subject: Cigarette Costs Vs. E-cigarette Costs And The New Tax Hikes [print this page] With tax increases on tobacco products occurring at the state level across the nation, many cigarette smokers are looking for an alternative to smoking. This year alone, states such as California, Indiana, and Utah have adopted this $1 tax hike per carton of cigarettes. According to research carried out by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the average price nationwide for a pack of cigarettes is around $5.97. This accounts for statewide sales taxes but not local taxes. Since 2002, 47 out of the 50 states, Washington DC, and several US territories have increased their tax on tobacco products over 100 times. At nearly $6 per pack, cigarettes are quickly becoming a luxury that not many can afford. If history tells us anything, it's that taxes on tobacco products are only going up.
Currently New York City has the highest price per carton of cigarettes in the country with the combined state-local tax rate amounting to $5.85. This puts the total price of a pack of cigarettes to nearly $12. Chicago, Illinois comes in a close second with the combined state-local tax rate reaching $4.66 per carton. In Illinois, this $1 hike in taxes on tobacco products is expected to generate around $350 million for the state's Medicaid program as well as cut back on smoking-related costs to the health care program. It is also expected to help in the prevention of children smoking and encourage adults to quit smoking. It is a good assumption that other states will begin jumping on the tobacco tax hike bandwagon.
This dramatic hike in state taxes has left cigarette smokers to find new smoking alternatives, travel to other states to purchase cigarettes, take the hit and pay the steep price per carton, or quit smoking altogether. Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, offer the look and feel of a cigarette while delivering nicotine and most importantly are free of the costly taxes imposed on tobacco products. They function much the same way as a cigarette; however rather than burning and smoking tobacco, e-cigarettes vaporize a solution that contains nicotine and delivers it to the lungs. Smokeless cigarettes are long lasting and can save you up to 80% over purchasing traditional cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes deliver nicotine as well as simulate smoking a real cigarette unlike other smoking alternatives such as nicotine gum and patches. Smokeless cigarettes are also a healthier alternative to tobacco cigarettes as they do not give off any of the toxic by-products such as tar and carcinogens caused by burning tobacco.
If your state is implementing a higher tax on tobacco products, you may want to consider an alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. Smokeless cigarettes are better for your wallet and better for your health too!
