The Cost Of Vaping VS Smoking

For smokers considering switching, one of the most common questions is "is vaping cheaper than smoking?"

While vaping requires an upfront purchase for a device, the ongoing costs are usually lower because vape kits can be reused and users only need to replace e-liquid, coils or pods.

Smoking works differently. Cigarettes are a recurring expense, meaning costs continue every time a smoker buys another packet.

The exact cost of vaping and smoking depends on usage, product choice and future tax changes, but comparing the two shows a clear difference in long-term spending.

How Much Does A Vape Cost In The UK?

The cost of a vape depends on the type of device you choose.

A beginner can start with a simple refillable vape kit, while more advanced devices can cost more depending on features and performance.

The initial cost of buying a vape may seem sometimes higher than buying a packet of cigarettes, but the device can be reused. After the initial purchase, the main ongoing expenses are e-liquid and replacement parts such as refillable pods and vape coils. Replacement pods and coils now last much longer and are integrated into all-in-one unit.

Some options for each kit type:

• Starter vape kit: Aspire PockeX Starter Kit, Aspire Loomix Pod Kit and Vaporesso Xros Mini Retro Kit.
• Rifillable vape kit: Vaporesso Xros 5 Vape Kit, Uwell Caliburn G4 Pro Kit and OXVA NeXLIM Series Vape Kit.
  
• Prefilled pod kits: Hayati Pro Max Plus 6000, IVG Pro 2 Starter Kit and Lost Mary BM6000.
  
• Advanced vape kit: Geekvape Aegis Legend 3, VooPoo Spark 220 and SMOK Fortis Vape Kit.

How Much Does Vaping Cost Per Month?

The cost of vaping depends on:

• How often you vape
• The device you use
• Your nicotine strength
• How much e-liquid you consume
• How often coils or pods need replacing

A typical refillable vape user may spend:

Buying multipacks or choosing a refillable device can help reduce the cost of vaping.

How Much Does E-Liquid Cost?

E-liquid is usually the biggest ongoing cost for vape users.

A standard 10ml bottle of e-liquid generally costs around £3–£5 depending on the brand, flavour and nicotine strength.

A user's monthly e-liquid cost depends on consumption, but many moderate users may use several bottles each month.

How Will Vape Tax Affect E-Liquid Prices?

From 1 October 2026, the UK will introduce Vaping Products Duty.

This will add a estimated duty of £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid, including nicotine-free e-liquids.

This means e-liquid prices are expected to increase.

However, vaping is still expected to remain cheaper than smoking for many users because cigarettes are already significantly more expensive and are also affected by tobacco duty increases.

How Much Does Smoking Cost In The UK?

Smoking is one of the most expensive ways to consume nicotine because cigarettes are purchased repeatedly.

The cost depends on how many cigarettes someone smokes and the brand they buy.

Using an average cigarette price of around £16 per 20-pack, the costs can quickly add up.

These costs are expected to continue changing because tobacco products are affected by tobacco duty increases - expected £2.20 per 100 cigarettes and £2.20 per 50g of all other tobacco products.

Unlike vaping, smokers cannot reduce costs by reusing equipment or controlling individual components. Every cigarette consumed creates another purchase.

Vaping VS Smoking: Cost Comparison

When comparing vaping and smoking, the biggest difference is the ongoing cost.

A refillable vape setup can cost significantly less per year than smoking, particularly for people who smoke daily.

How Much Money Could You Save Switching From Smoking To Vaping?

The amount saved depends on your smoking habits.

A light smoker may save hundreds of pounds per year, while a heavier smoker could save thousands.

Example comparison:

These figures are estimates and depend on personal usage, product choice and future price changes.

Factors That Influence The Cost Of Vaping And Smoking

Several factors affect how much someone spends.

• Vape Device – A simple refillable pod kit will usually cost less than an advanced vape mod.
• E-Liquid Choice – Brand, bottle size and nicotine strength all affect e-liquid prices.
• Usage – Someone who vapes frequently will use more e-liquid and replace coils or pods more often.
• Cigarette Brand – Smoking costs vary depending on the cigarette brand purchased.
• Taxes – Both vaping and smoking prices are affected by government taxation. Vape Products Duty will affect e-liquid prices from 2026, while tobacco duty continues to affect cigarette prices.

Tips To Reduce Your Vape Costs

To keep vaping costs lower:

• Choose a refillable vape kit
• Compare e-liquid prices
• Buy multipacks and mulit buy deals where available
• Maintain your device properly
• Replace coils only when needed

Conclusion

When comparing the cost of vaping vs smoking, vaping is generally the more affordable option over time. Future vape tax changes will increase e-liquid prices, but smoking costs will also continue to be affected by tobacco duty increases. Vaping will continue to be the healthier and more affordable nicotine option.  

While there is an upfront cost when buying a vape kit, reusable equipment and lower running costs mean many users spend significantly less than they would buying cigarettes every day.

For smokers looking to reduce their nicotine spending, switching to vaping can potentially save hundreds or thousands of pounds each year depending on their habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vaping cheaper than smoking?

Yes, vaping is generally cheaper than smoking over time. Although a vape requires an initial purchase, ongoing costs are usually lower than buying cigarettes regularly.

How much does vaping cost?

Most refillable vape users spend around £25–£60 per month depending on their device and usage.

How much do vapes cost in the UK?

vape kits typically range from around £10 to £50+, depending on the kit type.

How much is a vape?

A basic vape starter kit can cost around £10–£40.

Will vape tax make vaping as expensive as smoking?

Vape tax will increase the price of e-liquid from October 2026, but vaping is still expected to remain cheaper than smoking for many users.