Global Comparison of the Average Price of Tobacco Cigarettes
Pricing information is correct at the time of creation (12th June 2024). Pricing details throughout this article are not updated, and may have changed since creation. This article should not be relied on for up-to-date pricing information.
Interest in tobacco prices has grown significantly in the past few years. Globally, the amount people that have searched for terms like ‘how much does a pack of cigarettes cost’ has risen by 80% in just two years.1 While interest in the price of tobacco and cigarettes has risen globally, how much this product costs exactly can vary depending on a few factors. For example, tobacco companies in your country might sell tobacco at different prices compared to other countries.
The cost might also differ from one tobacco brand to another, vary depending on the tobacco product in question, or other factors – which we explore further down the page.
Ultimately, how much tobacco costs worldwide isn’t a single answer, although there are figures on how much certain types of these products cost in different countries.
What Is the Price of Tobacco in Different Countries?
The cost of tobacco varies across the world. Cigarettes and tobacco in some countries can be more expensive than in others.
Wondering how much it costs for 20 cigarettes in 2024? According to the Office for National Statistics, the current price of a pack of 20 king size filter cigarettes in the UK is £15.80.
How much are cigarettes in other countries? According to Statista, smoking is even more costly in Australia. In fact, Australia is reported to be the world’s most expensive country to be a smoker. New Zealand, Ireland and Norway are also reported to be among the most expensive places in the world to smoke.
What Factors Influence the Price of Tobacco in Different Countries?
Many factors may influence the price of cigarettes, the price of tobacco and the overall cost of smoking, including the following:
• Tobacco tax levels and regulations: these vary country-by-country.
• Production costs: The price of manufacture, including materials and labour.
What Is the Most Expensive Country for Smokers?
According to Statista, the most expensive countries across the globe for smoking are Australia and New Zealand. This is followed by countries including Ireland, Norway, Canada, Singapore, France, Finland and Switzerland.
Avoiding Expensive Tobacco Prices
There are many benefits of giving up cigarettes besides the cost factor. Adults who would otherwise continue to smoke may wish to consider switching to a more affordable, smoke-free and combustion free alternative such as heated tobacco instead.
Many may look for ways to avoid these higher tobacco prices. While the best option for any adult smoker is to stop nicotine and tobacco use entirely, for those who would otherwise continue to smoke, smoke-free alternatives may be worth exploring. For example, our latest tobacco heating device series IQOS ILUMA is a better alternative to cigarettes. IQOS ILUMA devices use TEREA sticks, with a 20 pack of these sticks costing £7 RRP – less than half of the average price for a 20 pack of cigarettes.* You can even calculate how much you might save switching from cigarettes to TEREA via our cost savings calculator.
Important information: IQOS ILUMA is not risk-free and provides nicotine which is addictive. Only for use by adults.
IQOS ILUMA provides cigarette-like satisfaction.** The IQOS ILUMA Smartcore Induction Technology heats tobacco instead of burning it to deliver the taste of real tobacco. Unlike cigarettes, IQOS ILUMA has no risk of burning others around you, pets, clothes, and furniture as there is no lit end. When using IQOS ILUMA, the tobacco vapour dissipates more quickly than cigarette smoke***, too. In fact, over 60% of consumers agree that IQOS ILUMA produces no bad odour.****
* Claim compares (i) the cost of smoking an average priced pack of cigarettes (with king size filter) per day, and (ii) the cost of buying an IQOS ILUMA ONE Starter Kit (RRP £29), and then consuming one pack of TEREA daily (RRP £6). In February 2024, the average price for a pack of cigarettes with king size filter was £15.45 (ONS data). Savings will vary depending on IQOS ILUMA model and Starter Kit selected. For further information, visit www.iqos.com/legal. IQOS ILUMA™ is only compatible with TEREA™ sticks. Using TEREA™ sticks with previous IQOS™ generations may cause damage to your device. TEREA™ sticks contain a metal part; do not disassemble. Keep out of reach of children.
** Based on clinical studies, aerosol chemistry and declaration of satisfaction level from 600 adult consumers in Japan, 2022.
*** 85% agreement amongst 674 adult consumers in Japan and Italy, 2020 – 2021.
**** 65% agreement amongst 674 adult consumers in Japan and Italy, 2020 – 2021.
There are a number of improvements that can come with switching from smoking to IQOS ILUMA. Discover more IQOS ILUMA features, and learn about the benefits of giving up cigarettes for further information.
Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.
This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.
Sources:
1 Data extracted from Semrush into the term ‘how much does a pack of cigarettes cost’ between January 2022 - January 2024. Last accessed 17.06.2024
