill... having an iPhone is not a cheap utility device.

So I guess

Think that is a lot of money? Figure up what 30 years of cigs cost me before I quit. 2 packs a day roughly.

Marlboro reds 365 x 2 = 730 packs per year x $4.00 a pack (average over the years) = $2930 a year in cigs. Times this by the 30 years from age 15 to 45 is $90,000.

And you want to cut $1.20 a day from your budget? Oh brother, I guess you have to start somewhere.

I think 30¢ a day for a serving of home made iced coffee that is miles better than the $3.00 a serving iced coffee from Starbucks. I make a pitcher each week and it makes me (and everyone around me) very happy (and everyone around very safe).

$28 a week = $1456/year.

I drink tea and buy the teabags from Trader Joe's. It comes out to less than $55/year.

I started brewing my own coffee recently in a ceramic coffee cone. This is similar to how and automatic machine works, but I have to boil and pour the water myself. My cup is about 9oz and it takes me about 5 minutes to brew plus another 3 to 5 min to boil water.

It costs me $5.50 for 1/2 lb of grounds which lasts me 2 weeks. That comes out to about 40 cents per day.
A pack of 400 #4 cone filters cost me $5, which is about 1.25 cents each.
Water, heat, and detergent to clean up, I'm not sure.

Total cost per day is probably around 45 cents.

I bet $300 a year,,,I couldn't even guess for sure.
Now I have to drink instant,,,,,,,Doc got after me for over doing it.
x136 sound like my nutritionist,,,,she hates coffee.

I drink real coffee - the kind brewed at home. I havent set foot in a coffeepourium in a long time.
I buy the French/Dark Roast variety that costs the least for the largest container. It might be Folgers or WalMart; it doesn't matter.

Then I brew it strong and drink it black.

No milk, no frilly sugars, no flavored creamers - black.
I use the same heavy, ceramic cup every day. I do wash it.
I dont own any special cups, sipping jugs or mall-store coffee totes.

Im probably in for a pretty low-cost cup 'o Joe.

I swore off coffee, quite unhappily, around 2004, when it started giving me palpitations...but the pusher's siren scent of hazelnut and cinnamon was too much for me to resist and back i went, slowly but surely.

The wife and i had, at one point a few years ago, succumbed to an after dinner walk to Starbucks for a giant concoction each, about 3-4x/week, which annually would have set us back about $2000. This would be in addition to coffee brewed at home on the weekends (we usually drink strong English tea on workday mornings), which probably would have been another 250/yr, so about $2250 at our worst point of splurging...this excludes milk and sugar, water filters, etc.

Now, in addition to the morning tea, we make coffee at home the same amount of times, maybe a bit more - say $500/year, plus maybe one Starbucks trip per week at most, another $500/yr. I usually buy a Bean & Bean coffee (much better than Starbucks, imo, btw) 1x/wk at work when I am crashing a bit. Good stuff.

I roast my own coffee at home and have around 85 pounds of green coffee out in the garage. I have a $ 2000 espresso machine, a $350 grinder, a $ 300 roaster, a $ 200 drip brewer, a Chemex and several french presses. Other than having coffee with breakfast in a restaurant, I have not bought coffee or espresso outside my home for years.

Let's see, we probably go through 55 pounds of coffee per year, at an average materials cost of $ 6 or so per pound shipped, so call it $ 350 per year, ignoring my time and the capital costs of equipment. But the upside is that we drink the best coffees in the world and they are prepared just the way we like them.

When I compare it to the prices of commercial coffee and espresso, the payback period is surprisingly short, given that we go through about five espresso drinks and 1-1.5 lbs of drip/press coffee per week. That would equal at least $ 25-30 per week on the market.

But the savings pale in comparison to not having to drink the over-roasted coffee at Starbucks. In the eyes of most skilled coffee roasters, the biggest failing of Starbucks is that they buy the best beans in the world and proceed to burn the heck out of them.

~$200/yr. With Foo's help, especially MillCreek, I've also been roasting my own (http://coffeegeek.com/forums/coffee/homeroast). Though my capital costs aren't bad...Wearever II air popper is my roaster (free), Capresso drip maker & grinder (together ~$300), Bodum French press and Aeropress (together ~$50). Green beans from roastmasters or sweetmarias are typically ~$7-8/lb. I go through 5 lbs every couple months although it's been considerably less since moving to the new job. My new [commie] boss forbids anything but water on the pressroom floor so I have one cup with the Aeropress before work and a pot on the weekend.

I almost never buy coffee on the road or in restaurants cuz it usually is lame.

~$900/yr

I refuse to waste my money on stupid expenditures like buying coffee from Starbucks or where ever when I can make a better cup at home in my own espresso maker for far less money even after paying the cost for a espresso maker!! So coffee cost me about $156 dollars a year, then I bought a Mr Coffee pump espresso maker (not the steam one) for $70, which I can't tell the difference in taste between that coffee maker and a $450 Gagga! And I bought a never used brand new in the box 1968 Hobart coffee mill about 6 years ago for $5 and has a adjustable grind that can grind coffee to the espresso grind. And the beauty of making my own coffee, I can experiment with mixing different coffees and thus always having a unique and different flavor of coffee.

When the Mr Coffee dies I will try the Aeropress.

~$200/yr. With Foo's help, especially MillCreek, I've also been roasting my own (http://coffeegeek.com/forums/coffee/homeroast). Though my capital costs aren't bad...Wearever II air popper is my roaster (free), Capresso drip maker & grinder (together ~$300), Bodum French press and Aeropress (together ~$50). Green beans from roastmasters or sweetmarias are typically ~$7-8/lb. I go through 5 lbs every couple months although it's been considerably less since moving to the new job. My new [commie] boss forbids anything but water on the pressroom floor so I have one cup with the Aeropress before work and a pot on the weekend.

I almost never buy coffee on the road or in restaurants cuz it usually is lame.

Question for you, what's the difference between the Aeropress and the Bodium French Press? They both use a plunger so mechanically they appear the same in function. Is the coffee flavor stronger in one or the other?

Like beer, I tried coffee once or twice and never again. I just couldn't stand the taste. And needless to say, coffee is pretty popular in these parts.

I turn into a monster if I don't get my coffee. It has to be good coffee too.

My workplace is right across the street from a good coffee shop. I used to jaywalk several times a day to get more coffee. I never tallied up the cost, but it was probably more than $4000/year including the snacks I would buy also. I was also gaining weight again.

I cut that out a few weeks ago. I still go over there every two weeks and buy a pound of coffee to brew at home. I drink two cups in the morning before riding to work, and haul the rest in a thermos to drink at work.

Total coffee cost now is about $400/year - yes a factor of 10.

I also bring my lunch to work everyday instead of going out. That has also saved me a lot of money.

Oh, and I'm losing weight again.

I just got one of those Keurig single-cup coffee makers at work.

So I figure this would be a good time for me to stop thinking about how much my coffee habit is costing.

I'm not counting. that way I don't have to acknowledge the problem. I suspect my money for coffee will be severely reduced in about seven months time.

I'm not counting. that way I don't have to acknowledge the problem. I suspect my money for coffee will be severely reduced in about seven months time.

Now the question, why would your coffee money be severely reduced in 7 months? Are you slowly cutting back? I had a friend who use to drink 15 to 20 cups a day! Now after 8 years he's down to just one in the morning. You can do it to man, put down the cup. We're all cheering for you.

$60 a year for my weekend coffee
Free coffee at work
Average yearly spend on purchasing coffee out I would say no more than about $20

Question for you, what's the difference between the Aeropress and the Bodum French Press? They both use a plunger so mechanically they appear the same in function. Is the coffee flavor stronger in one or the other?

Yup, similar mechanics. But the Aeropress uses a paper filter disc which eliminates grounds in the cup. It also has a tight rubber seal and less water is passed thru the grounds. If made according to the directions (http://www.sweetmarias.com/aeropress/aeropress_instructions.php), the Aeropress is supposed to result in a less bitter cup. That may be true but it also ends up in a colder weaker cup due to the shorter recommended steep time (10 seconds) and colder water temp (175F/80C). I just use it as a one cup french press with 195 degree water and a 3-4 min steep time. And I nuke mine afterwards to the desired temp as well. YMMV

Yup, similar mechanics. But the Aeropress uses a paper filter disc which eliminates grounds in the cup. It also has a tight rubber seal and less water is passed thru the grounds. If made according to the directions (http://www.sweetmarias.com/aeropress/aeropress_instructions.php), the Aeropress is supposed to result in a less bitter cup. That may be true but it also ends up in a colder weaker cup due to the shorter recommended steep time (10 seconds) and colder water temp (175F/80C). I just use it as a one cup french press with 195 degree water and a 3-4 min steep time. And I nuke mine afterwards to the desired temp as well. YMMV

If I'm for the strongest flavor, then the Bodum is the way to go?

If I'm for the strongest flavor, then the Bodum is the way to go?

IMO yes. You'd have to either use more grounds with the AP to get an equally strong cup, or just use a smaller amount of water.

Then again, the AP is supposed to be capable of making espresso. Never tried it. I know other Foosters have the AP and like it. Black Box comes to mind. I never inquired how they use their APs.

Now the question, why would your coffee money be severely reduced in 7 months? Are you slowly cutting back? I had a friend who use to drink 15 to 20 cups a day! Now after 8 years he's down to just one in the morning. You can do it to man, put down the cup. We're all cheering for you.

We'll be going from two people, two incomes to three people, one income. I only have a maximum of three cups of coffee a day anyway. One with breakfast. maybe one at morning tea. one at lunch.

We'll be going from two people, two incomes to three people, one income. I only have a maximum of three cups of coffee a day anyway. One with breakfast. maybe one at morning tea. one at lunch.

I only have one "cup" a day
http://www.amazon.com/Copco-24-Ounce-Big-Thermal-Travel/dp/B000IBLBS6

:innocent:

I only have one "cup" a day
http://www.amazon.com/Copco-24-Ounce-Big-Thermal-Travel/dp/B000IBLBS6

:innocent:

Lightweight!

We purchase an $8 bag of dark roast whole beans about every 3 weeks, which amounts to less than $200 per year. The initial investment of a $30 coffee pot, a $15 grinder, and a couple of insulated travel mugs have more than paid for themselves in the savings in not buying a cup on my way to work.

We'll be going from two people, two incomes to three people, one income. I only have a maximum of three cups of coffee a day anyway. One with breakfast. maybe one at morning tea. one at lunch.

Wait a minute there, upside down man! There's going to be a mini-gnome roaming the bottom half of the globe? Spectacular! Congratulations to you both. :)

I'm not counting. That way I don't have to acknowledge the problem. I suspect my money for coffee will be severely reduced in about seven months time.

There is no spoon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzm8kTIj_0M).

About to partake in some home-brew this morning. I'm on day 2 of my mission to avoid purchasing Timmie's coffees. I've done a bit more calculating on how much my coffee costs if I brew it at home. It works out to approx $0.25 per 375mL mug. I drink my coffees as double-doubles, so the cost includes:

- cream
- milk (we make our own half-and-half since it's cheaper that way)
- sugar
- coffee grounds
- filter
- depreciated cost of the equipment (we tend to get a new coffee maker every 3 years or so)

The only costs I have not included are: electricity, water, cleaning supplies :) Overall these will be negligable.

About to partake in some home-brew this morning. I'm on day 2 of my mission to avoid purchasing Timmie's coffees. I've done a bit more calculating on how much my coffee costs if I brew it at home. It works out to approx $0.25 per 375mL mug. I drink my coffees as double-doubles, so the cost includes:

- cream
- milk (we make our own half-and-half since it's cheaper that way)
- sugar
- coffee grounds
- filter
- depreciated cost of the equipment (we tend to get a new coffee maker every 3 years or so)

The only costs I have not included are: electricity, water, cleaning supplies :) Overall these will be negligable.

Never occurred to me to do this.

Why not go with a French press, or a drip maker with a gold filter and eliminate the paper filter cost and waste?
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/public/enUgXPeo7MeYrhCEc4-x8hKRBCtCv6O23JeaAegbDUdXd-HQ-M52uBGhip6xxPIFbCvd91uY3nMInz2Yb6ZOOoQ3dJh5-j9jh9PZfwf3Xizq4G4asEj9rPw7CiCPs6c7dZ1FSjM8vvZJNwlM-Iy4

So redoing the impact to my budget over the long term, assuming a bit more realistic rate of return on my investment (4% instead of 6%), 2% inflation on coffee costs ever year, here are the numbers when I invest the savings into a tax-deferred investment:

Today's savings per cup of coffee = $1.60-$0.25 = $1.35 (I was paying approx $1.60 at work or at Tim Hortons)
I was buying 2 cups every day, therefore my yearly savings = 14 cups per week x 52 weeks x $1.35 = $982.80 per year

Invest that $982.80 in savings every year into a tax-deferred investment, and here's the savings:
After 10 years = $13,351.33
After 20 years = $36,038.43
After 30 years = $73,185.06
After 40 years = $132,515.85
After 45 years = $173,928.79

Never occurred to me to do this.

Why not go with a French press, or a drip maker with a gold filter and eliminate the paper filter cost and waste?
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/public/enUgXPeo7MeYrhCEc4-x8hKRBCtCv6O23JeaAegbDUdXd-HQ-M52uBGhip6xxPIFbCvd91uY3nMInz2Yb6ZOOoQ3dJh5-j9jh9PZfwf3Xizq4G4asEj9rPw7CiCPs6c7dZ1FSjM8vvZJNwlM-Iy4

We actually do have a metal filter, but it doesn't seem to make as good coffee. I am considering switching over to an Aeropress. I've heard some pretty decent reviews from others.

I don't drink coffee but my wife does. I think if she gave up coffee she would be difficult to live with and that would cost me half my stuff or more. That would be far exceed the cost of coffee.

$2.99 Cafe Bustelo. Mix decaf and reg. Thrift Store Braun 12 cup. Sip all morning. Filters and grounds right into the compost tumbler.

Nothing I've never been rich enough to drink coffee....or smoke or drink or do drugs. Sometimes being poor is great.

Nothing I've never been rich enough to drink coffee....or smoke or drink or do drugs. Sometimes being poor is great.
Thats the spirit!

We'll be going from two people, two incomes to three people, one income. I only have a maximum of three cups of coffee a day anyway. One with breakfast. maybe one at morning tea. one at lunch.

Reproducing cyclists in NZ. ;) :thumb:

About to partake in some home-brew this morning. I'm on day 2 of my mission to avoid purchasing Timmie's coffees. I've done a bit more calculating on how much my coffee costs if I brew it at home. It works out to approx $0.25 per 375mL mug. I drink my coffees as double-doubles, so the cost includes:

- cream
- milk (we make our own half-and-half since it's cheaper that way)
- sugar
- coffee grounds
- filter
- depreciated cost of the equipment (we tend to get a new coffee maker every 3 years or so)

The only costs I have not included are: electricity, water, cleaning supplies :) Overall these will be negligable.

I use a ceramic coffee cone with paper filters. It was around US $15 for a #2 cone and 400 #4 filters cost me about $5 at Costco. I can make up to about 500ml of coffee. More than that you might want a bigger one. I use a 12oz/ 350mL mug and I brew about 9oz/266mL every morning.

The #4 filters have a larger diameter but can be folded to fit smaller cones.

The down side is that it takes about 3-5 min to make 266mL of coffee not including time to boil water and it requires more time and attention. Basically you heat the water and pour it over the grounds in the cone. The cone only holds about 100mL so you have to fill it several times during the brew process. Hario brewers have a bigger hole in the cone and use a slightly different method that requires pouring a little water at a time.

The ceramic cone I have is made by Cilio in Gemany.

0.0

Ok, I have a new found love... macchiatos and cortados (sometimes call Gibraltar?). These espresso shops have ruined me for the drip coffee I've been making.

Now how the heck do I make this at home? I think a moka pot can make the espresso, but how do I steam the milk?

Ok, I have a new found love... macchiatos and cortados (sometimes call Gibraltar?). These espresso shops have ruined me for the drip coffee I've been making.

Now how the heck do I make this at home? I think a moka pot can make the espresso, but how do I steam the milk?

I don't steam milk nor can you well with a moka pot; however you can do it adequately by doing this: http://www.ehow.com/how_4750814_steam-milk-espresso-machine.html

Plane flight to Italy: $900
Weeklong Ski Pass: $321
Double Espresso with side of sambucca: $6
Total cost: $1227
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3308436369_682a7f38a4_z.jpg

Plane flight to Italy: $900
Weeklong Ski Pass: $321
Double Espresso with side of sambucca: $6
Total cost: $1227
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3308436369_682a7f38a4_z.jpg

Experience: Priceless.