In early 2026, Switzerland remains one of the most expensive countries for a caffeine fix. On average, a standard cup of coffee (café crème) in a local café costs between CHF 4.50 and CHF 6.00 ($5.25 to $7.00 USD). In major cities like Zurich or Geneva, prices can easily climb to CHF 7.00 or CHF 8.00 at premium locations or high-end hotels. For a specialty latte or a cappuccino at a chain like Starbucks, expect to pay around CHF 7.50. If you are looking for the cheapest option, a "Kaffee" from a self-service machine at a Migros or Coop supermarket or a train station kiosk usually costs about CHF 2.50 to CHF 3.50. Because Swiss tap water is of exceptional quality and free, many budget-conscious travelers skip the expensive sit-down coffee and enjoy the scenery instead. Keep in mind that most sit-down cafes in Switzerland include service in the price, so an additional tip is appreciated but not strictly required like it is in the United States.