Costa Coffee vs Starbucks – Which is Better?

When we talk about the best coffees in the UK, then two famous brands come to mind. One is Costa Coffee and the other one is Starbucks. These two brands are very famous due to their taste and amazing customer Service. 

But the question is here: Which one is best between them? Costa Coffee vs Starbucks. Don’t Worry Guys… According to Our Research, Costa Coffee is best in terms of taste and customer service. Meanwhile, today we’ll provide you a complete comparison guide between Costa Coffee or Starbucks. 

Costa Coffee vs Starbucks shop signs side by side with text asking which is better

Overview of Costa Coffee

Founded in London in 1971 by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa, Costa Coffee began as a wholesale operation supplying roasted coffee to caterers and specialist Italian coffee shops. It wasn’t until 1981 that they opened their first store in Vauxhall Bridge Road, London. 

Since then, Costa has expanded significantly, boasting over 3,800 stores worldwide as of 2018. In 2019, The Coca-Cola Company acquired Costa Coffee, further propelling its global presence. Meanwhile Costa Coffee also a Very amazing menu to their customers.

Popular Coffees at Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee offers a variety of beverages to cater to diverse tastes. Some of their popular drinks include:​

  • Flat White
  • Cappuccino
  • Latte
  • Americano
  • Mocha
  • Caramel Cortado
  • Iced Coffee

They also offer seasonal specials and a range of teas, hot chocolates, and cold beverages.​

Pros and Cons of Costa Coffee

Pros

  • Strong presence in the UK with numerous locations.
  • Offers a wide range of beverages and food items.
  • Known for its smooth and rich coffee blends.
  • Often considered more affordable than some competitors.

Cons

  • Limited global presence compared to Starbucks.
  • Some customers find the ambiance less cozy.
  • Menu variety may be less extensive in some locations.​

Overview of Starbucks

Starbucks originated in Seattle, Washington, in 1971. Initially a single store selling high-quality coffee beans and equipment, it transformed into a coffeehouse chain under the leadership of Howard Schultz. Today, Starbucks operates over 40,000 stores in 87 countries, making it the world’s largest coffeehouse chain. ​

Popular Coffees at Starbucks

Starbucks is renowned for its extensive menu, which includes:​

  • Espresso
  • Caffè Latte
  • Cappuccino
  • Caramel Macchiato
  • Mocha
  • Frappuccino® Blended Beverages
  • Cold Brew

They also offer a variety of teas, refreshers, and seasonal specials like the Pumpkin Spice Latte.​

Pros and Cons of Starbucks

Pros

  • Extensive global presence.
  • Innovative and diverse menu options.
  • Consistent quality and customer experience.
  • Strong brand recognition.​

Cons

  • Generally higher prices.
  • Some customers find the coffee too strong or bitter.
  • Can be crowded during peak hours.

Company Info. : Costa Coffee vs Starbucks

FeatureCosta CoffeeStarbucks
Founded1971, London, UK1971, Seattle, USA
OwnershipThe Coca-Cola CompanyPublicly traded
Number of Locations~3,800 (2018)~40,000 (2024)
Global Presence37 countries87 countries
UK Market ShareLargest coffee chain in the UKSignificant presence

Costa Coffee vs Starbucks Prices Comparison

BeverageCosta Coffee (Medium)Starbucks (Grande)
Latte£3.45£3.65
Cappuccino£3.45£3.65
Americano£3.10£3.25
Flat White£3.45£3.65
Mocha£3.70£3.85

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary by location.​

Similar Salaries: Costa Coffee vs Starbucks

PositionCosta Coffee (UK)Starbucks (UK)
Barista£9.50/hour£10.00/hour
Shift Supervisor£10.50/hour£11.00/hour
Store Manager£25,000/year£28,000/year

Note: Salaries are approximate

Compare Taste, Salary Satisfaction, and Company Ratings

AspectCosta CoffeeStarbucks
Taste– Smooth, milky coffee- Milder roast- Appeals to British preferences– Stronger and bolder flavor- Darker roast- Ideal for rich, bold lovers
Popular OpinionLoved for its consistency and creamy texturePraised for flavor depth and variety
Salary Satisfaction– Many employees feel paid fairly- Good for entry-level experience– Slightly higher pay- Good benefits and perks
Work EnvironmentFriendly and laid-back, but sometimes under pressureFast-paced, high standards, supportive team culture
Company Ratings (UK)★★★★☆ (4.0/5)- Strong UK reputation- High customer service score★★★★☆ (4.2/5)- Global reputation- High innovation and branding ratings

Conclusion

The question of Costa Coffee vs Starbucks depends on what you’re looking for:

  • If you love a mild, smooth coffee with a strong local UK presence, Costa Coffee might be your go-to.
  • If you prefer bold flavors, global variety, and innovative drinks, Starbucks will likely impress you more.

Both brands offer high-quality service, great coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you choose Costa Coffee or Starbucks, you’re guaranteed a warm cup and a pleasant experience.