Average prices
| Where | Pack of 20 | A pack a day, per year |
|---|---|---|
| USA, national average | about $10.15 | about $3,705 |
| New York (most expensive state) | about $14.83 | about $5,413 |
| Missouri (cheapest state) | about $8.01 | about $2,924 |
| UK, 20 king size | about £16.60 | about £6,059 |
The US figures come from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. The national figure is weighted by sales and includes state sales tax, though most city and county taxes are not included. The UK figure is the average price for 20 king size cigarettes in January 2025, from ONS price data.
Why prices differ so much
Mostly tax. In the US, every state adds its own cigarette tax on top of the federal one, and the average state tax is now about $2.06 a pack. Some cities add more: the highest combined state and local rates are in Chicago, at about $7.16 a pack, and New York City, at about $6.85.
That is on purpose. The World Health Organization calls tobacco tax the most cost-effective way to reduce smoking and recommends that tax make up at least 75% of the retail price. In the UK, the ONS measured cigarette prices about 6% higher than a year earlier through mid-2025.
Prices change every year
States raise taxes, brands change prices, and local taxes vary by city, so treat these as averages. The number that matters is the one on your receipt. Put it into the smoking cost calculator to see your own day, month, year and ten-year totals. If you roll your own, see whether roll-ups are really cheaper.
Track what you actually spend
Loosie logs each cigarette with a tap on iPhone or Apple Watch. Set what your packs cost and see what it adds up to over time. Everything stays on your devices and in your own iCloud. 18+.
Sources
- Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. State Cigarette Excise Tax Rates & Rankings, State Excise and Sales Taxes per Pack of Cigarettes, Map of State Cigarette Excise Taxes and Top Combined State-Local Cigarette Tax Rates (PDFs).
- Office for National Statistics. RPI: average price, cigarettes 20 king size filter and RPI: 12-month change, cigarettes.
- World Health Organization. Tobacco fact sheet; WHO Europe, Promoting taxation on tobacco products.