Local Smokers Inhale Extra $1 Per-Pack Price

Jacob Anderson's receipt for his Camel cigarettes on Monday read $10.78.

"At this point, it almost doesn't faze me," the 37-year-old said outside the nearby Lincoln Park BP gas station at 1607 W. Fullerton Ave. "I feel like it's just been steadily increasing for a while now."

The price saw a hike, yet again, on Friday, with packs now nearing—and in some cases, surpassing—the $11 mark within the city of Chicago. Of that cost, $6.67 includes county and state taxes. Those taxes are second only to New York City's, which are reportedly about 20 cents more per pack.

The $11-per-pack cost breaks down to 55 cents per cigarette. A pack-a-day smoker, like Anderson, will now spend around $77 a week and $308 each month to fund his habit.

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Anderson says he's tried quitting several times before and hopes to, at some point, in the future. But for now, he's trying to be smart about his cigarette purchases.

"I commute for work so I try to buy them in the suburbs (Lake County) but there are plenty days like today when I just didn't have the time or the patience to stop," he said after returning from his evening commute. "It's my bad. I should have just bought them there."

The latest Cook County hike is on top of a $1 state-level jump last June. The county is hoping to receive an extra $25.6 million from the increase, but historic examples suggest the figure might be wishful thinking, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Money generated will go to the county health system that treats about 300 lung cancer patients annually, officials have said. 

In addition to the estimated revenue, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle hopes the initiative will deter youths from smoking and help current smokers kick the habit.

Anderson says he's taking it one pack at a time.

"I have to be ready," he said. "Once I make that choice, expense is one way to motivate."