How Much Are Cigars in Cuba?

When talking about cigars, the very first thing most people would likely think of is Cuba. This island country, after all, is well-known for cultivating tobacco and producing a vast range of cigars from different reputable brands and manufacturers.

Given the reputation of Cuba in terms of cigar manufacturing, one would expect Cuban cigars to be somehow pricey as opposed to those produced outside the country. But how expensive could these cigars really be? How much are cigars in Cuba?

If you want to buy cigars from Cuba, it’s important to know their prices first so you’ll know what brand of tobacco product you should get. Additionally, it’s important to know the current situation of the cigar industry as it directly affects the value of cigars in the global market.

How Much Are Cigars in Cuba in 2024?

Cigar production in Cuba has been around for many centuries. As early as the 1800s, the country opened its first factories of cigars. Since then, it has depended on these tobacco products as one of the key sources of revenue, shipping millions of cigars across the globe.

One thing that makes Cuban cigars special is they are processed meticulously.

The tobacco plants, which are cultivated carefully by farmers over generations, undergo a laborious process of planting, harvesting, and preparation. Each step is executed with precision, ensuring the quality of the Cuban cigars. Farmers pick tobacco leaves one by one, string them along wooden poles, and hang them in ventilated sheds to regulate temperature and humidity. After a few weeks, the leaves undergo a curing process, losing water and transforming from vibrant green to soft brown.

Professional cigar rollers, known as torcedores, then combine leaves from various tobacco types or varieties to create cigars. These cigars undergo a rigorous sorting process based on colour, followed by a thorough inspection to identify any flaws. Finally, high-quality cigars are packaged and prepared for sale and distribution all over the world.

The intricacies of producing cigars in Cuba allow manufacturers to somehow control their prices. Of course, you have to account for the taxes added to Cuban cigar prices, which would also depend on where you would purchase them.

So, in 2024, how much do Cuban cigars cost?

If you visit Cuba itself, Cuban cigar prices are expected to be at their lowest point since they are available for purchase in every corner of the island. For instance, the Montecristo No. 2 cigar would only cost you approximately $8 in Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUCs) or $8 in US dollars. However, the price may increase if you purchase the cigar in Mexico, where it would cost around $18. In contrast, the same cigar in London would fetch a higher price of over $34 per stick.

The huge differences in prices lie in the taxes added to their overall cost. 

In the United Kingdom, a tax of £2.39 (or $3.37) on every 10 grams of cigar tobacco is added. Since a Montecristo No. 2 weighs around 14.26 grams, a tax of nearly $6 is added to its full cost. You also have to account for luxury taxes, import charges, and profit margin, which can all significantly increase the cost of the same cigar.

Here in Canada, the Montecristo No. 2 costs $24. However, it doesn’t account for any local taxes, as well as any markup that goes store-by-store. Generally, you can find this cigar costs at a low of $32 and as high as $38, depending on where you will purchase it in Canada.

If you’re looking to buy cigars at a low price without having to visit Cuba, Spain is the place to go. The Spanish government controls the overall costs of cigars, which means you can find Cuban cigars at reasonable prices. Regardless of the city you’re in Spain, you can expect to pay the same price for cigars. The Montecristo No. 2, in this case, will cost you around $15 in Spain.

Take note that these prices may have already changed given how the cigar market constantly fluctuates, especially in terms of taxes, import charges, and other factors. Hence, expect the prices of Cuban cigars in 2024 to truly vary, especially if you purchase them outside Cuba.

How Much Are Cigars in Cuba Duty Free?

Since taxes and duties can add costs to Cuban cigars, many people opt for those from duty-free shops instead. Duty-free products, after all, are free from import, sales, value-added, or other taxes. They are often sold in duty-free stores in airports. 

One common misconception about duty-free items is that they will be significantly cheaper compared to the products sold on the street. However, the truth is that duty-free products can still be quite expensive, regardless of the country you purchase them from. 

So, if you will be buying Cuban cigars at duty-free shops, you should anticipate that they will still be expensive. At some European airport duty-free shops, buying these cigars may cost more if you’re buying them and travelling inside the European Union. You can somehow save some money if you’ll be purchasing them in these stores and leaving the EU right away.

As of August 2023, Cuban cigars at duty-free shops in Cuba may cost differently depending on the cigar type and brand. A cigar from popular brands like Cohiba, Montecristo, and Romeo y Julieta may cost you around $10 to 30$. Boxes of these cigars can then range from $100 to several hundred dollars, depending on the quality and quantity. 

Like Cuban cigars in retail and online stores, they are subject to price changes due to inflation, demand, and regulation changes. Therefore, you should still check the most current prices of Cuban cigars if you’re planning a trip outside your home country.

How Much Are Montecristo Cigars in Cuba?

Montecristo Cigars have garnered a reputation among cigar lovers for their elegance and prominence. Their rich history, after all, is deeply intertwined with the classic era of cigar culture in Cuba. 

In 1935, Alonso Menendez and Pepe Garcia introduced the first iterations of the future-classics, which laid the foundation for what would become one of the most recognizable cigar brands in the industry.

In the tradition of their storied past and unparalleled commitment to quality, the artistry, spirit, and prestige of the original Montecristo Cigars continue to captivate cigar smokers and lovers around the world. Each offering of this esteemed brand is meticulously crafted by skilled cigar masters and rollers across factories in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.

In contrast to other cigars available in the market today, Montecristo Cigars prioritize the use of only the finest components. These include Dominican-grown, Cuban-seed long filler tobaccos and an assortment of aged, well-refined wrappers. These ingredients ensure that the standards established by the brand several decades ago are still maintained in both taste and construction, providing cigar enthusiasts and connoisseurs with a consistent and exceptional smoking experience.

Given how delicate Montecristo Cigars are, the costs of buying them can surely be higher than other Cuban cigars out there. From the brand’s store itself, the offerings by Montecristo Cigars could cost you around $12 to $32 per cigar stick. These prices don’t account for the taxes and other costs added by the retailers and the countries, cities, or provinces where they will be imported. 

How Much Is a Box of Montecristo Cigars in Cuba?

If you want to smoke cigars that come from a prestigious brand, you should get one from Montecristo Cigars. This brand, as discussed earlier, has been associated with luxury and class since it continuously releases cigars made with sophisticated materials and processes.

This cigar manufacturer even sells a wide range of cigar types and variants so they can cater to the different taste preferences of cigar smokers and enthusiasts out there.

Some notable variants of Montecristo Cigars include Montecristo Classic, Montecristo Platinum Series, Montecristo White Series, Montecristo Espada, Montecristo Epic, Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Edicion Diamante, and Montecristo Epic Vintage 12. 

These variants boast distinctive qualities and features that make them stand out. The blends of tobacco leaves used for these variants of Montecristo Cigars, as well as other ingredients used to make them, are different. This is the main reason why they are also priced differently.

As mentioned, a stick of Montecristo Cigars may cost you around $12 to $32. Hence, if you will be buying a box of Montecristo Cigars, it would set you back up to $630. This price, unfortunately, doesn’t include the additional taxes, duties, importation fees, and others, especially if you will be purchasing these cigars outside Cuba.

How Much Are Cohiba Cigars in Cuba?

One of the most esteemed brands of cigars in the tobacco market right now is Cohiba. 

It’s known for its exceptional cigar offerings, serving discerning smokers with the finest products. The brand always makes sure that its cigars remain at the top of the market, manufacturing products out of locally sourced tobacco plants from the Vuelta Abajo region of Pinar del Río, specifically from San Juan y Martínez and San Luis.

Cohiba cigars stand out for their handcrafted nature. Each cigar is carefully crafted from dry and light tobacco leaves that have undergone an extra fermentation process. This unique approach imparts an unmistakable aroma and flavour to the beloved Cohiba cigars. 

With a diverse range of cigar products, Cohiba cigars symbolize purity and elegance in the world of cigars. One of the offerings of Cohiba is the Cohiba Novedosos. The cigar boasts a secondary band adorned with the logos of La Casa del Habano and Habanos Specialist. Even though it’s limited to the retailers where it will be sold, this variant of the Cohiba cigar is not a limited-edition offering. 

Since Cohiba cigars are produced out of high-quality ingredients, it’s safe to assume that their prices will be expensive, especially if you buy them outside Cuba.

But, in Cuba itself, Cohiba cigars are anticipated to be more affordable compared to those available outside the island.However, upon visiting the nearest La Casa del Habano in Cuba, you’ll be met with a diverse selection of Cohiba cigars in their walk-in humidor that are priced at significantly higher rates. This disparity arises from the increased demand for luxurious cigars from renowned brands, which suppliers struggle to meet, resulting in ridiculously elevated prices.

A Cohiba Siglo I, for instance, may cost you around $30 today, far from its $6.90 price tag in 2020. The same thing has happened with the Cohiba Siglo VI, which could cost you around $100 each, far higher than its $17.90 price tag four years ago. Price increases have also occurred with other Cohiba cigar variants like Cohiba Robustos, Cohiba Lanceros, and Cohiba Maduro 5 Secretos.

Cohiba cigars, alongside other cigars in Cuba like Trinidad Cigars, are continuously sold at high prices due to a number of factors. Know why cigars are so expensive here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a cigar in Cuba cost?

A stick of cigar in Cuba, especially those from Montecristo and Cohiba, may cost you around $10 to $30. Alternatively, a cigar from a lesser-known brand can cost you around $5. The cost of buying a cigar in Cuba may depend heavily on the brand, size, and quality. When you buy one from Cuba, ensure to only get one from Casa del Habano and other official stores to guarantee authenticity. 

Why is a Cuban cigar so expensive?

A Cuban cigar is so expensive as it is crafted from premium tobacco grown and cultivated in Cuba’s unique climate and soil, which produce a distinct flavour. It also has a high price since it is produced manually by skilled artisans who follow centuries-old traditions of cigar rolling. Other factors that make a Cuban cigar expensive include high global demand, limited supply, and prestigious reputation.

Summary

Many cigar smokers and enthusiasts expect cigars to be cheaper in Cuba. But in reality, even the country currently experiences a fluctuation in cigar pricing due to the rising demand and decreasing supply of quality tobacco products in the market.

Big names like Cohiba and Montecristo, for one, have increased the costs of their cigars as a way to keep up with the demand for their products. Other brands have followed the same step to help protect the supply from depleting entirely.

Nonetheless, if you are currently in Canada, you still have the option to buy high-quality cigars at a relatively low price. Visit the online store of NativeSmokes4Less today so you can gain access to a wide range of top-notch cigars from reputable brands all over the world.