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Cigarette Taxes and the Household Budget

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  • Michael E. Darden
  • Reginald B. Hebert
  • Michael F. Pesko
  • Samuel Sturm

Abstract

We study the effects of cigarette excise taxes on smokers’ household budgets. In a randomized survey experiment, smokers respond to tax increases by adjusting cigarette shopping behaviors, substituting towards other tobacco products, and reducing both discretionary and human capital-related expenditures. Using Consumer Expenditure Survey data and a quasi-experimental design, we find cigarette taxes reduce smoking prevalence but increase cigarette expenditures among continuing smokers. Additionally, a $1 increase in cigarette taxes causes a 2.12% decline in human capital-related expenditures among below median income smokers. Our work uncovers important unintended consequences of cigarette taxes, particularly for low-income individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael E. Darden & Reginald B. Hebert & Michael F. Pesko & Samuel Sturm, 2025. "Cigarette Taxes and the Household Budget," NBER Working Papers 33746, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33746
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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