Not the only ones… Coffee Prices in Oz

THE cost of a cup of coffee has risen faster in Melbourne than other Australian capital cities in the past year.

Takeaway cappuccino prices in the nation’s cafe capital surged an average 23c to $3.22 and are now more expensive than Sydney.

Coffee lovers are shelling out an average 7.6 per cent more than last year – more than twice the inflation rate – checks at hundreds of outlets reveal.

Rising green coffee bean costs and higher rents, milk prices and wages are blamed for the hip-pocket hit.

The cost jolt stormed past price rises in Sydney and Brisbane, which nudged up just 1 per cent and 1.5 per cent.

The annual Gilkatho Cappuccino Price Index surveyed 600 venues along the eastern seaboard, including 200 cafes in Melbourne’s city centre, Carlton, Fitzroy, St Kilda, Point Cook and Williamstown.

Brisbane customers paid an average $3.31, while the Sydney average was the lowest of the three cities at $3.06.

Gilkatho managing director Wayne Fowler said that across Melbourne 61 per cent of venues had increased prices, 23 per cent had frozen prices and 6 per cent had reduced charges.

Many cafes were recouping money now as Melbourne’s economy recovered, having not passed on full costs during the global financial crisis.

“Melburnians, who have the enviable reputation of living in Australia’s cafe capital, are prepared to pay handsomely for a quality cup,” Mr Fowler said.

“Cafes will generally follow each other with price because quality is often judged on cost. If it’s too low, people assume the quality is not there.”

Around the CBD, cafes charged from a low of $2.40 to the most expensive $5 at a Bourke St outlet.

St Kilda offered bargains, with small cups sold for as little as $1.