Of the same state they are taxed the same. Do you want to federalize state and local taxes? I'm not sure you would like that result
If a citizen wants to drive from New York City to South Carolina to buy their cigarettes why should they be taxed at the New York City rate? There is no resale going on in New York City.
The answer given by the states(not mine mind you) is that tax is for the priviledge of living in NYC and all its related benefits. My answer is you are free to move to the lower taxed state.
By the same light, if a citizen can find an outlet, outside New York City, that sells the desired product at a lower price than the price in New York City, why should they be taxed at a New York City rate?
The state's answer would be along the lines of "If he doesn't want to pay the taxes in NYC then he shouldn't expect to participate in the benefits." My answer is I think competition amoung the states is a good thing and the smoker should move to better cheaper place.
I know it may make sense to you but it sure makes NO sense to me.
The law and the reasons make sense. The result is a consquence of self governing of local taxes. I would not like the remedy of federalizing the state taxes.
Only to you because you don't like smoking and only to the states because they think they can make money off of a disenfranchised offering of people.