US States with the Highest and Lowest Cigarette Prices

Smokers in Minneapolis will face some of the highest cigarette prices in the United States after the City Council unanimously voted to set a minimum retail price of $15 per pack. This move aims to promote public health by discouraging smoking, particularly among youth.

The American Lung Association endorses increasing cigarette taxes as a “win-win” strategy, stating that a 10% price increase reduces consumption by approximately 4% among adults and 7% among youth. Moreover, the additional revenue generated from these taxes can fund health programs.

Average Cost of Cigarettes in the US and Factors Affecting Prices

According to World Population Review data, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes in the United States in 2023 is $8.00, with most packs containing 20 cigarettes. However, prices vary significantly across states due to differences in federal, state, and local taxes, as well as minimum price laws.

The current federal cigarette tax stands at $1.01 per pack, while the average state cigarette tax as of January 2023 is $1.93 per pack. These taxes have continued to increase over the years as states aim to curb smoking and raise revenue.

States with the Highest and Lowest Cigarette Taxes

State	Tax	Cap	Example Price ($9.50 MSRP)	Source
Alabama	4.05 cents/cigar		$9.59	Link
Alaska	75%		$16.63	Link
Arizona	21.8 cents/cigar		$9.94	Link
Arkansas	68%	50 cents	$10.50	Link
California	52.92%		$14.52	Link
Colorado	56%		$14.82	Link
Connecticut	50%	50 cents	$10.50	Link
Delaware	30%		$12.35	Link
Florida	None		$9.50	Link
Georgia	23%		$11.69	Link
Hawaii	50%		$14.25	Link
Idaho	40%	50 cents	$10.50	Link
Illinois	36%		$12.92	Link
Indiana	24%		$11.78	Link
Iowa	50%	50 cents	$10.50	Link
Kansas	10%		$10.45	Link
Kentucky	15%		$10.93	Link
Louisiana	20%		$11.40	Link
Maine	43%		$13.59	Link
Maryland	15%		$10.93	Link
Massachusetts	40%		$13.30	Link
Michigan	32%	50 cents	$10.50	Link
Minnesota	95%	50 cents	$10.50	Link
Mississippi	15%		$10.93	Link
Missouri	10%		$10.45	Link
Montana	50%	35 cents	$10.20	Link
Nebraska	20%		$11.40	Link
Nevada	30%	50 cents	$10.50	Link
New Hampshire	None		$9.50	Link
New Jersey	30%		$12.35	Link
New Mexico	25%	50 cents	$10.50	Link
New York	75%		$16.63	Link
North Carolina	12.85%		$10.72	Link
North Dakota	28%		$12.16	Link
Ohio	17%	53 cents	$10.56	Link
Oklahoma	12 cents/cigar		$9.74	Link
Oregon	65%	$1	$11.50	Link
Pennsylvania	None		$9.50	Link
Rhode Island	80%	50 cents	$10.50	Link
South Carolina	5.5%		$10.02	Link
South Dakota	35%		$12.83	Link
Tennessee	6.6%		$10.13	Link
Texas	1.1 cents/cigar		$9.52	Link
Utah	86%		$17.67	Link
Vermont	92%	$2 (Cigars Under $10)/$4 ($10+)	$13.50	Link
Virginia	20%		$11.40	Link
Washington	95%	65 cents	$10.80	Link
Washington D.C.	None		$9.50	Link
West Virginia	12%		$10.64	Link
Wisconsin	71%	50 cents	$10.50	Link
Wyoming	20%		$11.40	Link

The states with the highest cigarette taxes per pack are:

New York ($5.35)
District of Columbia ($4.50)
Connecticut ($4.35)
Rhode Island ($4.25)
Maryland ($3.75)

On the other hand, the states with the lowest cigarette taxes per pack are:

Missouri ($0.17)
Georgia ($0.37)
North Dakota ($0.44)
North Carolina ($0.45)
South Carolina ($0.57)

As states continue to implement policies aimed at reducing smoking rates, such as increasing taxes and setting minimum prices, the cost of cigarettes is likely to remain a significant factor in discouraging tobacco use and promoting public health.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.