1. Freedom from Substance Abuse

194. The Hidden Costs of Cigarettes

Do you realize how much it costs for the privilege of being a cigarette smoker?  A pack here, a carton there--in a year, it adds up. And it’s not getting any cheaper!

The table below shows the minimum amount you can save if you or a family member quits smoking now. The figures are based on an average cost of $4.75 per pack of cigarettes. (The cost varies per brands and state.) And the totals don’t include the interest the amount spent would earn if you put it in the bank.

Day

Week

Month

Year

10 Years

20 Years

30 Years

40 Years

What’s more, these totals don’t reflect other, hidden expenses of smoking, which include the cost of:

1. •Lighters and other smoking paraphernalia.
   

2. •Cigarette burns on clothing, carpeting, and furniture.
   

3. •Extra dry cleaning.
   

4. •Mouthwashes, colognes, and special toothpastes.
   

5. •Missed work days, extra medical and dental care.
   

6. •Increased life and health insurance rates.
   

These hidden costs can add up to another $700 or more per year for the average smoker. Most smokers can’t afford not to quit. (See Tip 195 for hints on how to quit smoking for good.)

The Cumulative Cost of Cigarettes ($)

1

2

3

Number of Packs a Day

$6.00

$42.00

$180.00

$2,190.00

$21,190.00

$42,380.00

$63,570.00

$84,760.00

$12.00

$84.00

$360.00

$4,380.00

$42,380.00

$84,760.00

$131,400.00

$169,520.00

$18.00

$126.00

$540.00

$6,570.00

$65,700.00

$131,400.00

$197,100.00

$254,280.00