Why Is Dunkin Cheaper Than Starbucks? Price Check
Dunkin is cheaper than Starbucks mostly because the two chains sell coffee in different ways. Dunkin is built for speed: a quick cup, a donut and back in the car. Starbucks wants you to stay a while, with more seats, more custom drinks and more staff behind the counter. All of that costs money, and it shows up in the price.
How big is the price gap?
| Drink | Dunkin (S / M / L) | Starbucks (Tall / Grande / Venti) |
|---|---|---|
| Hot brewed coffee | $2.09 / $2.49 / $2.79 | $3.45 / $3.85 / $3.95 |
| Hot latte | $3.99 / $4.49 / $4.99 | $4.25 / $4.95 / $5.45 |
Cup sizes are not the same. A small hot coffee at Dunkin is 10 oz and a Tall is 12 oz. The large and the Venti are both 20 oz. Even at the same size, plain coffee costs about a dollar more at Starbucks.
Why does Starbucks charge more?
- It runs many stores itself. In the U.S., Starbucks owns and runs most of its cafes, and it pays for staff benefits and training. The donut chain’s shops are run by franchise owners.
- Bigger, comfier stores. Seats, Wi-Fi and a cafe feel mean more rent and upkeep.
- More handmade drinks. Lattes, cold foam and custom orders take more time and more workers.
- Brand. Starbucks sells itself as a premium coffee shop, and people are willing to pay for that.
How does the cheaper chain keep prices low?
The donut chain keeps things simple. Many stores are small with a busy drive-thru, and the menu is built so orders come out fast. It also sells a lot of donuts and breakfast sandwiches, so coffee does not have to carry all the profit. It is owned by Inspire Brands, which also owns Arby’s and Sonic, and it leans on deals in its app to bring people back.
Is Dunkin coffee lower quality?
Not really. Both chains use arabica beans. Starbucks roasts darker, which gives a bolder, sometimes bitter taste. The Original Blend at its rival is a medium roast that is lighter and smoother. Which one is better comes down to what you like.
How to save at either one
- Plain brewed or iced coffee is the cheapest drink at both.
- Use the apps. Both give free drinks and points.
- At Starbucks, a Venti brewed coffee is only about 10 cents more than a Grande.
See full lists on our Dunkin menu with prices and Starbucks menu with prices, or compare more chains in coffee chain prices compared.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dunkin cheaper than Starbucks?
Yes, in most cases. A small hot coffee at Dunkin is about $2.09, while a Tall at Starbucks is about $3.45.
Why is Starbucks so much more expensive?
It runs many of its own stores, has bigger cafes and more handmade drinks, and prices itself as a premium brand.
Are Dunkin and Starbucks cup sizes the same?
No. Dunkin’s small hot coffee is 10 oz and a Starbucks Tall is 12 oz. The Dunkin large and Starbucks Venti are both 20 oz.
Who owns Dunkin?
Dunkin is owned by Inspire Brands, which also owns Arby’s, Sonic and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Which has stronger tasting coffee?
Starbucks uses a darker roast, so its coffee tastes bolder. Dunkin’s Original Blend is a lighter medium roast.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
