How Much Does a Pack of Cigarettes Cost?
Everyone has seen a classic movie where the main characters strut around smoking cigarettes or are constantly taking smoke breaks. In fact, even some more recent television still features cigarettes prominently on screen (hello, Stranger Things). But while these characters may look cool, something that we don’t often consider is how much they must actually be dropping on their cigarette habit. The cost of cigarettes has fluctuated throughout the decades due to rising and decreasing popularity, taxes, and the ability to mass-produce cigarettes at a widespread scale. Government mandates on maximum and minimum cigarettes per pack also affect the cost.
When cigarettes were first invented, there was no tax on them. In 1864, the first cigarette tax was created, allowing the government to collect money on all cigarette sales in the United States. This led to a pretty big jump in the cost of cigarettes. Basically, until the 21st century, cigarettes were an affordable habit. Unlike certain pipes and cigars (which can be quite costly), cigarettes were designed to be an affordable tobacco product for everyday people.
Today, the average pack of cigarettes costs around seven dollars, although it can cost more or less than that depending on state tax along with the federal tax. The federal tax is just over one dollar per 20 pack of cigarettes, while some states (such as New York and Connecticut) take in $4.35 per pack of cigarettes. This is the highest state tax on cigarettes in the country. The lowest tax is in Georgia, which takes just 37 cents per pack.
Different Types of Cigarettes and How Much They Cost
There are tons of cigarette brands out there, some of which have been around for over one hundred years. Some brands control larger shares of the market. For example, Marlboro controls 40% of the cigarette market. The rest of the market is made up of Newport, Camel, Winston, and a few others. These are the same brands that have been around for decades, which is why they have such huge control of cigarette sales in the United States.
Depending on the brand, a pack of cigarettes will range from around five to ten dollars. Overall, most brands sell their cigarettes within the same price range, and the state tax is what differentiates the price.
How Do Cigarettes Compare in Price to Other Tobacco Products?
Great question, especially if you are considering using a tobacco product besides cigarettes. It’s interesting to see how they all compare, considering they’re the same product but just in different forms. You have to keep in mind that the cost of tobacco is different in every state and country based on regulations and tobacco taxes. Here’s the average cost of the most popular types of tobacco products:
- Chewing tobacco– A can of chewing tobacco costs around $7-$9 dollars per can.
- Loose tobacco- You can get a pack of 50 rolling papers and enough loose tobacco for the papers for roughly $18.
- Cigarettes– One pack of cigarettes will cost you anywhere from $5 to over $10, depending on the brand and tobacco tax.
- Cigars– Cigars vary greatly in price, with a single cigar ranging anywhere from $10 to thousands of dollars, all the way up to a whopping $1 million.
- Vapes– You can get a JUUL starter pack, which includes one device and four pods for $30. To buy replacement pods as a four-pack, it will cost you $18.
Cigars are definitely the most costly tobacco product because they often use rare and imported tobaccos. They may also have expensive substances infused into the tobacco, like alcohol.
With vapes, one pod is supposed to give you around 200 puffs. You have to consider that you get 20 cigarettes on average in a pack, which may or may not be a lot depending on how much you smoke. If you are an average or mild smoker, then a JUUL might be a better value for you. Rolling your own cigarettes is actually the best value, and it will save you a few dollars compared to buying cigarettes.
Costs Based on Pack Volume
As we mentioned, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes is seven dollars per pack, depending on the state tax. This cost is based on a pack of 20 cigarettes. You can also get a carton, which costs around $49 and includes 10 packs containing 20 cigarettes each.
There are packs that come in larger quantities that you can buy for your business, which contain more than 10 packs and have a higher cost. Similarly, in other countries, you can buy cartons individually that contain up to 400 cigarettes.
Are Black and Milds More Expensive Than Cigarettes?
Yes, Black and Milds are more expensive than cigarettes. While they’re technically a type of cigarette, they are meant to be smoked like a cigar. This means they are not meant to be inhaled but rather puffed in the mouth. Another difference is that they have a wooden or plastic tip to smoke from, whereas with cigarettes, you smoke from the cigarette directly. Black and Milds also contain more nicotine and tar than cigarettes.
They also come in different flavors rather than plain tobacco. People also typically smoke fewer Black and Milds than cigarettes. In some cases, it has been shown that smokers will have one Black and Mild per day, which can be compared to smoking an entire pack of cigarettes per day. A pack ranges from $25 to $50 depending on the quantity in each pack.
Where Is The Best Place to Buy Cigarettes?
You can buy cigarettes in many places, such as tobacco shops and convenience stores (gas stations, grocery stores, etc.). However, the best place to buy cigarettes is right here at Saucey. We’re your one-stop-shop for all of your cigarette, tobacco, and alcohol needs. We have over one hundred types of cigarettes and over 10 of the most popular brands to choose from. We more than likely will have your favorite type of cigarette, and we have something new for you to try as well!
The best part about Saucey is that we are the most convenient, easiest, and simplest option for buying cigarettes. You never have to go to the store again thanks to us. Some days you’re just too busy, and some days you just don’t feel like getting in your car and driving to the store. We get it! That’s why we deliver everything right to your door.
Here’s how it works: start by heading to our website and clicking the tobacco tab. There, you can browse all of our selections, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, loose tobacco, and vapes. We also have accessories such as rolling papers, cigar cutters, and lighters. Seriously, we’ve got everything you need for tobacco use. Then, add all your selections to your cart.
We think a speedy delivery is important, so most orders can be delivered in as little as 30 minutes! If you are out running errands or have other plans, no worries. Schedule your delivery for a time that is more convenient for you. All you have to do is show your ID when you answer the door, and then you are good to go.
Conclusion
While a pack of cigarettes generally costs the same across the board, it can vary depending on factors like state tax, certain specialty brands, and how many cigarettes come in the pack. You can also get cartons of cigarettes, which can have anywhere from 100-400 cigarettes in them. Obviously, buying cigarettes in larger quantities will have an effect on the price as well.
All tobacco products are relatively expensive, given the fact it costs manufacturers only pennies to create a pack of cigarettes. This means they are making several dollars profit and up-charging the consumer exponentially.
When you compare cigarettes to other tobacco products, they’re all pretty close in value. You may get more cigarettes in a pack than, say, chew in a can of tobacco, but considering the average smoker smokes a pack a day or chews a can a day, one isn’t a better value than another.
At the end of the day, if you are a daily smoker, you are probably not too concerned about the nitty-gritty of tobacco costs because you’re going to buy the product regardless. However, that’s not to say you don’t care about convenience and getting the best option. In the case of buying cigarettes and tobacco products, Saucey is your best bet all around!
