Cigar Price Guide: How Much Does a Cigar Cost?

Cigars are widely seen as a luxury product, associated with the rich and powerful. However, there are affordable options out there too, making cigar smoking accessible to many. Of course, there are plenty of factors that determine these prices, which we’ll discuss later.

In this article, we’ll answer the question of ‘how much does a cigar cost?’. We’ll outline the price ranges and point you towards some classic options for each price bracket.

Average Cigar Prices

The variation of cigar prices is broad, ranging from $2 per cigar to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In fact, the Gurkha Royal Courtesan Cigar is priced at $1.36 million per cigar. This makes it the most expensive in the world.

However, for most smokers, the average price of a cigar will sit between $5 and $30. This covers a range of options, from beginner-friendly to complex premium cigars.

Budget Cigars

Budget cigars tend to cost between $2 and $5 per cigar, with a box usually costing between $50-120. A lot of budget cigars will be mass produced and less desirable than handmade options. However, there are some excellent options to be found for low prices:

• The Last Call Maduro Geniales by AJ Fernandez is a particular high point, at just $110 for a box of 25 ($4.4 per cigar)
• If you want an even cheaper option, consider the Acid 20 Robusto by Drew Estate. The cigars cost $102 for 24 ($4.25 per cigar)

We recommend paying a little more for your cigars. It ensures you’re getting superior tobacco, expert craftsmanship, and established brands. However, budget options will allow you to get your fix when finances are a little tight.

Mid-Range Cigars

Mid-range hand-rolled cigars will cost you around $8-15 per cigar. This can range between $200-375 for a full box. Mid-range cigars are popular as they present a good humidor filler for a reasonable price. Their popularity extends from experienced smokers to beginners.

• An excellent mid-range option is the H. Upmann Magnum 50. It comes in a box of 25 for $293 (around $11.75 per cigar), and is filled with earthy, unique flavors.
• Alternatively, try the light-to-medium Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills. They’re $335 for a box of 25 (around $13.40 per cigar).

Premium Cigars

It’s not uncommon for a premium cigar to cost upwards of $30. Brands such as Cohiba and Montecristo are known for producing high-end, premium cigars.

• Cohiba Coronas Especiales ($553 for 25) and Montecristo 1935 Dumas ($471 for 20) cigars are standout choices.

Premium cigars make use of the best tobacco and are rolled to an excellent standard. They are designed to be savored, paired with a drink, or shared with friends at a special occasion.

Special Edition Cigars

How much is a cigar if it's a special edition? There is no price bracket, per se. They can range from $30 to, in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars. Stock for special edition sticks is limited. This means the price will be inflated compared to regular premium cigars.

• For example, the Cohiba 1966 Edición Limitada 2011 sells for $410 for a sample pack of three. This may seem steep, but once they’re gone, they’re gone. People will pay big money to sample something they may never get to try again.

Factors Affecting Cigar Prices

There are many factors that can dictate the average cigar price. Craftsmanship, resources, and quality all must be taken into account. There are also some underlying factors, such as brand reputation and a cigar’s age to consider.

Quality and Brand

Higher-quality tobacco will fetch higher prices. People will pay more for a cigar that is made from the best tobacco leaves sourced from world class regions. The consistency of flavor and construction is worth spending extra for. After all, you want each stick to feel like a treat.

Brand reputations also count for a lot. There are some incredible independent cigar brands. However, people will gravitate toward companies that they know and trust. Cuba is home to many of these brands, including Cohiba, Montecristo, and Romeo y Julieta.

Tobacco Origin

Certain areas across the world have become known for producing consistent, high-quality tobacco. The climate, soil, and cultivation methods all contribute to higher pricing. Vuelta Abajo in Cuba is renowned as one of the best tobacco-producing regions in the world.

Connecticut is known for a particular type of tobacco leaf, the Connecticut Shade. Its distinctive flavor profile and appearance make it popular, increasing its price.

Size and Shape

The size of a cigar is always going to dictate its price, as large cigars use more tobacco. The more tobacco contained inside the cigar, the more it will cost. The shape of the cigar can also affect its price, due to the craftsmanship that goes into rolling it.

Unconventionally-shaped cigars, such as torpedoes, require expert-level rolling skills. They also take more time to roll than regular cigars, meaning fewer products can be manufactured in a day. This subsequently results in a price increase.

Wrapper Type

Wrapper leaves are the most expensive leaves in a cigar. They need to be visually perfect and large. They are grown under strict conditions and face a rigorous selection process. As a result, the yield of acceptable wrapper leaves is often low, resulting in a price increase.

The process for some wrapper leaves, such as Maduros, is more complex than others. Maduro wrappers are fermented and aged for longer to produce a unique flavor. This process, along with high demand for maduro wrappers, increases the value of the cigar.

Machine-Made vs. Hand-Rolled Cigars

Machine-made cigars command a lower price than hand-rolled cigars. Hand-rolled cigars are crafted by skilled workers using premium-quality leaves. Machine-made cigars tend to use short-filler tobacco. This refers to the leftover scraps from the tobacco used by hand-rollers.

Machines can also produce thousands of cigars a day, meaning supply is plentiful. In contrast, an artisan cigar roller will only be able to produce a maximum of 300.

Age

Aged cigars take on a greater flavor profile and a more interesting complexity. They are highly sought after as a result. It also takes resources, such as cigar humidors, to correctly age cigars. This contributes to an increased price.

Bottom Line

The range of prices attached to cigars covers a huge spectrum. There are affordable options, which, despite their price, have a lot of quality to offer. There are also high-end options, designed to be enjoyed on the most special of occasions.

Whatever your budget, you can expect to find a stick you’ll love at Swiss Cuban Cigars. We stock the best produce from Cuba and beyond. We also price it fairly to allow everybody to experience the joy of cigar smoking.Shop our range today and find your next favorite cigar.

FAQs

How much does a cigar cost on its own?

Individual cigar prices vary depending on factors such as quality and brand reputation. Some machine-made cigars can sell for as little as $3 a stick, while premium options may cost over $100. A standard price for a decent-quality, hand-rolled cigar is between $7-15.

Are cigars a luxury?

Cigars are considered an affordable luxury, designed to be savored. They have strong links to high society. Over the years, they have been favored by many powerful figures and political leaders. However, there are many affordable options that make cigar smoking accessible to many.

How much is a Cuban cigar?

Cuban cigars are generally more expensive than cigars from other regions. This is because of expert craftsmanship, quality of tobacco, and demand for Cuban produce. Expect to pay between $10 and $35 for a single Cuban cigar.