Cheapest States to Buy Cigarettes in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

cheapest state to buy cigarettes

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‍cheapest state to buy cigarettes
Cigarette prices vary significantly across the United States, with some states having significantly higher prices than others. If you’re a smoker looking to save some money, it’s essential to know which states offer the cheapest cigarettes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the cheapest states to buy cigarettes in 2024. From average prices to geographical trends and taxation, we’ll cover all the crucial information you need to make an informed decision.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Average Cigarette Prices by State
    • The National Average Cost of Cigarettes
    • States with the Highest Cigarette Prices
    • States with the Lowest Cigarette Prices
    • Increase in Cigarette Prices Since 2018
  3. Average Annual Costs of Smoking
    • Cost of Smoking per Day
    • State-Specific Costs
  4. Geographical Trends in Cigarette Prices
    • High-Price Regions
    • Low-Price Regions
  5. Taxation and Cigarettes
    • Federal Tax on Cigarettes
    • State Taxes on Cigarettes
    • Local Taxes and Minimum Pricing Laws
    • Impact of Tax Increases
  6. Prevalence of Smoking
  7. Cigarettes and Health
    • Health Risks of Smoking
    • Healthcare Costs Related to Smoking
  8. Sources

1. Introduction

If you’re a smoker, you’re probably aware that cigarette prices can vary significantly from state to state. Understanding the cheapest states to buy cigarettes can help you save money in the long run. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the average prices of cigarettes in different states, the factors influencing these prices, and the impact of taxation on cigarette costs. Additionally, we’ll explore geographical trends in cigarette prices and provide insights into smoking prevalence and its health implications.

2. Average Cigarette Prices by State

The National Average Cost of Cigarettes

The average cost of a pack of cigarettes in the United States is $8.00. However, this average masks significant variations between states. Prices can range from as low as $6.11 in Missouri to as high as $11.96 in New York.

States with the Highest Cigarette Prices

New York tops the list with an average price of $11.96 per pack, followed closely by Rhode Island ($11.71) and Connecticut ($11.60). Massachusetts, Minnesota, Alaska, Hawaii, Maryland, Illinois, and Washington also have notably high cigarette prices. Notably, if the District of Columbia were included, it would have the nation’s second-most expensive pack price at $11.75.

States with the Lowest Cigarette Prices

On the other hand, Missouri offers the cheapest cigarettes, with an average price of $6.11 per pack. Georgia, North Dakota, North Carolina, Mississippi, Idaho, South Carolina, Nebraska, Alabama, and Wyoming also have relatively low cigarette prices compared to the national average.

Increase in Cigarette Prices Since 2018

It’s worth noting that the average price of cigarettes in the United States has been steadily increasing. Since 2018, there has been an average increase of $1.50 per pack. This rise in prices is influenced by various factors, including taxation and changes in smoking behavior.

3. Average Annual Costs of Smoking

Cost of Smoking per Day

According to The American Lung Association, the average daily smoker in the United States consumes 15 cigarettes per day. This habit translates to an average daily cost of $6.00, amounting to $2,190 per year. However, costs can vary significantly depending on the state.

State-Specific Costs

In New York, the average smoker would spend $8.97 per day, accumulating to $3,274.04 annually. In contrast, Missouri offers the most affordable cigarettes, with the average daily smoker spending $4.58 per day, or $1,672.61 per year.

4. Geographical Trends in Cigarette Prices

High-Price Regions

Geographically, high cigarette prices tend to be concentrated in states along the northern coasts, such as New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Additionally, states like Illinois, Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon, and California also have higher-than-average cigarette prices. The non-contiguous states of Hawaii and Alaska are also known for their high cigarette prices.

Low-Price Regions

In contrast, the Southern and Great Plains regions tend to have lower cigarette prices, with all states in these regions falling below the national average. States like Missouri, Georgia, North Dakota, North Carolina, and Mississippi offer some of the lowest cigarette prices in the country.

5. Taxation and Cigarettes

Cigarettes are subject to taxation at the federal, state, and sometimes local levels. Understanding the tax rates can provide insights into the price differences between states.

Federal Tax on Cigarettes

The federal tax rate on cigarettes has remained steady at $1.01 per pack of 20 cigarettes since 2009. Recent discussions have proposed increasing the federal tax on tobacco products.

State Taxes on Cigarettes

Each state imposes its own tax on cigarettes, with rates varying from as low as $0.17 per pack in Missouri to as high as $4.35 per pack in New York and Connecticut. On average, state taxes amount to $1.91 per pack. Since 2012, approximately half of the states have increased their tax rates on cigarettes, with significant increases observed in Oregon, Maryland, and Colorado since 2018.

Local Taxes and Minimum Pricing Laws

In addition to federal and state taxes, cigarettes may also be subject to local taxes imposed by cities and counties. For example, Chicago, Illinois, has the highest combined state-local tax rate at $7.16, followed by Evanston, Illinois, at $6.48 per pack. Some states have also implemented minimum pricing laws, setting a floor price for cigarette packs.

Impact of Tax Increases

Proponents of tax increases argue that higher taxes lead to a decrease in smoking rates and generate increased revenues. According to The American Lung Cancer Association, a 10 percent increase in cigarette prices leads to a four percent drop in consumption among adults and a seven percent drop among youth. Moreover, tobacco tax revenues are often used to support health initiatives, education, and smoking cessation programs at both the federal and state levels.

6. Prevalence of Smoking

Approximately 14% of U.S. adults are regular smokers, with slightly higher rates among males. Smoking levels tend to be higher in regions where cigarettes are cheaper. Although smoking rates have been declining over the past few decades, there was a slight increase in cigarette sales in 2020, as reported by the Federal Trade Commission. However, the overall trend suggests a continued decline in smoking rates.

7. Cigarettes and Health

Smoking cigarettes poses significant health risks and is a leading cause of premature death in the United States. The CDC reports that smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and contributes to over 480,000 deaths annually. It is associated with various diseases, including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smokers are also at increased risk of tuberculosis, immune system problems, certain eye diseases, and tooth loss. The costs related to smoking-related illnesses amount to over $300 billion each year, averaging $17.26 per pack nationally.

8. Sources

  1. Cigarette & Tobacco Taxes
  2. Oregon Measure 108
  3. Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2019
  4. BRFSS Prevalence & Trends Data, 2020
  5. State Tobacco Activities Tracking and Evaluation (STATE) System
  6. Cigarette Tax
  7. Tobacco Tax Bulletin, TT-78
  8. State Excise Tax Rates on Cigarettes
  9. Cigarette Report for 2020
  10. Big Tobacco stands down as Colorado and Oregon hike cigarette taxes
  11. Illinois Cigarette Tax to Become One of Nation’s Highest
  12. Current State Tax Rates
  13. Overview
  14. Tobacco tax revenue and forecast in the United States from 2000 to 2026.
  15. Cigarette Tax
  16. State Cigarette Tax Rates & Rank, Date of Last Increase
  17. State Excise Taxes
  18. Cigarette Tax

In conclusion, understanding the cheapest states to buy cigarettes in 2024 can help smokers save money. Factors such as average prices, geographical trends, and taxation play a significant role in determining cigarette costs. However, it’s crucial to remember that smoking poses serious health risks and contributes to substantial healthcare expenses. By considering both the financial and health aspects, smokers can make informed decisions about their habits.