How much does the average smoker cost over a lifetime?

Since 1964, smoking-related illnesses have claimed over 20 million lives in the U.S. According to the American Lung Association, tobacco use accounts for about half a million deaths every year in the U.S., and is the leading cause of lung cancer.

But smoking doesn't just have a health impact. While it takes time for some smoking-caused health impacts to begin, the monetary impacts of the habit can be seen immediately. The CDC estimates that over $600 billion is lost to smoking each year, looking at both medical care and lost productivity.

Depending on the state you're in, the habit of smoking cigarettes can cost you different amounts.

Cost of smoking in WA

A recent WalletHub study analyzed the true per-person cost of smoking in each state. Potential monetary losses include the lifetime and annual cost of a pack per day, health care expenditures, income losses and other related costs.

The bulk of lost money comes from income and investment losses, followed by increased health care costs and home insurance premiums.

"Smoking isn't just bad for your health," stated Cassandra Happe, an analyst for WalletHub, in the press release. "It can also make your future go up in smoke, potentially losing you millions of dollars over a lifetime in the most expensive states."

The average cost per year for smokers in Washington state is $91,169. Based on the average lifetime cost of smoking in each state, the habit is most expensive in:

1. New York — $5,188,634 per smoker

2. District of Columbia — $5,100,092 per smoker

3. Maryland — $4,970,008 per smoker

4. Connecticut — $4,938,378 per smoker

5. Rhode Island — $4,913,129 per smoker

6. Massachusetts — $4,867,778 per smoker

7. Minnesota — $4,567,134 per smoker

8. Hawaii — $4,562,773 per smoker

9. Alaska — $4,467,282 per smoker

10. Washington — $4,376,129 per smoker

This story was originally published January 30, 2024, 11:54 AM.

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