Cigarette prices around the world have gotten much higher in recent years—in large part as an effort to encourage smokers to kick the habit. Here are ten of the most expensive countries in which to purchase a pack of cigarettes:
(All prices are based on averages and in USD)
- Australia ($16.11)
If you’re a smoker in Australia, expect to pay roughly $1 per every cigarette you smoke. The price has gotten so high because the government keeps increasing taxes as an effort to keep smoking rates down.
- New Zealand ($14.67)
Australia’s neighbor boasts the second highest cigarette prices. This average is relatively new as New Zealand made their first increase in many years. In 2012, they levied a 40% per pack tax increase.
- Norway ($14.48)
Smoking rates are relatively low in Norway and the government wants to keep it that way. By placing high prices on cigarettes, the smoking rates remain low.
- United Kingdom ($12.25)
High cigarette prices in the UK drove many smokers to turn to the internet to purchase cheaper cigarettes. This is after the government introduced a 40% increase.
- Iceland ($9.51)
Iceland’s take on cigarettes is a bit different than the rest of the world as they are only sold in special stores.
- Canada ($9.26)
Canadian smokers aren’t just encouraged to quit smoking, they are pushed to do it. This is done through high taxes and paying additional charges on cigarettes in major cities like Ontario.
- France ($8.83)
The French government increases cigarette prices on a yearly basis; however, French smokers have protested strongly against it.
- Switzerland ($8.77)
Switzerland’s efforts to keep smoking rates low using tobacco control and high taxes has worked. Additionally, public smoking is banned.
- Papua New Guinea ($8.23)
The island nation has recently increased cigarette prices in order to improve their population’s overall health.
- Sweden ($8.15)
Smokeless tobacco is the preferred nicotine delivery system in Sweden, where it is considered safe. Regardless, the government has discussed banning cigarettes as well.
The United States pales in comparison to these other countries’ averages. The average price for a pack of cigarettes in the U.S. is just $5.51; however, the price varies greatly by state. New York, for instance, could edge out Norway for the third highest cost per pack at $14.50. Click here to see a cost breakdown of a pack of cigarettes per state.