Economics Infographics

Trends in State and Federal Cigarette Tax and Retail Price—United States, 1970–2014

[PDF–1.32 MB]

The graph above shows that state and federal excise taxes increased between 1970 and 2014, and cost per pack steeply increased during that time period, as follows:

• In 1970
  • Average cost per pack was $0.38
  • Average tax per pack was $0.18
• In 2014
  • Average cost per pack was $6.28
  • Average tax per pack was $2.29

Note: Costs are for full-priced brands, including federal, state, and local taxes, if applicable.

Source: Orzechowski and Walker. The Tax Burden on Tobacco [PDF–1.45 MB] Arlington (VA): Orzechowski and Walker, 2014 [accessed 2016 Apr 8].