Virginia has historically been one of the more affordable states for cigarettes — lower excise taxes compared to New York or California — but prices have still climbed sharply. In 2025, the average retail pack of cigarettes in Virginia runs between $8 and $11, depending on brand and retailer. A carton typically costs $80–$110 at retail prices.
For a smoker going through a pack a day, that's roughly $3,000 to $4,000 a year — before even accounting for any price increases. Rolling your own cigarettes can cut that number dramatically. Here's how.
Why is rolling your own so much cheaper?
The primary reason is taxes. Commercial cigarettes are taxed at both the federal level ($1.01 per pack) and the state level (Virginia's cigarette tax is $0.60 per pack, one of the lower rates nationally — but it still adds up). These taxes are built into every pack you buy at retail.
Loose tobacco used for roll-your-own (RYO) cigarettes is taxed differently and at a lower effective rate per cigarette equivalent. That gap in taxation is the core reason why rolling your own is so much cheaper per smoke.
The other factor is margin: commercial cigarette brands include substantial manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and advertising costs in their retail price. When you roll your own, you're buying closer to the raw material.
What do you need to roll your own cigarettes?
Getting started requires only a few things, most of which are one-time purchases:
- Loose tobacco — A 6 oz. pouch or can of rolling tobacco typically yields around 200 cigarettes — equivalent to a full carton. In 2025, quality loose tobacco runs $20–$30 per 6 oz. depending on brand. Popular options include Gambler, OHM, Golden Harvest, and Drum.
- Rolling papers — A pack of 50 standard 1¼-size papers runs about $1–$3. Brands like RAW, Elements, Zig-Zag, and Bugler are widely available and well-regarded. We carry a large selection at Burn & Brew.
- Rolling machine (optional but recommended) — A basic hand roller costs about $5–$15 and makes consistent cigarettes in seconds. Better electric tube injectors are $30–$60 but produce factory-quality cigarettes. For most people, a simple hand roller is all they need.
- Filter tips (optional) — Loose cotton or foam filter tips can be purchased separately, or you can roll without filters depending on your preference.
Total startup cost for the equipment: roughly $10–$20 for a hand roller and papers. The tobacco itself is the ongoing expense.
In Stock at Burn & Brew
Rolling tobacco, papers, machines, and filter tips — everything you need to get started, in Crystal City Arlington.
Shop Rolling Supplies →How much can you actually save per year?
Let's run the numbers for a moderate smoker going through roughly 2 cartons per month:
| Commercial Cigarettes | Roll Your Own (RYO) | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly tobacco cost | ~$190 (2 cartons @ $95 avg) | ~$55 (tobacco + papers) |
| Annual tobacco cost | ~$2,280 | ~$660 |
| Annual savings | — | ~$1,620 saved per year |
| One-time setup cost | None | ~$15–$40 (pays back in days) |
For heavier smokers going through two packs a day, the savings scale up significantly — often over $2,000 a year. The one-time equipment cost pays itself back within days.
It's worth noting that the quality of the smoke can actually improve when rolling your own. Many commercially popular loose tobacco brands use fewer additives and chemical enhancers than major cigarette manufacturers. If tobacco flavor matters to you, understanding the types and flavor profiles of tobacco will help you pick a loose-leaf variety you enjoy.
Is rolling your own cigarettes worth the effort?
For most regular smokers, yes — the effort is genuinely minimal once you get the hang of it. Using a hand roller, you can produce a cigarette in about 30 seconds. With an electric injector, it's closer to 10. Rolling a day's supply takes around 5 minutes.
Rolling your own also gives you control that commercial cigarettes can't offer: tobacco variety, blend strength, paper type, filter preference, and cigarette length. Many RYO smokers say they enjoy their cigarettes more once they start rolling because they can experiment and find exactly what works for them. Our guide on whether hand-rolled cigarettes are healthier covers the health considerations in more detail.
Where can I buy rolling tobacco in Arlington, VA?
If you're ready to try rolling your own, stop by Burn & Brew at 566 23rd St S, Arlington, VA — open daily 9 am to 9 pm. We carry a full range of rolling tobacco brands, papers, machines, and tips, and we're happy to help you find the right combination to get started. If you're coming from DC or Maryland, our guide to buying cigarettes at Virginia prices covers how much you can save on factory cigarettes too — the savings start before you even pick up a roller.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary reason is taxes. Commercial cigarettes are taxed at both the federal level ($1.01 per pack) and the state level (Virginia's cigarette tax is $0.60 per pack, one of the lower rates nationally — but it still adds up). These taxes are built into every pack you buy at retail.
Getting started requires only a few things, most of which are one-time purchases:
Let's run the numbers for a moderate smoker going through roughly 2 cartons per month:
For most regular smokers, yes — the effort is genuinely minimal once you get the hang of it. Using a hand roller, you can produce a cigarette in about 30 seconds. With an electric injector, it's closer to 10. Rolling a day's supply takes around 5 minutes.
If you're ready to try rolling your own, stop by Burn & Brew at 566 23rd St S, Arlington, VA — open daily 9 am to 9 pm. We carry a full range of rolling tobacco brands, papers, machines, and tips, and we're happy to help you find the right combination to get started. If you're coming from DC or Maryland, our guide to buying cigarettes at Virginia prices covers how much you can save on factory cigarettes too — the savings start before you even pick up a roller.
Related Reading
Are Cigarettes Cheaper in Virginia? DMV Price Comparison
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Are Hand-Rolled Cigarettes Better for You?
Hand-rolled cigarettes are often seen as a more natural, even healthier alternative to commercial brands. But is there any truth to that? Here's what the evidence actually says.
Comparing Types and Flavors of Tobacco
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