The lifetime cost of smoking in Australia
Australia has the most expensive cigarettes in the world (or close to it) — driven by aggressive excise increases since 2010 specifically aimed at making smoking financially unattractive. Average pack price in FY 2026-27 sits at $45-55 depending on brand, with budget brands at the lower end and premium imported brands at the higher. A typical 'pack a day' smoker spends $16,000-20,000 per year on cigarettes alone — more than many Australians spend on groceries.
Over a 30-year smoking career at $50/pack and 1 pack/day, the direct cost is around $550,000 — comparable to a Sydney apartment deposit. Invested at 7% returns, the same money would compound to over $2 million. The financial side alone is a strong quit motivator, before the health math takes over.
On top of direct cost: smokers face 50-100% loaded life and health insurance premiums for the rest of their lives, higher medical costs, reduced career earnings (smoke-break time, more sick days, more chronic illness), and most importantly 7-10 fewer years of life expectancy according to ABS / AIHW data. The financial figure in this calculator is the smallest part of the impact. Quit support: Quitline 13 78 48; subsidised NRT (patches, gum) on the PBS; GP-prescribed varenicline; iCanQuit online programs. Cost-of-quitting savings start immediately and compound for the rest of your life.