If you've ever filled up a tank or bought cigarettes across state lines, you know that tobacco taxes vary dramatically in the US. The DC–Maryland–Virginia (DMV) region is one of the most extreme examples of this: three jurisdictions within a short drive of each other with radically different cigarette tax rates. Here's how they stack up and what it means for your wallet.
Are cigarettes cheaper in Virginia than in DC or Maryland?
Yes — significantly. Virginia's state cigarette excise tax is $0.60 per pack, one of the lowest in the country. Here's the full comparison:
| Jurisdiction | State/District Tax | Local Tax (approx.) | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (Arlington) | $0.60 | $0.30 | ~$0.90 |
| Maryland | $3.75 | varies | $3.75+ |
| Washington, DC | $4.50 | — | $4.50 |
The upshot: a smoker buying cigarettes in DC is paying roughly $3.90 more per pack in taxes alone compared to buying the same cigarettes in Arlington, Virginia. On a carton of 10 packs, that tax difference is $39 — before you factor in any retailer margin differences.
What is Virginia's cigarette tax compared to DC and Maryland?
Virginia's $0.60/pack state excise tax is among the lowest in the entire country. Arlington adds a local rate of approximately $0.30/pack, bringing the total combined cigarette tax burden to about $0.90 per pack.
Compare that to DC's $4.50/pack — a rate 5× higher — and Maryland's $3.75/pack. Both DC and Maryland have significantly increased their cigarette taxes over the past decade as public health measures and revenue tools, widening the gap with Virginia year over year. Virginia has not raised its state cigarette tax since 2004.
How much can you save buying cigarettes in Virginia?
Let's use a concrete example. A carton of Marlboro Reds at a DC convenience store typically runs $100–$115 in 2025, all taxes included. The same carton at a smoke shop in Arlington commonly runs $75–$90, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.
That's a potential savings of $25–$40 per carton. For a pack-a-day smoker buying one carton every 10 days, the annual savings from buying in Virginia instead of DC work out to roughly $900–$1,500 per year. Rolling your own cigarettes in Virginia can push savings even further. Our full breakdown of how much you save rolling your own has the complete math.
Burn & Brew — Crystal City, Arlington VA
We carry Marlboro, Newport, Camel, American Spirit, Lucky Strike, and more — at Virginia prices. Individual packs and full cartons, daily.
Browse All Cigarettes →What cigarette brands are available at smoke shops in Arlington?
A well-stocked Arlington smoke shop carries the full range of major brands. At Burn & Brew we stock:
- Marlboro — Red, Gold, Black, Silver, Menthol, NXT, 72s, 100s, and more
- Newport — Menthol Box, Menthol 100s, Newport Box, Newport 100s
- Camel — Filters, Blue, Turkish Royal, Menthol
- American Spirit — Yellow, Blue, Turquoise (Menthol), Orange
- Lucky Strike — Original Red, Blue, Menthol
- Pall Mall, Winston, Kool
Beyond factory cigarettes, smoke shops in Virginia also carry rolling tobacco, which is taxed differently and can reduce per-cigarette cost even further. Popular loose tobacco brands include Gambler, OHM, Golden Harvest, and Drum. If you want to explore rolling your own, our guide on what hand-rolled cigarettes are actually like covers what to expect.
Can I buy cigarettes near Pentagon City or Crystal City Metro?
Yes. Burn & Brew is located at 566 23rd St S in Crystal City, Arlington — approximately a 5-minute walk from Crystal City Metro Station (Blue and Yellow lines). Pentagon City Metro, also on the Blue and Yellow lines, is a short walk or ride away.
For DC residents who commute through Crystal City or travel through Reagan National Airport, stopping here is a natural part of the trip rather than a dedicated errand. Many of our regulars pick up a carton on the way to or from the station.
Where is the closest smoke shop to Washington, DC?
Burn & Brew at 566 23rd St S in Crystal City, Arlington, VA is one of the closest full-service smoke shops to Washington, DC — roughly 3 miles from the National Mall. Crossing from DC into Arlington by car via I-395 during off-peak hours takes as little as 10–15 minutes.
From Maryland suburbs, the drive is typically 20–30 minutes: take I-495 to I-395 toward Arlington, then exit for Crystal City. Crystal City and the surrounding National Landing area are among the most transit-connected parts of Arlington — Metro access, multiple bus routes, easy I-395 access, and proximity to Reagan National Airport.
Is it worth driving to Arlington just for cigarettes?
On a carton, yes — almost always. The potential savings of $25–$40 per carton over DC prices more than cover gas and tolls for nearby DC residents. For a pack-a-day smoker making the trip every two weeks, annual savings easily exceed the cost of the drive. And because Crystal City is a place many DC residents already commute through, most shoppers treat it as part of their existing routine.
Beyond cigarettes, you can pick up nicotine pouches, rolling supplies, cigars, and vapes in one stop — making the trip even more worthwhile if you use multiple categories.
Do smoke shops in Virginia sell cigarettes by the carton?
Yes. Burn & Brew sells both individual packs and full cartons of 10 packs with no minimum purchase. Buying by the carton is where the Virginia tax advantage really adds up — a $30–$40 savings per carton versus DC pricing. No membership, no minimum, no special pricing program required. Walk in, grab your carton, and you're done.
We're open daily 9am–9pm, including weekends and holidays. No need to call ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — significantly. Virginia's state cigarette excise tax is $0.60 per pack, one of the lowest in the country. Here's the full comparison:
Virginia's $0.60/pack state excise tax is among the lowest in the entire country. Arlington adds a local rate of approximately $0.30/pack, bringing the total combined cigarette tax burden to about $0.90 per pack.
Let's use a concrete example. A carton of Marlboro Reds at a DC convenience store typically runs $100–$115 in 2025, all taxes included. The same carton at a smoke shop in Arlington commonly runs $75–$90, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.
A well-stocked Arlington smoke shop carries the full range of major brands. At Burn & Brew we stock:
Yes. Burn & Brew is located at 566 23rd St S in Crystal City, Arlington — approximately a 5-minute walk from Crystal City Metro Station (Blue and Yellow lines). Pentagon City Metro, also on the Blue and Yellow lines, is a short walk or ride away.
Burn & Brew at 566 23rd St S in Crystal City, Arlington, VA is one of the closest full-service smoke shops to Washington, DC — roughly 3 miles from the National Mall. Crossing from DC into Arlington by car via I-395 during off-peak hours takes as little as 10–15 minutes.
On a carton, yes — almost always. The potential savings of $25–$40 per carton over DC prices more than cover gas and tolls for nearby DC residents. For a pack-a-day smoker making the trip every two weeks, annual savings easily exceed the cost of the drive. And because Crystal City is a place many DC residents already commute through, most shoppers treat it as part of their existing routine.
Yes. Burn & Brew sells both individual packs and full cartons of 10 packs with no minimum purchase. Buying by the carton is where the Virginia tax advantage really adds up — a $30–$40 savings per carton versus DC pricing. No membership, no minimum, no special pricing program required. Walk in, grab your carton, and you're done.
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