Dutch Bros vs Starbucks Prices: Which Is Cheaper in 2027?

Dutch Bros and Starbucks are the two coffee chains people compare most, especially when deciding where to spend on a daily drink. Dutch Bros has a reputation for being cheaper and serving bigger drinks, but how true is that? This guide compares prices drink by drink using a real 2026 menu check, explains how sizes differ, and looks at which rewards program gives more back.

Dutch Bros prices on this site are typical U.S. figures. Starbucks prices below come from The Takeout's July 2026 comparison of online menus in Austin, Texas, so local prices will differ. For all Dutch Bros prices, see Dutch Bros menu prices.

Head-to-head price comparison

The Takeout matched seven roughly equivalent items at Dutch Bros and Starbucks in Austin, with prices before tax and tip.

Dutch Bros came out cheaper on every matched item, with the biggest gaps on energy drinks and breakfast food. Keep in mind the Dutch Bros breakfast slider is smaller than a full Starbucks sandwich, so that comparison is not perfectly like for like.

Size comparison

Price only tells half the story. Dutch Bros iced drinks run larger than Starbucks at each tier, which widens the value gap.

A Dutch Bros small iced drink is the same volume as a Starbucks grande, so comparing a "small" to a "small" understates how much you get at Dutch Bros. Read our Dutch Bros sizes guide for the full breakdown.

Typical Dutch Bros prices for common orders

Here are typical Dutch Bros prices for the drinks people most often compare against Starbucks.

Related Dutch Bros Coffee Prices: Every Coffee Drink by Size (2027)

Rewards programs compared

Both chains use apps and points. Dutch Rewards members earn 3 points per dollar in shops, with 250 points for a free medium drink and 325 points for any drink, and points expire after 180 days. Members also get a free birthday drink of up to 32 oz with any customizations. That works out to a free drink roughly every $84 to $109 spent.

Starbucks runs its own star-based program with different tiers, which change from time to time, so check the Starbucks app for current terms. The big practical difference is that Dutch Bros lets you redeem for a fully customized drink of any size at 325 points. See our Dutch Bros Rewards guide.

Menu differences that affect price

Beyond the price tag, the two menus are built differently. Dutch Bros leans heavily on customizable sweet drinks: signature breves like the Golden Eagle, Rebel energy drinks in dozens of flavor combinations, and blended Freezes and shakes. Starbucks has a broader espresso and brewed coffee lineup and a much bigger food case. That means the "cheaper" chain depends on what you order.

Dutch Bros is also mostly a drive-thru and walk-up business, so you will rarely find a seating area. If you plan to sit and work for an hour, that matters more than a dollar.

Price changes in 2026

Both chains have faced rising coffee bean costs. In its second-quarter 2026 earnings call, Dutch Bros said recent pricing would add less than one percentage point to ticket growth in the second half of the year, which suggests modest rather than dramatic price increases. Expect occasional small bumps at your local stand rather than big jumps, and check the app before you order.

Which should you choose?

If price and size are your priority, Dutch Bros is the better value for most drinks, especially energy drinks and iced coffee. Starbucks offers a wider food menu and more locations nationwide, so convenience may decide it for you. Many people use both: Dutch Bros for Rebels and sweet iced coffee, and another chain when they are near one. If you are new to Dutch Bros, our best Dutch Bros drinks list is a good place to start.

For more ways to keep costs low, read the cheapest drinks at Dutch Bros and Dutch Bros deals and discounts.

Which chain is better for families?

Families often care more about kids drinks and caffeine-free choices than about espresso. Dutch Bros offers a dedicated kids size for shakes, smoothies, sodas, lemonades, chocolate milk and cocoa, typically about $2.50-$3.50, plus the Not So Hot, a cocoa served cooler for children. Starbucks has kids-size options too, but Dutch Bros' long list of caffeine-free fruit drinks makes it easy to order something fun for everyone in one stop. See our Dutch Bros kids menu for every option and its calories.

Frequently Asked Questions