Smokers and residents in Ontario search for answers to the question “How much does a pack of cigarettes cost?” Ontario is a province of Canada where the cost of cigarettes is higher than in other provinces due to combined federal and provincial taxes. As of 2026, the cost of cigarettes does not depend only on production costs. It depends on layers of taxation and retail markup accompanied by inflation that it is essential for consumers to remain informed about the process before purchasing. Factors that impact the cost are as follows:
- A combination of federal and provincial taxation
- Retailers and local market add-ups based on the location
- Increase in prices over the decades due to inflation
Let’s dig into the blog and understand “how much is a carton of cigarettes costs”.
The Cost of a Pack of Cigarettes in Ontario
A standard pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs CAD $14 to CAD $18 in retail stores of Ontario. Most of the consumers prefer a pack of 25 cigarettes which costs CAD $18 to CAD $22. This variation in the cost depends on the brand and retailer. The more premium brands you choose, the more you will have to pay. When asking how much is a pack of cigarettes in Canada, the prices in Ontario provide a mid-range and realistic snapshot of cigarette price trends in Canada.
Why Are Cigarettes So Expensive in Ontario?
The prices of cigarettes in Ontario are higher because here the final cost of cigarettes is influenced by federal excise taxation and the Ontario provincial tobacco tax. Aside from this, harmonised tax is also applied to the subtotal. A duty of CAD $5.79 per pack is added by the federation only. Retailers also have to add their profit margins. These multiple types of taxes and profit margins lead to a minimal cost of $20 per pack, and this cost is significantly higher.
Cheapest Cigarettes in Ontario
If you are looking for the cheapest cigarettes in Ontario you will have to look at value packs or stores. The average cost of a cigarette in Canada is CAD $14. However, premium brands charge CAD $18–$20. Indigenous reserved retailers may charge a lower price than the regular ones, but these prices are also regulated and location-specific. Even if you buy the cheapest cigarettes, you will have to pay a significant price due to taxation. Due to taxation, cigarettes are a costly commodity in Ontario. The cost of cigarette packaging also contributes to the final retail price.
How Much Is a Carton of Cigarettes in Ontario?
When it comes to cartons, we consider 20 packs. This is a popular choice for chain smokers. As a single pack costs CAD $15–$18 for 20 cigarettes, a carton costs up to CAD $180–$220. The price per pack may be reduced to a small extent when you purchase a carton, but taxes remain the same. This makes purchasing a carton an expensive investment despite minor savings compared to single packs.
How Much Is A Pack Of Cigs In Canada Compared To Ontario?
If you are comparing the cost of cigarettes in Ontario with other provinces, then you may have to see the local regulations and provincial taxation. Ontario has mid-range prices that are higher than the provinces like Quebec or Alberta. On the other hand, northern areas have additional costs due to provincial taxation and transportation costs. That is why Ontario’s prices are a good benchmark for understanding the average price of a cigarette pack in Canada.
- National average: CAD $16–$22 per pack
- Ontario: Mid-range pricing province
- Quebec and Alberta: Slightly cheaper due to lower provincial taxes
- Northern territories: Higher prices due to transport and taxes
Health, Legal, and Community Considerations
Ontario’s resistance area is aware of the health risks they have to face when they choose to smoke. The legal framework in Ontario mandates that warning labels must be on packs and restricts advertising to minors. In addition to this, smoking-related programmes and public health concerns have increased tax regulation and overall costs. Some of the prominent factors are as follows:
- Warning labels mandated by law
- Advertising restrictions protect minors
- Community awareness affects demand
- Alternative nicotine sources and reduction in cigarette consumption
- Type cigarette or cigar packaging
Future Outlook for Cigarette Prices in Ontario
The overall analysis of cigarette prices in Ontario shows that cigarette prices are continuously increasing. In addition to taxation, anti-smoking legislations discourage smoking that leads to an indirect impact on demand and pricing. Consumers who are searching for how much a pack of cigs costs will be in the future should anticipate a gradual increase in the prices. As taxes will continue to dominate overall costs, the likelihood of price decreases or stability is low. The major cost drivers in the future will be:
- Price increases expected due to tax adjustments
- Anti-smoking laws may influence demand and supply
- Bulk purchases offer a minor cost reduction
- Consumers must plan budgets accordingly
The table below shows prices in different provinces of Canada
| Province / Pack Size | Avg Retail Price (CAD) | Federal Excise Tax (CAD) | Provincial Tobacco Tax (CAD) | Total Estimated Price (CAD) |
| Ontario – 20-pack | 14.00 | 5.79 | 3.90 | 23.69 |
| Ontario – 25-pack | 18.00 | 5.79 | 3.90 | 27.69 |
| Quebec – 20-pack | 13.50 | 5.79 | 3.25 | 22.54 |
| Quebec – 25-pack | 17.00 | 5.79 | 3.25 | 26.04 |
| Alberta – 20-pack | 15.00 | 5.79 | 5.00 | 25.79 |
| Alberta – 25-pack | 19.00 | 5.79 | 5.00 | 29.79 |
| British Columbia – 20-pack | 16.00 | 5.79 | 5.90 | 27.69 |
| British Columbia – 25-pack | 20.00 | 5.79 | 5.90 | 31.69 |
| Nova Scotia – 20-pack | 17.50 | 5.79 | 6.12 | 29.41 |
| Nova Scotia – 25-pack | 21.50 | 5.79 | 6.12 | 33.41 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador – 20-pack | 18.00 | 5.79 | 6.05 | 29.84 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador – 25-pack | 22.00 | 5.79 | 6.05 | 33.84 |
| Saskatchewan – 20-pack | 16.50 | 5.79 | 6.00 | 28.29 |
| Saskatchewan – 25-pack | 20.50 | 5.79 | 6.00 | 32.29 |
What the Future Holds!
If you are asking how much cigarettes are in Ontario, you must expect CAD $14–$22 per pack. Federal and provincial taxation are the major outliers in changes in the prices in different provinces all around Canada. Aside from this, the level of brands and public health concerns also contribute to the end cost. Smokers may have to look for other sources of nicotine, but it is quite difficult to get the same experience as a regular pack of cigarettes gives. Future trends also show that prices are certainly going to skyrocket in the future. Let’s see what happens next in the continuously evolving factors affecting the prices of cigarettes. Visit our website and read how packaging impacts the pricing!
