How Much Is a Carton of Cigarettes in Rhode Island?
Understand the factors influencing cigarette carton prices in Rhode Island and how to find current costs.
The final price consumers pay for a carton of cigarettes in Rhode Island is influenced by a combination of federal and state taxes, as well as the pricing strategies of various retailers.
Understanding the Price of a Carton
The average price of a carton of cigarettes in Rhode Island typically falls within a range of approximately $117 to $135. A carton usually contains ten packs of cigarettes, so this estimate translates to an average of about $11.70 to $13.50 per pack. This pricing reflects a combination of manufacturing costs, wholesale markups, retail margins, and significant taxes levied at both federal and state levels.
Federal excise tax contributes a fixed amount to the cost of each pack of cigarettes nationwide. This federal tax currently stands at $1.01 per pack. For a carton, this federal component amounts to $10.10.
Rhode Island imposes its own substantial excise tax on cigarettes, significantly impacting the final consumer price. As of September 3, 2024, the state’s cigarette excise tax is $4.50 per pack of 20 cigarettes. This means that for a standard carton, the state excise tax alone adds $45.00 to the overall cost. This places Rhode Island’s state cigarette tax among the higher rates nationally.
In addition to the excise tax, Rhode Island also applies a sales tax to cigarettes, which distributors typically prepay. The state’s general sales tax rate is 7%. As of July 1, 2025, the prepaid sales tax amount collected from licensed cigarette distributors is $0.90 per pack. Combining the federal, state excise, and prepaid sales taxes, the total tax burden on a single pack of cigarettes in Rhode Island is approximately $6.41, equating to $64.10 per carton.
Finding Current Prices and Variations
The actual price paid for a carton of cigarettes in Rhode Island can vary depending on where it is purchased and the specific brand. Different retail environments, such as large chain stores, smaller convenience stores, or gas stations, often have varying pricing strategies. This can result in noticeable price differences for the same product across different locations within the state.
Price variations can also stem from the type of brand being purchased. Premium brands generally carry a higher price point than discount or generic brands. Retailers may also offer different promotions or discounts that can temporarily affect the price. These factors contribute to a dynamic pricing environment, meaning prices can fluctuate and are not always consistent.
For consumers seeking the most current and specific prices, direct inquiry is often the most effective method. Contacting local retailers by phone can provide up-to-date pricing information for specific brands. Some larger retail chains may also list tobacco product prices on their websites, though this is less common for smaller, independent stores. Visiting stores in person allows for direct comparison of prices across various establishments.
It is important to recognize that prices are subject to change due to market conditions, supplier costs, and adjustments in tax rates. For instance, the Rhode Island Division of Taxation regularly updates minimum price lists for cigarettes, which reflect wholesale and retail minimums, though actual selling prices can be higher.