Rome espresso prices rise to 1.35 euros amid increasing operational costs

The cost of espresso in Rome has risen to an average of 1.35 euros, according to the Fipe-Confcommercio 2026 Catering Report. This price exceeds the 1.24 euro average seen in Milan and moves closer to the 1.50 euro threshold. While coffee beans account for only about 11% of the final price, the increase is driven by higher operational costs, including personnel and management (32%), as well as energy, utilities, and commercial rents (24%).

In Italian coffee culture, particularly in Rome, the espresso remains a deeply rooted social ritual. A traditional aspect of this service is providing a small glass of water alongside the coffee, a practice intended to cleanse the palate and serve as a gesture of hospitality. In the Lazio region, 78% of the population consumes coffee regularly, with 84% of Roman consumers maintaining a strong connection to local bars.