Cigarette Prices in the United States (2026)

In 2026 a pack of cigarettes in the United States costs roughly $9 to $10 on national average, though prices vary enormously by state, from about $8 in Missouri to $14.83 in New York. A federal excise tax of $1.01 per pack applies nationwide, combined with each state's own excise and sales taxes, so that taxes make up roughly 30 to 45% of the retail price depending on the state. There is no government price-setting: manufacturers such as Altria raise their list prices two to three times a year, most recently across most brands in April 2026, pricing ahead of inflation to offset falling sales volumes. Marlboro is the most-sold brand, and federal tobacco policy has been shaped by the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement, FDA regulatory authority since 2009, and the 2019 nationwide minimum purchase age of 21.