How much is a carton of Marlboro cigarettes?
Marlboro is the #1 selling cigarette brand in America (Philip Morris International). A Marlboro carton costs from $53.66 in Missouri to $132.35 in New York. US average: $101.25. Marlboro typically costs 2–5% more than the average cigarette price in each state.
Federal tax, state tax, and the manufacturer premium.
Marlboro sells at a small premium over the state average. Most of the price is tax.
A Marlboro carton at the US national average breaks down roughly as follows: federal excise tax of $1.01 per pack ($10.10 per carton) + state excise tax (averages $2.05/pack nationally, or $20.50 per carton) + state sales tax + manufacturer + distributor + retailer markup. Marlboro's manufacturer premium is small (2–5%) compared to budget brands; the tax component is what drives the state-to-state spread.
The six Marlboro varieties with distinct carton prices.
Of the 30+ Marlboro varieties sold in the US, six have meaningfully different carton prices. The rest price identically to one of these six.
| Variant | Carton (US avg) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Marlboro Red (Full Flavor) | $101.25 | Baseline. All other varieties priced relative to Red. |
| Marlboro Gold (formerly Lights) | $101.25 | Same product since the 2010 FDA branding change. Same price as Red. |
| Marlboro Menthol | $101.25 | Full-flavor menthol. Same price tier as Red. |
| Marlboro Black | $103.25 | Bold flavor line. +$0.20/pack premium. |
| Marlboro NXT (capsule) | $102.25 | Menthol or flavor capsule technology. Slight premium. |
| Marlboro Special Select (value) | $99.25 | Value line. $0.20–0.50 less per pack than Red. |
The 5 cheapest and 5 most expensive states for Marlboro cartons.
State excise tax creates a roughly $50 spread between the cheapest and most expensive Marlboro cartons.
Where you buy changes the price.
Walmart and Sam's Club typically undercut gas stations by $2–5 per carton. The exact price varies by store and state.
Walmart does not publish cigarette prices online. The most reliable way to find the exact Marlboro carton price at your local Walmart is to call the store's tobacco counter and ask for the current carton price of Marlboro Reds (or your preferred variety). Walmart is generally the cheapest big-box retailer; Sam's Club follows the same pricing pattern and requires a membership.
Gas stations and convenience stores charge the highest prices, often $3–6 per carton above Walmart. If you live near a state border, the carton prices by state page can help you find whether crossing into a lower-tax state saves you enough to justify the trip.
What the proposed menthol ban could mean for Marlboro Menthol.
The April 2022 proposed rule has been delayed multiple times. It is not yet final.
In April 2022, the FDA proposed a product standard that would ban menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes. The rule has been delayed multiple times and remains under review as of mid-2026. If enacted, Marlboro Menthol would be affected; Marlboro Red (non-menthol) would remain available. The current status is tracked at FDA.gov; we update this page when the rule is finalized or withdrawn.
Marlboro carton FAQ.
Eight of the most common Marlboro carton questions.
Frequently asked questions
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