Australia is the most expensive place in the world to buy a packet of cigarettes. A pack-a-day smoker will be spending over $900 a month or $10,000 per year. Even bigger ouch!
If you’re a smoker in Australia, it’s time to start paying attention to the price of cigarettes.
The Australian government has announced that tobacco products will soon be subject to a GST (Goods and Services Tax) of 10%. This means that the price of cigarettes will go up by 25%, making them much more expensive than they currently are.
Are you wondering how this will affect your wallet? You’re not alone. Here’s a look at how this new tax will affect the prices of cigarettes in Australia.
Cigarette Prices in Australia
Cigarette prices in Australia are some of the highest in the world. The average price for a pack of cigarettes is about $40 AUD, which is about $30.54 USD.
Here are the latest cigarette prices in Australia:
- a packet of 20 cigarettes costs AUD$40.00
- a packet of 25 cigarettes costs AUD$43.48
- a packet of 30 cigarettes costs AUD$49.11
- a packet of 35 cigarettes costs AUD$55.95
- a packet of 40 cigarettes costs AUD$68.63
- a packet of 50 cigarettes costs AUD$77.95
Taxation on Cigarettes in Australia
The taxation on cigarettes in Australia is quite high when compared to other countries. The price of a pack of cigarettes in Australia is around AUD$40 ($30.54 USD). This price is reflected in the list of prices below.
Price of a Pack of Cigarettes in Australia.
| Year | Winfield 25 RRP |
|---|---|
| 1989 | $2.66 AUD |
| 1990 | $2.94 AUD |
| 1991 | $3.08 AUD |
| 1992 | $3.57 AUD |
| 1993 | $4.45 AUD |
| 1994 | $4.72 AUD |
| 1995 | $5.11 AUD |
| 1996 | $6.47 AUD |
| 1997 | $6.53 AUD |
| 1998 | $6.70 AUD |
| 1999 | $7.05 AUD |
| 2000 | $7.35 AUD |
| 2001 | $8.70 AUD |
| 2002 | $9.10 AUD |
| 2003 | $9.50 AUD |
| 2004 | $9.85 AUD |
| 2005 | $10.30 AUD |
| 2006 | $10.70 AUD |
| 2007 | $11.25 AUD |
| 2008 | $11.70 AUD |
| 2009 | $12.40 AUD |
| 2010 | $12.95 AUD |
| 2011 | $16.45 AUD |
| 2012 | $17.15 AUD |
| 2013 | $18.75 AUD |
| 2014 | $21.40 AUD |
| 2015 | $23.65 AUD |
| 2016 | $26.25 AUD |
| 2017 | $29.60 AUD |
| 2018 | $33.65 AUD |
| 2019 | $37.00 AUD |
| 2020 | $38.60 AUD |
| 2021 | $39.00 AUD |
| 2022 | $40.00 AUD |
The prices above are representative of all the major Australia cities.
We don’t have direct access to the ACT market to provide accurate pricing there unfortunately.
Health Risks Associated with Smoking Cigarettes
The health risks associated with smoking cigarettes are well-known, but many people continue to smoke because of the perceived low cost of cigarettes. In fact, the cost of cigarettes in Australia is higher than in most other developed countries.
This article explores the reasons why cigarettes are more expensive in Australia and the health risks associated with smoking.
How Much Does a Pack of Cigarettes Cost in Australia?
In Australia, cigarettes can be pricey. A pack of 25 regular cigarettes will cost you about AU$40, while a pack of 100 cigarettes will cost you about AU$154.00.
If you’re looking for less expensive options, many tobacco retailers offer packs of 20 cigarettes for AU$39.50 and packs of 25 cigarettes for AU$43.00.
Conclusion
According to The Australian Press Association, as of October 2022, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes in Australia is $40 AUD.
This represents an increase of 6% from the previous year and is the third consecutive annual increase. It’s not just cigarettes that are expensive in Australia; other tobacco products like cigars, pipe tobacco, and e-cigarettes also cost a fair bit more than they do back home.
If you’re looking to save some money when it comes to smoking tobacco products, then it might be worth considering moving out of Australia!
FAQs
Why Are Australian Cigarettes So Expensive?
Cigarettes in Australia are expensive because the Australian government rakes in about $17billion dollars a year in tobacco tax. This has led to a surge in black market tobacco trade as organised crime syndicates flood the Australian market with cheap smokes.
Where’s The Cheapest Place To Buy Cigarettes in Australia?
Coles or Woolworths are the cheapest tobacco retailers in Australia. They have some of the strongest buying power in Australia and can demand lower prices from their own suppliers and pass the savings on to you.
How much is a pack of 20 cigarettes in Australia?
Many tobacco retailers offer packs of 20 cigarettes for AU$39.50 and packs of 25 cigarettes for AU$43.00.