5 States With the Most Expensive Cigarettes in the US

1. New York

Average Retail Price per Pack: $10.53

The State of New York began charging $5.35 in cigarette tax per pack starting September 1st 2023 – a $1 increase that has made New York the state with the highest cigarette tax in America. The move was made to discourage smoking in young and less wealthy populations, both disproportionately impacted by tobacco use.

The Empire State currently spends roughly $35 million per year on anti-tobacco efforts. That might sound like a lot, but that amount pales when compared to the $1 billion the state receives in tobacco tax revenue. 

The current price of a pack of Marlboro cigarettes in New York City is between $16-$17, and the Big Apple is counted among the Cities with the Most Expensive Cigarettes. 

Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at 25 Countries with the Best Beaches and 20 States with the Highest Gas Prices in the US.