How Much Is a Pack of Cigarettes in North Carolina?

The average price of a pack of cigarettes in North Carolina is $5.95 as of 2026. This is 39% below the US average of the $9.83 US national average. The price includes the $1.01 federal excise tax, $0.45 in North Carolina state excise tax, and state and local sales taxes. Actual prices at individual stores may vary by $0.50–1.50 from these averages depending on the retailer and brand.

North Carolina charges $0.45 per pack in state excise tax, which accounts for 8% of the $5.95 retail price. This is on top of the $1.01 federal excise tax — a flat rate that has been unchanged since 2009. Check whether your city or county also imposes a local tobacco tax in addition to the state tax. For comparison, the US state-tax average is $2.05/pack — North Carolina's rate is below this average. State tobacco tax revenue is typically allocated to general state funds, healthcare programs, or smoking cessation services depending on North Carolina law.

At $5.95/pack, a pack-a-day smoker in North Carolina spends $2,172 per year, broken down as approximately $179 per month or $42 per week. Over a 30-year period at current prices (before inflation or tax increases): $65,153. If that same money were invested monthly at a 7% annual return instead of spent on packs, the total would be significantly higher due to compound growth — use our free quit-smoking calculator at quitsmokingcalc.com to see your personalized number. In carton terms, the same pack-a-day smoker buys roughly 36.5 cartons per year at approximately $59.50 each. Half-pack smokers spend roughly half these amounts; two-pack-a-day smokers spend double.

The US national average pack price is $9.83. North Carolina's average of $5.95 is 39% below the US average. This means a pack-a-day smoker in North Carolina spends $1,416 less per year than the average American smoker. The entire gap is driven by tax policy: the federal tax ($1.01/pack) is identical everywhere, so the difference between North Carolina and the national average comes down to North Carolina's state tax rate of $0.45/pack versus the $2.05 national average state tax. States set their own tobacco tax rates based on a combination of public health goals, budget needs, and political considerations. North Carolina's adult smoking rate is 14.3%.

Walmart does not publish cigarette prices online. Pack prices at Walmart in North Carolina depend on the store location and are subject to the same $0.45/pack state tobacco tax and local taxes that apply to all retailers. Walmart and Sam's Club are often priced competitively, but there is no substitute for calling your local store directly and asking for the current pack price for your preferred brand. Cigarette pricing can also vary within the same retail chain — one Walmart in North Carolina may charge a different price than another Walmart across town due to local tax jurisdictions, distributor agreements, and store-level promotions.

A carton of cigarettes in North Carolina — which contains 10 packs of 20 cigarettes each (200 cigarettes total) — costs approximately $59.50 based on $5.95 per pack. A pack-a-day smoker buying cartons in North Carolina will purchase roughly 36.5 cartons per year at a cost of $2,172. Buying by the carton typically saves $1–5 per carton compared to buying individual packs. For a complete carton cost breakdown, including neighbor-state comparisons, Walmart pricing guidance, and detailed FAQs, see our dedicated carton prices in NC page (carton-prices/north-carolina).

Cigarettes are cheaper in neighboring Georgia ($5.67/pack, $0.37 state tax) and Virginia ($5.85/pack, $0.60 state tax) — the lower state tobacco taxes in those locations drive the savings. Cigarettes are more expensive in neighboring Tennessee ($6.25/pack). Crossing the border to buy in Georgia saves $0.28 per pack, which adds up to approximately $102 per year for a pack-a-day smoker.

Based on North Carolina's average pack price of $5.95 and an estimated 3% brand premium for Marlboro, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes in North Carolina costs approximately $6.13. Marlboro Red, Gold (formerly Lights), and Menthol typically sell at the same price; specialty varieties like Black, NXT, and Southern Cut may be $0.10–0.30 more per pack. Marlboro is manufactured by Philip Morris USA and is the best-selling cigarette brand in the United States, commanding approximately 42% market share. The 3% premium estimate reflects Marlboro's position as the pricing leader in the US cigarette market. Actual prices vary by store — call retailers near you for exact Marlboro pack pricing. See our Marlboro carton prices page (marlboro-carton-prices) for state-by-state brand carton pricing.

Based on North Carolina's average pack price of $5.95 and an estimated 2% brand premium for Newport, a pack of Newport cigarettes in North Carolina costs approximately $6.07. Newport Menthol (the iconic green pack), Newport 100s, and Newport Red (non-menthol) are all priced in this range. Newport is the #1 menthol cigarette brand in America and the second-best-selling brand overall, behind only Marlboro. The estimated 2% premium places Newport slightly below Marlboro in price. For detailed Newport carton pricing across all 50 states, see our Newport carton prices page (newport-carton-prices).

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free, confidential smoking cessation support available to North Carolina residents. Visit smokefree.gov for quit-planning tools, text-message support, and connections to local programs. A pack-a-day smoker in North Carolina who quits saves approximately $2,172 per year. Use our free quit-smoking calculator at quitsmokingcalc.com to see your personalized savings.