Expert reveals Plymouth workers spend highest share of wages on coffee

Plymouth workers are spending more of their weekly wages on coffee than people in any other UK city, according to new research released ahead of International Coffee Day on 1 October.

The study, by Furniture at Work, looked at the average cost of a medium latte in major coffee chains and local cafés, then compared this to local wages.

It found that a latte in Plymouth costs around £4.56, and with wages taken into account, that adds up to 5.3% of a worker’s weekly pay - the highest proportion in the country.

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Despite London’s reputation for high prices, it was Plymouth, not the capital, that came out top of the “coffee cost crunch” league.

The top five cities for the biggest share of wages spent on coffee were:

• Plymouth - £4.56 (5.3%)
• Derby - £4.50 (5.1%)
• Southampton - £4.55 (4.9%)
• Cardiff - £4.47 (4.9%)
• Leeds - £4.52 (4.7%)

Across the UK, it is estimated that people drink 95 million cups of coffee every day, with one in four adults relying on caffeine during the working day.

Researchers have said the daily brew is becoming more than just a morning pick-me-up, but also a growing strain on pay packets.

Local worker Dan Churchill explained: “I work in a very physically demanding job so I feel I need a coffee every morning to start my day. The price increase has been notable, I’ve noticed an increase of nearly 20 per cent more on my coffees in the last year alone. This then translates into my total outgoings for the month, an extra 20 per cent each day adds up!”

Even in cities where prices are lower, like Brighton and Bristol (both £4.47 a latte), coffee still takes a noticeable slice of income.

The findings have highlighted how a simple daily habit can cause people to feel the pinch, particularly as many workers balance rising living costs with the need for a caffeine boost at work or on the go.