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The cost of cigarettes in Canada is influenced by various factors, including regional differences, federal and provincial taxes, and cigarette brands. With tobacco prices rising steadily, it’s essential for smokers to stay informed about current prices, tax impacts, and ways to save.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide the latest cigarette prices across Canadian provinces, explore popular brands and their costs, explain how taxes affect prices, and share practical tips to save money while smoking responsibly.
Cigarette Nicotine Levels and Price Significance
Canadian cigarettes are available in different nicotine strengths to cater to diverse preferences:
- 0% Nicotine: Nicotine-free cigarettes, often used for quitting smoking.
- 3% Nicotine: Light smoker options, low nicotine content.
- 6% Nicotine: Moderate strength for regular smokers seeking a balanced experience.
- 12% Nicotine: Higher nicotine, suited for heavy smokers or those seeking a stronger effect.
While nicotine levels typically do not significantly influence the price, brands may vary based on packaging, features (menthol, slim, etc.), and nicotine content.
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Current Cigarette Prices in Canada (2025): By Province
The retail cost of cigarettes varies across provinces primarily due to local taxes and regulations. Here are the average retail prices per pack of 20 cigarettes in 2025:
| Province | Average Price per Pack |
|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $8.49 |
| Nova Scotia | $9.85 |
| Quebec | $11.20 |
| Ontario | $11.75 |
| Manitoba | $12.35 |
| Saskatchewan | $12.95 |
| Alberta | $13.45 |
| British Columbia | $14.05 |
| Yukon Territory | N/A (Set federally) |
Note: Prices within provinces can fluctuate based on urban versus rural locations.
Top Cigarette Brands and Prices in Canada
Here’s a snapshot of popular cigarette brands and their current prices:
| Brand | Type | Price per Pack | Price per Carton (200) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marlboro | Blue, Smooth | $14.50 | $145.00 |
| Camel | Filter, Menthol | $13.95 | $139.50 |
| Djarum (clove) | Regular | $12.75 | $127.50 |
| Canadian Classic | Blue, Original | $12.30 | $123.00 |
| Pall Mall | Red, Menthol | $11.99 | $119.90 |
| Craven A | Pearl, King Size | $13.20 | $132.00 |
Prices are subject to change based on provincial taxes and retailer strategies.
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These prices are subject to change based on provincial taxes and store-specific pricing strategies. Most retailers and convenience stores adhere to federal regulations on pricing, but local taxes will cause fluctuations across the country.
How Taxes Impact Cigarette Prices in Canada
Taxation is the primary factor driving cigarette prices higher in Canada:
- Federal Excise Tax: $1.01 per pack of 20 cigarettes.
- Provincial Sales Tax (PST): Ranges from 10% to 25%, depending on the province.
- Harmonized Sales Tax (HST): In provinces like Ontario, HST of 13% is applicable.
Example:
In Ontario, a $10 pack of cigarettes incurs additional taxes, raising the total cost to roughly $12.60.
The government collects over C$13.5 billion annually in tobacco taxes, investing in public health programs, smoking cessation support, and healthcare.
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Trends and Price Changes in 2024–2025
Since 2012, Canadian cigarette prices have steadily climbed due to increased taxes and stricter advertising regulations. Price hikes are aimed at reducing smoking rates, with further increases expected in 2025 as part of Canada’s ongoing tobacco control measures.
Money-Saving Tips for Canadian Smokers
If you’re looking to curb costs, consider these tips:
- Buy in Bulk: Purchasing cartons often reduces the per-pack cost.
- Seek Discounts: End-of-day discounts or store promotions can lower prices.
- Join Loyalty Programs: Many convenience stores offer rewards or discounts on future purchases.
- Switch to Lower-Cost Brands: Generic or store brands offer similar quality at reduced prices.
- Limit Impulse Purchases: Plan ahead and compare prices at various stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pack of 20 cigarettes cost in Canada?
How much does a pack of 20 cigarettes cost in Canada?
A hypothetical average price across Canada for a pack of 20 cigarettes is around CAD 17.46, based on a wholesale cost of CAD 5.30 plus a 10% retail markup and applicable taxes as of April 1, 2025.
- In practice, real-world retail prices vary significantly—typically ranging from about CAD 10 to CAD 16 per pack, depending on province and brand
- For example:
- Ontario averages around CAD 12.48 per pack;
- Nunavut often sees prices closer to CAD 18–20 per pack
So your estimate of around CAD 12.33 is fairly consistent, though it leans toward the lower end of the range.
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How much is a carton of cigarettes in Canada?
A standard carton typically contains 10 packs. Based on the average pack price of CAD 17.46, that yields about CAD 174.60 per carton.
But actual retail price ranges are generally lower, between CAD 80 and CAD 120 per carton, depending on region and brand.
Cheaper options, often from Native brands or certain online retailers, can be around CAD 30–45 per carton:
Discount Native brands: around CAD 35 per carton, sometimes CAD 30 for value brands and up to CAD 45 for premium.
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Thus, your range of CAD 95–150 covers much of the mainstream market, though both significantly cheaper and higher-end regional prices also exist.
Where does tobacco tax revenue go in Canada?
Tobacco taxes in Canada come from both federal excise duties and provincial/territorial taxes.
- As of April 1, 2025, the federal excise rate is CAD 0.95391 per 5 cigarettes—equivalent to roughly CAD 2.48 per 20-pack.
- On top of that, each province or territory adds its own excise or sales taxes—such as Ontario’s CAD 3.70 per pack and CAD 36.95 per carton in tobacco tax alone.
These tax revenues are typically allocated to:
- Public health initiatives, including smoking cessation programs and prevention campaigns;
- General healthcare funding, to help cover the costs associated with treating smoking-related illnesses;
- Anti-smuggling enforcement and education—helps combat contraband tobacco and preserve legal tax revenue.
In essence, the revenue both discourages smoking via higher prices and helps finance health-related and enforcement efforts.
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Where did these prices come from? It is my understanding that prices of cigarettes a pack of 20 in Nova Scotia is more like over $20.00 per pack. In B.C. a package of 20 was around $16.00. So these prices listed are low, low, low.
I concur, they are lower in this report $5 in Ontario. I was shocked as a customer in front of me paid $21 per pack.