Cigarette Prices by State 2023

Cigarette prices by state can vary depending on where you live and the brand you prefer.

If you’re a smoker, you may be wondering how much a carton of cigarettes costs.

Let’s take a closer look at the average cost of a carton of cigarettes and how it can affect your finances.

Introduction

Cigarettes in the United States are notoriously expensive due to taxes and fees imposed by federal and state governments.

In fact, the average cost of a pack of 20 cigarettes in the US was $6.71 in 2020, which is about 50% more than the international average price of $4.52.

This high cost is largely due to federal excise taxes on cigarettes, which increased from 1 cent per pack in 2009 to $1.01 per pack in 2020 – an increase of 10,000%.

These additional costs are added to the retail price, making cigarettes in the US much more expensive than in other countries around the world.

Additionally, some states and cities have implemented further legislation, such as raising the minimum age for purchasing cigarettes to 21.

So, if you’re wondering how much a carton of cigarettes costs in the US, it can vary depending on the state and city, but it’s safe to say that it won’t be cheap.

The Average Cost of a Carton of Cigarettes

The average cost of a carton of cigarettes varies depending on the state you live in and the brand you prefer.

In the United States, the average cost of a carton of cigarettes is around $60.

However, in some states, the cost can be as high as $100 or more. This can add up quickly, especially for heavy smokers who go through multiple cartons a month.

It’s important to consider the financial impact of smoking and how it can affect your budget in the long run.

Cigarette Prices and Taxes by State

The cost of a carton of cigarettes varies by state in the US. Some states have higher taxes on cigarettes, resulting in higher prices.

It’s important to note that smoking is harmful to your health and can lead to serious health problems, so it’s best to quit smoking or never start.

According to recent data, the states with the cheapest cigarettes are Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi, Wyoming, Idaho, and Virginia.

Missouri has the lowest cigarette prices in the country, with a pack costing an average of $5.21. Georgia comes in second with an average price of $5.35 per pack, followed by North Carolina at $5.36 per pack.

North Dakota and Tennessee round out the top five with average prices of $5.43 and $5.54 per pack, respectively.

South Carolina, Mississippi, Wyoming, Idaho, and Virginia complete the list of the top ten cheapest states for cigarettes. Prices ranging from $5.57 to $5.73 per pack.

Most Expensive Cigarettes by State

The top ten cigarette prices by state are New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Alaska, Hawaii, Minnesota, Illinois, Vermont, and Washington.

New York takes the top spot with a price of $10.74 per pack, followed by Connecticut at $10.55 per pack, and Rhode Island at $10.13 per pack.

Massachusetts comes in fourth place, while Alaska ranks fifth at $9.67 per pack. Minnesota is sixth at $9.55 per pack, and Hawaii is seventh at $9.44 per pack.

Illinois takes eighth place with an average price of $9.13 per pack, Maryland is ninth with an average price of $8.97 per pack, and Washington rounds out the top ten with a price of $8.55 per pack.

The 10 States With The Most Expensive Cigarettes (Average Price):

Cigarette Prices by Brand

The cost of a carton of cigarettes varies depending on the brand and location in the United States.

Popular brands like Marlboro, Newport, and American Spirit have different prices. Marlboro is typically the most expensive, with an average cost of $9 per pack in many states. American Spirit is less expensive, with an average cost of $7 per pack.

Newport is usually cheaper, costing around $6 per pack in many states. However, prices can vary significantly by state and even by local government taxes.

For example, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes can cost as much as $10 in California, but only around $8 in the state of Florida.

Cigarette Prices By State: Tax Rates 

Each state sets its own tax rate, which can range from a few cents to several dollars per pack.

As a result, the cost of a carton of cigarettes can range from around $30 to over $100 depending on where you live.

It’s important to note that cigarette prices are also affected by other factors, such as the brand and retailer markup.

Cigarette prices by state vary even by the locality within the state. This is because cigarette tax is a significant source of revenue for many states in the US.

The highest cigarette tax in the country is charged by the District of Columbia at $4.50 per pack, followed closely by New York and Connecticut, both of which charge $4.35 per pack. These high tax rates are meant to discourage smoking and generate revenue for the state.

So, the cost of a carton of cigarettes can range from around $40 to over $100, depending on where you live.

In states like Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, and North Dakota, where taxes are low, a carton of cigarettes can cost less than in neighboring states with higher tax rates.

For example, Missouri has the lowest tax rate at just $0.17 per pack. While Georgia’s tax rate is $0.37 per pack. Smokers may choose to travel and purchase cigarettes in these states to save money.

Generally, states with higher cigarette taxes have lower smoking rates, while states with lower taxes have higher smoking rates.

For instance, New York has the highest cigarette tax in the US and also has one of the lowest smoking rates. This indicates that increasing cigarette taxes may be an effective way to discourage smoking, especially among young people.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What state is the cheapest to buy cigarettes?

The states with the cheapest cigarettes are Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi, Wyoming, Idaho, and Virginia.

What states have the most smokers?

The states with the highest smoking rates are West Virginia, Kentucky and Louisiana.

What age groups smoke the most in the US? 

According to the CDC, cigarette smoking was the highest among ages 25-64.

Are cigarettes cheaper in the US than Canada?

Cigarettes are significantly cheaper in the US than Canada.

References: American Lung Association, National Institute of Health, CDC, Sales Tax Handbook