Starbucks Prices at LAX Rank Among Nation's Highest Airport Markups
A study found that a typical Starbucks order at Los Angeles International Airport costs nearly 43% more than at a city location, making it the 10th most expensive airport for coffee drinkers.
A common Starbucks order at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 42.9% more expensive than at a city store, positioning it as the 10th highest airport markup in the United States, according to an analysis by Upgraded Points. This price difference amounts to an additional $10.50 for travelers purchasing a basket of popular items, which cost $34.95 at LAX compared to $24.45 off-airport.
The study examined pre-tax app prices from Starbucks locations within 53 airports against one store in the corresponding city during July. The overall average markup across all studied airports was 26.5%. While LAX's markup is substantial, some airports saw even higher increases; Harry Reid International in Las Vegas and Charlotte Douglas International Airport tied for the highest markup at 56.4%.
In contrast, San Francisco International Airport offered a more moderate price increase, with a similar five-item Starbucks order costing $27.90, a 13.7% premium. This is significantly lower than the nearly 50% markup experienced by travelers at LAX.
The findings come amid increased scrutiny of food and beverage prices at airports. Earlier in the week, the Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) faced criticism for high costs at its new terminal, with reports of a burrito priced at $25 and a combination of three tacos and bottled water costing nearly $50. While Burbank Airport's concession rules generally aim to limit prices to 15% above a street-price benchmark, officials stated that the concession manager had missed a deadline for submitting necessary data to establish these benchmarks. They are reportedly working with the company to ensure compliance.
The elevated prices at LAX also coincide with the city's efforts to increase minimum wages for airport workers. A city-approved baseline of $25 per hour for covered airport employees is set to rise to $30 by 2029, before accounting for healthcare costs. This wage increase has been a point of contention, with airlines pushing back against a proposed business tax in response.
The LAX Starbucks order analyzed for the study included a grande brewed coffee, a grande caffè latte, a bacon, Gouda, and egg sandwich, a Strawberry Açaí Refresher, and a birthday cake pop.