Tobacco: what are the current prices of cigarette packs in Europe?

Why do cigarette prices vary so widely across Europe?

Tobacco pricing is a sensitive issue, in France as elsewhere. While there is a general trend across theEuropean Union towards higher prices, there are significant disparities between neighboring countries. These cost differences are the result of public policy choices, taxation and healthcare strategies. The French government, for example, has adopted a policy of gradually increasing packet prices, in order to reduce consumption and protect public health.

A question of taxation and health policy

Each European country applies its own taxes to tobacco products. In France, the rate is one of the highest in Europe, with a pack costing over 11 euros by 2025. Elsewhere, notably in Spain, Luxembourg and Italy, prices are much lower. These are deliberate choices, which may or may not reflect a policy of dissuasion.

Steady increases in France

For several years now, France has been gradually increasing prices to reduce the number of smokers. While this policy is welcomed by some health organizations, it also raises questions about the budgets of modest households, the emergence of a parallel market, and tobacco tourism to neighboring countries.

A still uneven European strategy

Despite calls from the European Commission, European countries have yet to harmonize their prices. This discrepancy creates price inequalities, encourages purchases abroad and the transport of cartridges, and undermines the objectives of reducing consumption. Yet the human and financial cost of tobacco is high: illnesses, lower productivity, soaring public health costs.

Price comparison by cigarette brand in several European countries (September 2025)

Here is a comparative table of average prices per pack (20 units) for the 10 best-selling cigarette brands in France and selected European Union countries:

💡 These figures are taken from official sources and updated in September 2025. Price differences observed reflect the impact of local taxes, cost of living and national public health policies.

Popular destinations for smokers

Faced with tobacco price discrepancies in Europe, some smokers don’t hesitate to cross the border to buy their packs at a much lower price. Towns close to Belgium and Spain are regularly recording an increase in the trafficking of cartridges or individualunits, sometimes sold illegally. This is particularly true of Luxembourg City, Perpignan and Lille.

While this practice saves consumers money, it also generates losses for the French government in terms of taxes collected, and feeds a parallel market that is often difficult to control.

What impact does this have on French people’s budgets and health?

At over 12 euros a pack, cigarette consumption represents an annual cost of over 4,000 euros for a regular smoker. This inflation pushes some to reduce or stop their consumption, but many continue out of addiction. While the increases have a dissuasive effect, they can also create a feeling of injustice, especially among the more modest.

From a public health point of view, the objective remains clear: to reduce the number of smokers, combat tobacco-related illnesses and encourage long-term cessation. Information campaigns, health services, nicotine substitutes and alternative methods are all solutions to be mobilized.

Should tobacco prices be harmonized across Europe?

A more uniform European pricing policy would help limit current distortions. However, each member state defends its own fiscal sovereignty and priorities: budgetary balance, health policy, standard of living, etc. A coordinated price increase could further dissuade young people from buying at low prices in neighboring countries.

But a sudden, across-the-board increase, with no accompanying measures, could also accentuate social inequalities or reinforce illegal markets. Tobacco tariffs are therefore a powerful lever, but they need to be handled with strategy and restraint.

Price isn’t everything: what sustainable alternatives are there to stop?

The reality is that price is not always enough to induce cessation. Many people want to quit, but find themselves struggling with physical and psychological dependence. To break this spiral, more and more smokers are turning to innovative approaches such as auricular reflexology, or anti-tobacco laser treatment.

This gentle, non-invasive method acts directly on the reflex points linked to addiction. Treatment is fast, painless and highly effective, especially when combined with personalized follow-up. Centers like MyLaserTabac in France today offer a serious, substance- and drug-free solution for those who want to return to a life without tobacco.

Conclusion: when can we expect a fair price and a coherent policy in Europe?

Visit tobacco price remains a key indicator of the priorities of each European country. While some see it as a fiscal lever, others see it as a public health issue. However, as long as price differentials persist, smokers will continue to seek ways around them, even if it means jeopardizing their health or their budget.

More than ever, it’s time to think about a coherent European policy that combines price increases, prevention, support for cessation and protection for the most vulnerable. For it is by acting on all fronts that we will finally achieve a lasting reduction in cigarette consumption.