As National Coffee Day approaches, a new report from WalletHub highlights the best places to enjoy coffee across the U.S., with Atlanta securing a spot among the top 20. Ranking 17th out of the 100 largest cities, Atlanta stands out as a coffee hotspot, part of a $49 billion retail coffee market.
WalletHub’s analysis compared 100 cities based on 12 factors reflecting strong coffee cultures. These factors included the number of coffee shops per capita, the average cost of coffee, and the share of residents who own coffee makers. The top cities for coffee lovers range from Portland, Oregon, which took the number one spot, to Las Vegas at number 20.
Why It Matters: Coffee is not just a beverage—it’s a cultural cornerstone in many communities. WalletHub’s report emphasizes how cities like Atlanta contribute to that culture, with a thriving coffee scene that includes specialty shops, cafes, and a high consumer demand for quality brews. Atlanta’s coffee culture reflects both a growing demand for coffee experiences and an appreciation for diverse offerings in this highly competitive market.
Best vs. Worst: Interestingly, the report reveals key contrasts in coffee consumption across the nation. For instance, Fremont, California, tops the list for highest annual household coffee spending, which is nearly four times higher than Detroit, where spending is the lowest. Meanwhile, Chesapeake, Virginia, boasts the highest share of single-cup coffee maker ownership, with Newark, New Jersey, at the bottom of that list.
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Portland, Oregon, which WalletHub ranked first overall, also leads in having the most coffee and tea manufacturers per square root of the population—21 times more than Tulsa, Oklahoma, the city with the fewest.
What’s Next: As the coffee industry continues to grow, cities like Atlanta are poised to see increased investment in coffee businesses and more consumers embracing the expanding coffee culture. The full report, which includes rankings for all 100 cities, is available on WalletHub’s website.
With National Coffee Day just around the corner, Atlanta coffee lovers have plenty of reason to celebrate their city’s ranking—and maybe raise a cup to the city’s place in the national coffee scene.
