Italy espresso prices rise despite historic local exceptions

While average espresso prices in Italy have risen by 24.2% over the last five years, reaching a national average of approximately €1.29, some establishments continue to maintain historic pricing.

In Cossato, within the province of Biella, owners Rosina Furiati and Orlando Paldino of the Café Fante di Cuori have kept their espresso price at €0.70 since 1999. At that time, the price was 1,500 Italian Lire, which converted directly to €0.70 upon the introduction of the Euro. The owners describe this as a ‘political price’ intended to maintain hospitality for local workers, despite rising operational costs.

Nationwide, price variations exist across Italian provinces. In Bolzano, the average price reaches €1.51, while in Messina, it remains lower at €1.06. In the Lombardy region, Mantova records the highest average at €1.37, while Milan sits slightly lower at €1.27.