Why More Adult Smokers Are Comparing Tobacco Prices Before Buying

Paying more for the same pack you bought last month?

Nobody's exempt. Year after year cigarette prices per pack have skyrocketed and adult smokers have noticed. Taxes go up, inflation occurs and stores markup on top of everything else...

And the result is a price tag that keeps creeping up.

Here's the thing:

Increasing numbers of adult smokers refuse to simply accept the convenience pack behind the local counter. They're shopping by price. They're comparing retailers. And they're keeping real dollars in their pockets.

So why is this happening? And how can you do it the right way?

Time to dive in.

Here's what's inside:

1. Why Cigarette Prices Per Pack Keep Going Up

2. What A Pack Really Costs Right Now

3. 4x Reasons Smokers Are Shopping Around

4. How To Compare Prices The Smart Way

Why Cigarette Prices Per Pack Keep Going Up

The price of a pack isn't just the cost of tobacco. Not even close.

Taxes account for over 50% of the cost of a typical pack. The federal excise duty on tobacco is indexed to inflation in Canada and is adjusted on April 1st of each year. Each province then adds their own tobacco tax. Sales tax is applied to the grand total.

That's three layers of tax before you even hand over your cash.

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No one really bats an eye at adult smokers comparing cigarette costs per pack to gas prices anymore. Smokers look around at a couple places before making their purchase. Searching online for ‘cigarettes near me’ can reveal how far the price of the same pack of cigarettes varies at local stores, allowing smokers to see where the best bang for their buck is per pack without driving far.

It's the simple habit that saves the most.

What A Pack Really Costs Right Now

Here are the numbers.

A pack of cigarettes in America costs an average of $10.15. However, there is a large range. Missouri is the lowest at about $8.01 a pack... Meanwhile California is the highest at $14.83.

That's a gap of almost $7 for the exact same product!

Prices in Canada can actually be higher still. Packets in most provinces are more expensive than what smokers pay down south, due to the layered federal and provincial tax regimen.

Lots of people are paying these prices though. Canada has 3.5 million current smokers, equating to ~10.6% of adults.

If millions of people spend just a few dollars more each day... that's a lot of money!

4x Reasons Adult Smokers Are Shopping Around

Price checking used to be something only bargain hunters did. Not anymore.

Here's why it has become the new normal...

The Cost Of Living Squeeze

Groceries. Rent. Gasoline. You name it. Prices are up. When budgets are stretched family-wide, daily habits are often the first area residents trim.

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Price comparison is a no-brainer. You don't have to switch brands. You only have to switch stores.

Prices Change From Store To Store

Here's something many smokers don't realise...

Two businesses down the street may sell you a pack for different prices. Gas stations, corner markets and large chain supermarkets each have their own price. Some stores hike up the price just because it's convenient.

If you consistently purchase from the same location, you're probably paying too much. You have no idea.

Checking Prices Online Is Easy

Ten years ago, you had to physically go to a store to discover its price. Now? You can compare prices on your phone in 2 minutes flat.

Instantaneous speed has altered consumer habits. Adult smokers can review prices, check brands and strategize their purchase prior to leaving their house.

Small Savings Turn Into Big Numbers

This is the biggie.

Saving $2 a pack doesn't seem like a lot. But consider that the pack-a-day smoker purchases approximately 365 packs per year. That's $730 in YOUR pocket just by taking a few minutes to shop around.

Pretty eye-opening, right?

How To Compare Cigarette Prices Per Pack The Smart Way

Want to start saving? The process is simple. Here's what you need to do...

1. Choose your normal brand, and PAY ATTENTION to the pack size. (20 count or 25 count)

2. Visit local "check at least 3x" stores near you, grocery store and local variety store.

3. Work out the price per cigarette so you are comparing apples with apples.

4. Consider carton pricing. Buying all of your packs at once is cheaper per pack when buying 10x packs.

5. Purchase only from legal/licensed dealers that comply with local age and tax regulations.

Point four. That last point is important. If something seems too good to be true, it can come with unwanted risks.

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Keep it simple. Compare, choose, save.

(Rinse and repeat.)

Putting It All Together

Prices per pack of cigarettes won't be decreasing anytime soon. Taxes increase, inflation takes effect and store markups continue to add on.

That's why more adult smokers are shopping around before they buy. It's fast, it's free and can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

To quickly recap:

• Taxes make up the biggest chunk of what you pay

• Prices can vary a lot between stores and regions

• Checking online takes just a few minutes

• Small savings per pack add up fast over a year

One final thing to keep in mind. Studies indicate that when cigarette prices rise by 10%, overall cigarette consumption goes down by about 4%. Paying attention to how much they spend can be a smoker's first step to reducing or quitting. If you're a smoker, you can get free help quitting from your local Quitline.

Either way, knowing the real price puts you back in control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are cigarette prices per pack so high?

Predominantly taxes. Federal, provincial/state taxes and sales taxes all apply on top of the cost of the tobacco itself. In Canada at least, the federal rate increases with inflation annually.

Is it worth comparing prices for just one pack?

Sure. It may not sound like much. But $1 to $2 more per pack will cost a pack-a-day smoker hundreds of dollars per year.

Are cartons cheaper than single packs?

Typically. Purchasing a box of 10x packs will decrease the cost per pack verses buying individual singles.

How often do cigarette prices change?

Frequently, actually. Price increases can happen once per year due to tax changes. Retailers can change their own margins whenever they want. For that reason, it's a good idea to comparison shop every couple of weeks rather than believe what you saw was cheap last month.