Is Vaping Cheaper Than Smoking Cigarettes?

Vaping is significantly more affordable than smoking. In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth cost comparison between vaping and smoking, offering the latest price data. Our goal is to help you determine whether switching from smoking to vaping is the right choice, especially if you’re considering quitting cigarettes.

Every smoker has their unique reasons for wanting to quit—whether it’s for financial savings, health benefits, or a desire to explore the wide array of vape flavors. We’ll break down the costs of both smoking and vaping to show how making the switch can save you money and offer a more enjoyable experience.

How Much Do Cigarettes Cost?

In the Spring Budget of 2023, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a significant price hike for cigarettes, raising the cost of a standard pack of 20 cigarettes by £1.15, a 15% increase. As a result, the price of a pack of cigarettes has now surpassed £14, impacting the 6.4 million smokers across the UK.

We looked at 20 of the most popular cigarette brands in the UK, such as Benson & Hedges, Lambert & Butler, Marlboro, and Mayfair. Using data from Tesco’s website, we calculated that the average price for a pack of 20 cigarettes in the UK is now £14.82. This translates into an annual cost of approximately £5,409 for someone smoking a pack a day.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs for a 20-a-day smoker:

Annually: £5,409.30
Every 6 months: £2,704.65
Every 3 months: £1,352.32
Monthly: £450.77

The UK has some of the highest cigarette prices in Europe, and prices have been on a steady rise for over a decade, with no signs of slowing down.

If you’re considering switching from smoking to vaping, check out our blog on The Best Pod System Vape Kits for Beginners.

How Much Does a Vape Kit Cost?

We researched 20 of the most popular vape kits from brands like Aspire, Innokin, Uwell, Oxva, and Vaporesso, using pricing data from Tablites.com. On average, a vape kit in the UK costs £18.99. While the upfront cost of a vape kit may be more than a single pack of cigarettes, the ongoing expenses are much lower compared to buying cigarettes regularly.

You can find budget vape kits starting from as low as £9.99 for devices like the Aspire Gotek X, while more advanced options like the Vaporesso XROS 3 Kit cost around £27.99. On average, a vape starter kit will last up to 6 months, and in some cases, a year, depending on usage. Our best-selling vape kits at Tablites.com average around £18.99 and often come with a free 10ml bottle of e-liquid to get you started.

How Much Will a Vape Kit Cost Per Year?

Here’s an estimated breakdown of vape kit costs over a year:

Annually: £37.98 (around £0.10 per day)
Every 6 months: £18.99 (around £0.05 per day)
Every 3 months: £9.49
Monthly: £3.16

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next vape kit, check out our blog on The Best Vape Kit Right Now.

How Much Does E-Liquid Cost?

According to the NHS, a standard disposable vape in the UK delivers a similar nicotine amount as 20 cigarettes. The average price of a 10ml bottle of e-liquid on Tablites.com (excluding multi-buy deals) is £3.99. On average, a single 10ml bottle will provide around 3,000 puffs, making it a much more cost-effective option than smoking.

Assuming the average person vapes around 2ml of e-liquid per day (one full pod, tank, or disposable), one 10ml bottle will last up to 5 days. Over the course of a year, the average vaper will use around 730ml of e-liquid, or 73 x 10ml bottles, costing approximately £291.27 annually.

Here’s a breakdown:

Annually: £291.27
Every 6 months: £145.63
Every 3 months: £72.81
Monthly: £24.27

How Much Do Vape Coils Cost?

At Tablites, we offer a wide range of vape coils from brands like Aspire, Smok, Innokin, Uwell, and Geek Vape. A pack of 5 coils ranges from £8.99 (£1.79 each) to £14.99 (£2.99 each). On average, a pack of 5 coils costs £11.99 (£2.39 each), and for most people, a single coil will last about two weeks.

Estimated coil costs:

Annually: £57.36
Every 6 months: £28.68
Every 3 months: £14.34
Monthly: £4.78

Cost-Effectiveness of Vaping

While the initial investment in a vape kit and e-liquids may be higher than buying a single pack of cigarettes, the long-term cost savings are significant. Unlike cigarettes, which are consumed after one use, vape kits are built to last, with rechargeable batteries that can endure for months or even a year.

E-liquid Savings
E-liquids come in a range of prices, with budget-friendly options available for every type of vaper. You can find great deals in our vape sales, where popular brands and e-liquid types, including 10ml bottles, 100ml short-fills, and disposable vapes, are offered at reduced prices. We also have multi-buy offers on various e-liquid styles, including nic salts and 50/50 PG/VG blends.

Health Benefits
Not only can vaping save you thousands of pounds every year, but it’s also significantly less harmful than smoking. According to Cancer Research UK, “Smoking causes at least 15 types of cancer, so quitting completely is the best thing you can do for your health. E-cigarettes can help people stop smoking and are an effective stop-smoking tool.”

Vaping is estimated to be 95% safer than smoking, and by switching, you’re reducing your risk of cancer while also saving a substantial amount of money.

For more inspiration on e-liquid options, check out our blog on Top 10 Best E-Liquids to Buy in 2024.

Conclusion

Switching from smoking to vaping can result in significant cost savings. While there’s an initial expense involved in buying a vape kit and e-liquids, the long-term savings far outweigh the costs of smoking cigarettes. In addition to being more cost-effective, vaping offers a healthier alternative, providing smokers with a less harmful way to manage nicotine cravings.

By investing in a vape kit, you’ll not only be saving money but also improving your health. Explore our wide range of vape kits and e-liquids to find the best options for your needs.