Smoking Vs Vaping: Cost Comparison
With the price of cigarettes constantly going up thanks to taxes and rising production costs, smokers are really feeling the pinch. Whether you’re into roll-ups or readymade cigs, the cost is hard to ignore. That’s why so many people are turning to vaping, which isn’t taxed like cigarettes and can save you a lot of money.
Cigarettes: The Cost Is Real
Let’s face it—whether you’re buying packs of cigarettes or rolling your own, it’s hitting your wallet hard. And that’s on top of all the other downsides like waste, the lingering smell, and the fact that cigarettes are still the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. Sure, there are plenty of reasons to quit, but for now, let’s focus on the one that gets most people thinking—money. Ditching cigarettes for vaping could save you hundreds, or even thousands, depending on the type of vape you go for.
Here’s what smoking is costing the average person right now:
- Weekly: £47.30
- Monthly: £202.50
- Yearly: £2,463.80
That’s serious money you’re burning through.
Vaping: Which Option Saves You the Most?
Vaping offers all kinds of choices to suit your budget and lifestyle. Whether you're going for something super easy like a disposable vape or looking to save more with a refillable kit, there’s an option for everyone. Let’s break down how much you could actually be saving when you switch:
1. Disposable Vapes
These are the easiest to use and often the first stop for beginners. They come ready to go right out of the box with pre-filled e-liquid and a charged battery. But while disposables are cheaper than cigarettes, they aren’t the most cost-effective long-term, as you’ll need a new one every time it runs out.
- Weekly Cost: £12.60
- Monthly Cost: £54
- Yearly Cost: £657
- Weekly Savings: £34.70
- Yearly Savings: £1,806.80
2. Prefilled Pod Kits
Pod kits with prefilled e-liquid are another easy option. You just replace the pod when it’s empty, making them slightly cheaper than disposables since you don’t have to keep buying an entire new device each time.
- Weekly Cost: £11.60
- Monthly Cost: £49.80
- Yearly Cost: £606.30
- Weekly Savings: £35.70
- Yearly Savings: £1,857.50
3. Refillable Pod Kits
Refillable pod kits save you even more because you fill them yourself with e-liquid. They might need a little more effort, but they’re super budget-friendly and offer more options for flavours and nicotine strengths.
- Weekly Cost: £6.50
- Monthly Cost: £27.70
- Yearly Cost: £337.10
- Weekly Savings: £40.80
- Yearly Savings: £2,126.70
4. Refillable Pod Kits with Replaceable Coils
These are similar to refillable pods, but with the added bonus of replaceable coils, giving you more control over the vapour and flavour. It does require a bit of extra maintenance since you’ll need to swap the coil regularly, but the savings are still huge.
- Weekly Cost: £6.80
- Monthly Cost: £29.20
- Yearly Cost: £355.10
- Weekly Savings: £40.50
- Yearly Savings: £2,108.70
5. Tank Vape Kits
For those wanting the best long-term savings, refillable tank kits are the way to go. They’re super customisable, have the longest battery life, and only require a coil change now and then. If you’re serious about saving, this is where the biggest wins are.
- Weekly Cost: £6.20
- Monthly Cost: £26.40
- Yearly Cost: £321.10
- Weekly Savings: £41.10
- Yearly Savings: £2,142.70
How We Worked Out the Costs
We used average prices from popular vape retailers, taking into account multi-buy deals (because let’s be real, everyone loves a deal). Of course, prices might change depending on where you shop, but our figures give you a solid idea of just how much money you could save by making the switch. Plus, as cigarette prices keep climbing, the savings will only get bigger!
Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs we based our figures on:
- Pack of 20 Cigarettes: £15
- Loose Tobacco 30g Pouch (not including papers and filters): £20
- Disposable Vape: £4
- Prefilled Pod Kit: £15 (one bought per year)
- Refillable Pod Kit: £20 (one bought per year)
- Tank Kit: £20 (one bought per year)
- E-Liquid (10ml): £3 (equivalent to 50 cigarettes)
- Coils for Pods: £2.50 (one used per week)
- Coils for Tanks: £2 (one used per week)
The Bottom Line: Why Switch?
When it comes to saving money, switching from smoking to vaping is a no-brainer. There are loads of different devices out there, so you’re sure to find one that works for you, whether you want something quick and easy like a disposable or something more customizable like a tank kit. The potential savings are massive, and your wallet will thank you for it.
Need help picking the right vape for you? Check out our vape kit guides for expert advice on the best disposables, top pod kits, and vape starter kits of 2024. And if you still can’t decide, our customer service team is always here to help—just get in touch!