Comparing the purchase price paid for cartons to single packs, the average savings per pack was $1.63 for carton purchases, although there were fluctuations in savings over the survey period. On average, purchasing cigarettes by multipacks saved $0.53 on average than purchasing a single pack.

In 2026, buying cigarettes by the carton generally offers a lower price per pack compared to purchasing individual packs, but the "savings" are increasingly offset by rising "sin taxes" and government regulations. Historically, retailers and wholesalers offered a 5% to 15% discount for bulk purchases, as selling a carton (typically 10 packs) reduces transaction costs and packaging waste. However, as of early 2026, many jurisdictions have implemented mandatory minimum pricing laws that restrict deep discounts on tobacco products to discourage bulk hoarding and consumption. In some regions, a carton might only save you $2 to $5 total, which is a negligible percentage given that a single carton can now cost between $100 and $160 in high-tax areas like New York or London. For smokers in 2026, the primary benefit of buying a carton is the convenience of having a steady supply rather than significant financial gain, especially as many retailers have moved toward "loyalty programs" that offer similar small discounts on multi-pack purchases regardless of whether they are in a sealed carton.