South Carolina Ranked the Cheapest State for Smokers in the U.S.

Smoking costs the U.S. more than $600 billion annually, encompassing expenses like healthcare, lost income, and out-of-pocket costs for cigarettes. However, for smokers in South Carolina, the financial burden is the lightest, according to a new report from WalletHub, The Real Cost of Smoking by State.

The report, which examines the lifetime and annual costs of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, reveals stark differences in the financial toll of smoking across the country. South Carolina is ranked as the cheapest state for smokers, while New York tops the list as the most expensive.

Key Findings

•Out-of-Pocket Costs: South Carolina smokers pay an average of $169,171 over their lifetimes, the least nationwide.

•Health Care Costs: Smoking-related healthcare expenses in South Carolina are significantly lower than in states like Connecticut, where costs are 2.7 times higher.

•Income Losses: Smokers in South Carolina lose less income over their lifetimes compared to states like the District of Columbia, where losses are the highest.

•Lifetime Smoking Costs: On average, a smoker in South Carolina incurs a lifetime cost of $3.9 million, the lowest in the country. This includes direct out-of-pocket expenses, healthcare costs, and income losses. By contrast, New York smokers face 1.9 times higher costs.

Notable Trends

South Carolina saw a significant change in its ranking, dropping from 44th last year to 51st this year, solidifying its position as the most affordable state for smokers.

States with the Highest and Lowest Smoking Costs

•Highest Costs: New York, the District of Columbia, and Maryland lead as the most expensive places for smokers.

•Lowest Costs: South Carolina, Alabama, and Missouri rank as the most affordable.

The Bigger Picture

Despite South Carolina’s affordability for smokers, the broader costs of smoking remain significant. Nationwide, smokers face an average lifetime cost of nearly $3.9 million, including $194,349 in healthcare expenses and $646,316 in lost income.

This report underscores the financial burden of smoking and serves as a call to action for the 46 million tobacco users in the U.S. to quit. Smoking not only takes a toll on health but also on personal finances.

To explore the full report and see your state’s ranking, visit WalletHub’s The Real Cost of Smoking by State at wallethub.com.