The Golden State and the Golden Price Tag: How Much Does a Pack of Smokes Set You Back in California?
Ah, California. Land of sunshine, beaches, and...eye-wateringly expensive cigarettes? If you're a smoker contemplating a Californian adventure, or a resident suddenly feeling the urge to take up an expensive hobby (don't!), then you've likely found yourself wondering: just how much does a carton of cigarettes cost in the Golden State?
Buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into the not-so-glamorous world of California cigarette prices.
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
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| How Much Is A Carton Of Cigarettes In California |
The Taxman Cometh...And Cometh Again (and Again)
California, bless its progressive heart, has a bit of a love affair with cigarette taxes. On top of the federal tax of $1.01 per pack, California boasts an additional state excise tax of a whopping $2.87 per pack. Do some quick math (or, you know, whip out your phone's calculator) and you'll see that's a cool $5.74 in taxes alone. That's more than a fancy coffee!
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
And that's not all! Some California localities have added their own special brand of ouch to the price tag, with city and county taxes tacked on. Let's just say, if you're looking for a budget-friendly smoking destination, California might not be your best bet.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
So, How Much is a Carton Anyway?
Now we're getting to the good stuff (or maybe the bad stuff, depending on your perspective). With the state and federal tax added on, a pack of cigarettes in California can easily run you between $8 and $10. That means a carton (which usually has 10 packs) could set you back a cool $80 to $100. Ouch.
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
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For that price, you could buy...
- A season pass to Disneyland (and still have money leftover for churros!)
- A lifetime supply of those little umbrellas you inevitably lose
- A participation trophy (participation in, well, anything)
- A slightly used surfboard (California dreamin', anyone?)
The point is, a carton of cigarettes in California is a serious investment.
Maybe This is a Sign?
Look, we're not here to preach (though maybe a little nudge in the right direction wouldn't hurt). But the high cost of cigarettes in California could be the universe's not-so-subtle way of telling you to quit. Think of all the money you could save! All the delicious burritos you could buy! All the beaches you could frolic on (without hacking up a lung, because, ew).
Just sayin'.
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