The cost of a pack of cigarettes has risen pretty steadily over the last few years. Some of the cost can be attributed to inflation, but most of it can be blamed on increasing taxes. The federal tax for example was increased $0.39 to $1.01 per pack in 2009. In FY 2015, the Obama Administration is proposing another hike to $1.95 per pack.
Taxes and the cost of cigarettes and lighters is just one piece of the complex cost puzzle, which is why many smokers are opting for vapor cigarettes, which according to this infographic, only have a direct cost of about half.
Other often forgotten costs of cigarette smoking include:
- Life and health insurance premiums
- Health Care costs
- Other insurance policies, like homeowner’s
- Loss of income
- Reduces the value of your car
This infographic from CostofSmoking.com provides even more perspective on the cost of smoking. When you add it all up, a pack-a-day smoking habit costs around $9000 per year.
Infographic by Cost of Smoking