US cigs are stupid cheap, except for NY. The most they get is $15/pack, most of the flyover country has them for around $5. CA is around $10, at least Bay Area. Half that further inland.
This article seems about right.
http://fairreporters.net/health/prices-of-cigarettes-by-state/RE: Taxes: In my experience, taxes are not much lower in the US vs. UK, but you get way less for your money as health insurance is excluded, so actually cost of living is higher/it's much harder to save. The Americans also spend waaay less on actual public services, roads, parks, schools, etc., and much more on war machines, "subsidies" for energy industries, and other enrichments of private entities.