Cigarette Prices in North Dakota 2025: What Locals Actually Pay
Cigarette prices in North Dakota rank as the 3rd cheapest in the nation at just $8.24 per pack. Peace Garden State’s smokers pay nowhere near the national average of $9.74 per pack in 2025. The price gap becomes even more striking compared to states like New York, where smokers pay $14.55 per pack – almost twice as much.
Firstly, Cigarette prices in North Dakota stand lower than most neighboring states, with only a few states offering better deals. Missouri leads with the lowest prices at $6.11 per pack, and North Carolina follows at $7.95. The state’s excise tax plays a crucial role in keeping ND’s cigarette costs low. The national average state excise tax sits at $1.97, but rates swing dramatically nationwide – from Missouri’s mere $0.17 to New York’s steep $5.35.
How much is a pack of cigarettes in North Dakota in 2025?
North Dakota stands as one of the most affordable states for smokers in 2025. Smokers pay between $6.55 and $8.24 for a single pack of cigarettes, depending on brand and location. These prices make North Dakota the 3rd cheapest state to buy cigarettes nationwide.
Average price per carton in ND
A standard cigarette carton contains 10 packs, which means North Dakota’s carton prices range from $65.50 to $82.40. Smokers save a lot of money here compared to other states. The state’s cigarette excise tax sits at just $0.44 per pack, ranking 49th nationally. This low tax rate explains why cigarettes cost so little here.
The state’s total tax burden on cigarettes amounts to only $0.83 per pack, including both excise and sales tax. These low taxes directly result in cheaper carton prices for buyers statewide.
Comparison with national average
North Dakota’s cigarette prices stand nowhere near the national average. Local smokers pay $6.55-$8.24 per pack, while the national average ranges from $8.00 to $10.25, depending on brands and data sources.
North Dakota smokers save $1.45-$3.70 on each pack. These savings add up fast for daily smokers. The American Lung Association reports that average smokers light up 15 cigarettes daily, which means North Dakotans can save hundreds of dollars each year.
Price range across cities like Fargo
Cigarette prices stay pretty steady in major cities like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. Small price differences exist because of local taxes and store markups. Border towns tend to charge a bit more since out-of-state buyers come looking for North Dakota’s better prices.
Lawmakers are talking about raising the state’s cigarette tax from $0.44 to $0.69 per pack. Even with this increase, North Dakota would still rank among the 10 lowest-taxed states. The state remains a haven for affordable cigarettes until any new laws pass.
Smokers can find even better deals online through sites like cheapcartoncigarettes.com, where prices often beat North Dakota’s already low retail costs.
What makes North Dakota one of the cheapest states for cigarettes?
North Dakota ranks among America’s most budget-friendly states for smokers because of its low tax structure. The state’s cigarette excise tax stands at just 44 cents per pack, ranking 49th nationwide. Missouri has the lowest tax at 17 cents.
State excise tax and sales tax breakdown
North Dakota’s excise tax hasn’t changed since 1993, while the national average has reached $1.97 per pack. Smokers save money because of this tax structure. The state uses a mill-based taxation system that taxes cigarettes at 22 mills per cigarette (a mill equals 1/10 of a cent). A standard 20-cigarette pack generates only 44 cents in excise tax.
On top of that, other tobacco products have different tax rates: pipe tobacco and cigars at 28% of wholesale price, snuff at 60 cents per ounce, and chewing tobacco at 16 cents per ounce. These rates stay nowhere near national averages. Sites like cheapcartoncigarettes.com appeal to North Dakota residents who want more savings.
Federal tax and MSA payments
North Dakota joined the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with major tobacco companies. The state has received over $563 million in MSA payments through 2022. These funds were meant for tobacco-related healthcare costs. The state allocated about 45% of its MSA money to water resources and flood-control projects instead of tobacco prevention.
Historical ties to tobacco industry
The tobacco industry has highlighted its economic importance in North Dakota through the years. The Tobacco Institute published materials in 1982 about tobacco’s presence in the region. They found that indigenous Mandan and Arikara tribes already grew tobacco at the time explorers first entered North Dakota territory.
It remains a smoker’s paradise price-wise in 2025 due to minimal taxation, different use of settlement funds, and deep industry connections.
How cigarette prices in ND compare to other states
Image Source: Data Pandas
At the time we look at cigarette prices across the United States, North Dakota stands out as a budget-friendly option. Here’s how ND compares to other states in 2025.
Top 5 cheapest states in 2025
Also, North Dakota ranks third among states with the most affordable cigarettes. North Carolina has the nation’s lowest prices at $7.95 per pack because of its tobacco-producing heritage. Missouri comes in second at $8.03 per pack with the country’s lowest cigarette tax of $0.17 per pack. Mississippi ($8.33) and Georgia ($8.47) complete the list of five most affordable states. Smokers can find better deals than these retail prices through bulk purchases on websites like cheapcartoncigarettes.com.
Top 5 most expensive states
The most expensive states charge twice what North Dakotans pay. New York leads with $14.55 per pack due to its $5.35 excise tax. Maryland’s prices reach $14.17 after a major $3.00 tax increase in 2024. The District of Columbia ($13.94), Rhode Island ($13.43), and Connecticut ($13.24) make up the rest of the costliest states. A pack-a-day smoker in New York pays about $5,310 yearly—$2,300 more than someone in North Dakota.
Regional pricing trends (South vs. Northeast)
Price patterns show clear geographical differences. The Northeast has the highest prices consistently, and states like New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island average above $9.80 per pack. The Southern states offer more affordable options with prices below the national average.
Coastal states charge higher prices than inland regions. This east-west difference shows up clearly between the expensive West Coast (Washington, Oregon, California) and the affordable Great Plains region where North Dakota sits. Tax policies and each region’s historical connection to the tobacco industry create these price variations.
The real cost of smoking in North Dakota
The retail price of cigarettes in North Dakota seems low, but smokers and society pay a much steeper price. This seemingly affordable price tag hides the real long-term costs that add up quickly.
Annual cost for a pack-a-day smoker
North Dakota ranks as the third-cheapest state for cigarettes, yet pack-a-day smokers face hefty yearly expenses. Daily smokers spend between $2,190 and $3,000 annually on cigarettes alone. Monthly costs range from $240-$250, which equals a typical car payment or utility bills. Quitting smoking saves people between $2,900 and $5,300 each year, depending on where they live.
Research shows a smoker’s lifetime costs reach about $1.60 million. Direct purchase costs total $115,214 over a lifetime, and there’s also lost money that could have been invested elsewhere.
Healthcare costs and public burden
North Dakota’s tobacco use creates massive healthcare bills. The state spends $379 million yearly on smoking-related health care. The state’s Medicaid costs from smoking hit $61.10 million, which puts a heavy load on taxpayers.
Finally North Dakota’s households each pay about $910 in state and federal taxes for smoking-related government spending. This applies to all households, whether they smoke or not. The state loses $715 million yearly because smoking causes early deaths and keeps people from working.
Price effect on smoking rates
Higher prices work best to stop people from using tobacco. Studies show that when cigarette prices go up by 10%, adults smoke 4% less and youth smoke 7% less. A $1.50 price increase per pack could keep 5,200 North Dakota kids from starting tobacco use.
Smokers looking to cut costs might buy cigarettes from online sellers like cheapcartoncigarettes.com while the state keeps its low 44-cent excise tax, which ranks 49th nationwide.
buy at cheapcartoncigarettes.com
Want to stretch your cigarette budget beyond North Dakota’s already low prices? Local gas stations offer competitive prices, but more smokers now turn to online retailers to save even more.
Cheapcartoncigarettes.com stands out as a smart choice to save money. This retailer combines great prices with home delivery – a perfect match for smokers who watch their spending across the country.
A major advantage that sets this retailer apart is their free shipping on all carton orders. This perk applies to all brand tiers you choose, which eliminates those hidden costs that often eat into online savings.
The savings really add up for people living in states with high cigarette taxes. Even in cheaper markets like North Dakota, regular smokers can save quite a bit. Customers can easily browse different brands and check prices from their couch.
Cigarette costs keep changing in 2025, and North Dakotans look for economical ways to stay within their budget. Buying online gives them a chance to save more than what local stores offer.
The website positions itself as a legal option to buy cigarette cartons, which puts many online shoppers at ease. Their simple ordering system makes switching from local stores to online buying easy.
Take time to compare the total cost against prices at your local tobacco shop in Fargo, Bismarck, or nearby stores. North Dakota has some of the lowest cigarette prices nationwide, but sites like cheapcartoncigarettes.com might give you better value based on your brand choices and buying patterns.
FAQs
Q1. How much will a pack of cigarettes cost in North Dakota in 2025? In 2025, a pack of cigarettes in North Dakota is expected to cost between $6.55 and $8.24, depending on the brand and location. This price range makes North Dakota the third cheapest state for cigarettes in the country.
Q2. Why are cigarettes so affordable in North Dakota compared to other states? Cigarettes are relatively cheap in North Dakota primarily due to the state’s low excise tax of just $0.44 per pack, which is the second-lowest in the nation. This low tax rate, combined with minimal additional state taxes, keeps prices significantly below the national average.
Q3. How do North Dakota’s cigarette prices compare to neighboring states? North Dakota’s cigarette prices are among the lowest in the region. Only a few states, such as Missouri and North Carolina, offer lower prices. Compared to states like New York, where a pack costs around $14.55, North Dakota smokers pay less than half for their cigarettes.
Q4. What is the real cost of smoking in North Dakota beyond the pack price? While cigarettes are relatively cheap in North Dakota, the true cost of smoking is much higher. A pack-a-day smoker spends between $2,190 and $3,000 annually on cigarettes alone. Additionally, smoking-related healthcare costs in the state total $379 million annually, and each household bears about $910 in smoking-related tax burdens.
Q5. Are there ways to save even more on cigarette purchases in North Dakota? Yes, smokers looking to save more can consider purchasing cigarettes online through retailers that offer competitive pricing and free shipping on carton orders. However, it’s important to compare these prices with local retail prices to ensure the best value, as North Dakota already has some of the lowest cigarette prices in the nation.