As I posted here, Starbucks is one of my bad habits that is costing me alot of money. This week, I think I may have found a much cheaper alternative to Starbucks. One of my friends, knowing how much I love iced coffee, brought me a vanilla iced coffee from McDonald's. I tasted it and really liked it. The cost for a medium iced coffee at McDonald's......$1.80; the cost for a venti (large) iced coffee at Starbucks....$4.24. The funny thing is that the large (venti) coffee at Starbucks is the same size as a Medium iced coffee at McDonald's.

Here is a comparison of the savings:

  • Starbucks - 5 times a week - $4.24 per cup = $21.20 a week or $84.80 a month
  • McDonald's - 5 times a week - $1.80 per cup = $9.00 a week or $36.00 a month
  • Savings - $48.80 a month or $585.60 a year.

Needless to say, I will be getting my coffee from McDonald's for now on. I will treat myself to Starbucks now and then though. McDonald's iced coffee is good but it's not Starbucks good!

Do you have a Starbucks fetish? Will you try the McDonald's iced coffee?

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14 comments

  1. Anonymous // November 2, 2007 at 11:43 AM  

    Dunkin Donuts' coffee is better than both! And its about $2 for a large.

    -Raj
    PersonallyFinanced.com

  2. Southern & Fabulous // November 2, 2007 at 12:14 PM  

    Thank Gooodness I am not a coffee drinker. It appear as if everyone and their mama is on a StarBucks kick. I do, however, ocasionally partake in that Frappacino drink. It's tasty, but not enough to make me spend $4 plus a day on a drink!!!

    Hmmm, I'll save that money and buy a banging pair of shoes...HEHEHEHE

  3. SingleGuyMoney // November 2, 2007 at 9:38 PM  

    @raj - Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, I don't have any Dunkin Donuts' stores close to me.

    @ i am fabulous - You are right, I cant believe I spend more than $4 for a drink.

  4. Anonymous // November 3, 2007 at 2:38 PM  

    Bronx Chica- I like coffee from Mcdonalds, Au Bon Pain and Dunkin donuts are great. I'm glad your friend switched you from Starbucks.

  5. Dimples // November 3, 2007 at 6:35 PM  

    I liked the McD's iced coffee til I tried the Iced Mocha BK Jow from BK. It's off the chain. They only have on size tho. A medium for $2. I only get that once in awhile. I actually prefer tea than coffee.

  6. Anonymous // November 5, 2007 at 8:10 PM  

    Wow! I don't eat the food at McDonald's, but there is one right by my office. I may have to give this a try...

    Don't you feel strange with a 'fancy' coffee from McDonald's though? :)

  7. Anonymous // November 5, 2007 at 11:50 PM  

    I'm not a big coffee drinker but my husband is and he agrees... He tried the McDonalds one and thought it was the greatest thing... He likes the Burger King Iced coffee also...

    (of course still loves his Starbucks)

  8. SingleGuyMoney // November 6, 2007 at 12:53 AM  

    @ Bronx Chica - My wallet is happy about it too!
    @ frank - yeah it is strange and it is definitely not starbucks but it's worth the price difference.
    @ kimberly - I'll have to try to BK coffee but I dont have any really close to me. I still love Starbucks too and will probably treat myself on Friday's.

  9. Anonymous // November 8, 2007 at 9:55 AM  

    I have a long standing starbucks fetish too-- only I like my half-sweet, non-fat, customized starbucks drinks. I can't do the McDonald's thing.... but I'm happy you found a way to! :) Starbucksgirl

  10. Anonymous // November 8, 2007 at 10:47 AM  

    I think McD flavors taste too fake, I prefer dunkin.

    If you really want to save money, get a coffee maker with a timer, set it at night, and you'll have you coffe ready to go. Cheaper plus time saving.

  11. Anonymous // November 8, 2007 at 7:00 PM  

    Go look up what's in their iced 'coffee' products.

  12. Broke Grad Student // November 10, 2007 at 9:14 PM  

    Another vote for Dunkin Donuts coffee, but you said there aren't any nearby. That's a shame.


    - Broke Grad Student

  13. Anonymous // November 13, 2007 at 1:44 PM  

    I'm an avid coffee drinker and have never seen an iced coffee at Starbucks for more than $2.50. I'm not sure where you live, but that is some cost of living! The foo-foo drinks are typically in the $4 dollar range, i.e. Fraps, Lattes, Cappucino's, mocha's, etc. How much are those drinks where you live? $6-7 bucks??

    If your data is accurate, then by all means, go to MCDs. If you're talking about a cold drink like an iced latte or frappacino, then its not the same as an iced coffee.

    Jake
    http://growyourassets.blogspot.com

  14. SingleGuyMoney // November 13, 2007 at 5:46 PM  

    *jake - Unfortunately, I like the "foo foo" drinks and they cost a little more. A large caramel macchiato costs $4.24.