For some, having a coffee at a bistro in Switzerland has become a luxury in 2024. This year, the average price of a cup rose to 4.58 francs, or 9 cents more than in 2023. According to CafetierSuisse, this is the fifth consecutive increase, for a total increase of 36 cents over ten years. Some establishments in the German-speaking region even go so far as to charge 6 francs for café crème.
The cantonal disparities are striking. If Aargau offers the most affordable prices, with an average price of 4.5 francs per cup, it is in its neighboring canton, Zurich, that the bill is the heaviest in the country: the cup of coffee there costs on average 4.86 francs. The economic capital is followed by Zug where coffee costs around 4.84 francs, a spectacular increase of 18 cents compared to last year. Hans-Peter Oettli, president of CafetierSuisse, indicates in swissinfo.ch that this trend should continue in 2025, with establishments anticipating further price increases in the same proportions. The reasons? There are many, but let us cite the increase in the cost of living in general, and wages in particular.
In French-speaking Switzerland, it is generally cheaper. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a coffee for more than 3.50 francs,” smiles a thirty-year-old from Sédun. But hey, it’s clear that living in Valais…” In Plainpalais, in Geneva, you can still find cafes for 3.90 francs, but the glass ceiling of 4 francs. has been crossed by certain restaurateurs. Just like in Lausanne. “But I have never seen a coffee for more than 4fr.50,” says a Vaudois, who therefore does not understand how the national average can be at 4.58. Note that in its recommended price range, GastroVaud considers a price ranging between 3.80 and 5 francs for a small black to be correct. Operators therefore still have room to spare.
Swiss
