Prices of $5-$6 for a pack of 20 cigarettes, are in U.S. states that used to be called "tobacco states." Typically, these are mostly southern states where tobacco is grown, and these were the last states to enact any sort of restriction on smoking. I'm supposing the $5 price tag doesn't include much in the way of taxes. A hefty part of New York's $14.50, must be taxes.
I think I've said before that I quit smoking in 1994 because a beautiful woman told me it would improve my love life. It did - but not with her...
-Joe-