Cost Breakdown: Vaping vs Smoking

The increasing cost of cigarettes, due to higher taxes and production costs, is putting a financial strain on many smokers. Whether you use pre-rolled cigarettes or loose tobacco, the price increase is considerable. This financial pressure is a major factor driving people to quit smoking. Vaping, which isn't subject to the same taxes as cigarettes, presents a significant opportunity for savings.

Figuring out the precise financial advantages of switching to vaping can be difficult. That's why we've put together this thorough cost comparison. Unlike other guides, ours not only demonstrates the savings from quitting smoking but also details the costs of different vaping options, so you can compare them to traditional cigarettes.

Understanding The Costs

Smokers, whether they use roll-your-own cigarettes or pre-made ones, have certainly felt the impact of increasing prices. In addition to the financial strain, cigarettes create a lot of waste, are the top cause of preventable deaths in developed nations, and have a strong, lingering smell.

Disposable vapes are undoubtedly the easiest option and are often the first type of vape that newcomers try. Each device comes prefilled with e-liquid and a pre-charged battery, so no setup is needed. They come in various flavours and nicotine strengths. However, because you'll need to keep replacing the device once the e-liquid runs out, they are not the most cost-effective vaping choice over time.

These kits offer even more customisation. With various coil options available, users can experiment with different levels of vapour production. While they do require more maintenance, such as changing coils weekly, they are more cost-effective in the long run compared to disposable vapes and cigarettes.

Tank vape kits, similar to pod kits with replaceable coils, need regular coil changes. However, they offer the most savings over time since the only part that needs frequent replacement is the coil. These kits offer a wide range of customisation options and the longest battery life, which makes them a popular choice among seasoned vapers.

Prefilled pod kits, appreciated for their stylish design and low maintenance, are a popular choice for vaping. With these kits, you simply need to charge the battery and replace the pod when the e-liquid runs out. They are cost-effective because you only need to replace the pods, not the entire device.

Refillable pod kits provide greater customisation by letting users select their own e-liquids, which can be more affordable and offer a range of flavours and nicotine strengths. While these kits do require some maintenance, such as charging the battery and refilling the pod, they avoid the hassle of messy coil changes.

Cost Assumptions for Tobacco and Vapes

Here's a summary of the typical costs related to smoking and vaping. These figures represent average retail prices and multi-buy offers, which offer the best value. Keep in mind that cigarette prices are expected to keep rising, which could make switching to vaping even more economical.

• Loose Tobacco 30g Pouch (50 cigarettes equivalent): £20.00
• Pack of 20 Cigarettes: £15.00
• Disposable Vape (2ml, 20 cigarettes equivalent): £4.00
• Prefilled Pod Kit (annual cost): £15.00
• Refillable Pod Kit (annual cost): £20.00
• Refillable Tank Kit (annual cost): £20.00
• 10ml E-Liquid (50 cigarettes equivalent): £3.00
• Built-In Coil Pod (weekly cost): £2.50
• Refillable Removable Coil Pod (quarterly cost): £2.00
• Coils for Pods (weekly cost): £2.50
• Coils for Tanks (weekly cost): £2.00

Switching from smoking to vaping can result in considerable financial savings, depending on the vaping method selected. Although the initial costs for certain vaping kits might appear high, the long-term savings are significant compared to the ever-increasing price of cigarettes. Moreover, vaping provides more customisation and could pose fewer health risks, making it an attractive option for those aiming to quit smoking.

*The data represents the habits of someone who smokes an average of ten cigarettes a day.