The Best City for Coffee Was Just Announced—and It’s Not Seattle

Every coffee lover knows that no matter where they go, finding a decent cup of coffee is at the top of their to-do list.

No matter the type of coffee you drink, there’s nothing like the fresh smell of a ‘cuppa in the morning. Not to mention the first sip of coffee and caffeine rush that follows to kickstart the day.

But why is it that in some cities, finding a decent cup of coffee is easier than others? Well, real-estate firm, Clever, happens to have the answers to our coffee queries. Using factors of affordability and quantity of coffee shops per city, Clever has determined what are the best and worst American coffee cities. And some of the results may surprise you.

The Top 10 Best Coffee Cities

artplus/Getty Images

The top ten best coffee cities in America offer the most affordable and largest variety of coffee shops throughout the nation. Additionally, it is important to note these rankings do not include the taste or quality of coffee in each state.

While many may think Seattle, Washington—home of coffee empire, Starbucks—would make the list, these are the places that topped the list:

Baltimore, MD
Hartford, CT
Boston, MA
Providence, RI
Riverside, CA
Cincinnati, OH
Washington, D.C.
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Oklahoma City, OK

Some readers may be surprised to find out that Baltimore, Maryland came in as the number one best coffee city. With an average cappuccino price of $4.50 and 26 coffee shops per 100,000 residents, the city took the trophy for best coffee city. Following close behind are Hartford, Connecticut and Boston, Massachusetts. Boston astoundingly has 61 coffee shops per 100,000 residents.

Following Hartford and Boston comes Providence, Rhode Island and Riverside, California. With an average of $4.25 per cappuccino in Providence and $3.88 per overall cup of coffee in Riverside, the two make noteworthy additions to the list. Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Oklahoma City all closely follow.

The Top 10 Worst Coffee Cities

Boyloso/Getty Images

On the other side of the coin, Clever writes that “not every city in the country is a valley of plenty when it comes to coffee.” In terms of affordability and quantity, these are the cities that came in at the top ten “worst” cities to get your coffee fix:

Louisville, KY
Jacksonville, FL
Birmingham, AL
Memphis, TN
Virginia Beach, VA
Las Vegas, NV
San Antonio, TX
Richmond, VA
Phoenix, AZ
Charlotte, NC

Louisville came in as the number one worst coffee city for its expensive coffees and lack of shops. The average Louisville cappuccino costs $4.88 and there are just 8 coffee shops per capita.

Clever attributes the prevalence of Southern states on the worst coffee cities list to the hot weather of the South during certain times of the year. Then, residents may opt for some alternative beverage options like smoothies or iced teas resulting in less of a need for as many coffee shops.

And the firm does acknowledge, while Louisville may lack in coffee shop quantity, they came in as the third best city to retire in of 2022.

Our Takeaways

No matter where you travel to in the states, there are lots of rankings to consider. Including the most popular coffee drink in every state. Although, in terms of the best coffee city, your next best cup of Joe may easily be found in Baltimore, Hartford or Boston.

Make These Coffeeshop Copy Cat Recipes at Home

Frothy Cafe Bombon

I discovered this layered java beverage during my honeymoon in Spain. —Keri Hesemann, St. Charles, Missouri

This chocolate coffee recipe is sure to be the highlight of your morning!

Easy Spiced Morning Mocha

This recipe is a delicious morning pick-me-up and still tastes great when made with low-fat milk.—Vicki Wright, Omaha, Nebraska

Coffee with Cinnamon and Cloves

A quick-and-easy, fall-flavored coffee made with instant granules. What’s not to love about this special beverage? —Jill Garn, Charlotte, Michigan

Creamy Caramel Mocha

You can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Comforting Coffee Milk

This recipe is special to me because the delicious ingredients and flavors speak for themselves without those extra preservatives. Now that’s refreshing! —Brenda Schrag, Farmington, New Mexico

Holiday Peppermint Mocha

Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California

Creamy Irish Coffee

My maternal grandma seldom drank more than a glass of champagne at Christmas, but she couldn’t resist my Creamy Irish Coffee. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois

Mocha Morning Drink

When I’m sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel like I’m visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana

Caramel-Chai Tea Latte

Inspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland

Viennese Coffee

This isn’t your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Hazelnut Mocha Smoothies

This smooth blend of coffee, cocoa and nutty flavors is better than any coffeehouse version we’ve tried. Try it, and we’re sure you will agree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Iced Coffee Latte

This amazing alternative to regular hot coffee is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa

Coconut Lover’s Frappe

I love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it’s as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut

Sweet Kahlua Coffee

I have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they’d like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California

Frosty Caramel Cappuccino

This frothy iced cappuccino is positively delicious for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert. It’s also a great quick treat to serve with a plate of cookies for the holidays. To make the ice cream topping easier to drizzle, put it in a squeeze bottle, take the cap off and microwave for a few seconds. —Carol Mann, Summerfield, Florida

Honey Spiced Latte

We combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Hazelnut Coffee

The blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—makes this drink absolutely sensational. It is delightful for breakfast or brunch, or serve it as one of your beverage offerings at a cocktail or dinner party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas