Money Matters: The Real Cost of Vaping VS Smoking
The Cost of Vaping vs. Smoking: A Comprehensive Comparison
The rising cost of cigarettes, driven by increased taxes and production expenses, has many smokers feeling the financial strain. Whether you prefer pre-rolled cigarettes or loose tobacco, the price hike is significant. This economic burden is a primary reason many are motivated to quit smoking. Vaping, which is not subject to the same taxes as cigarettes, offers a substantial saving potential.
Determining the exact financial benefits of switching to vaping can be challenging. That's why we've created this comprehensive cost comparison. Unlike other guides, ours not only shows how much you can save by quitting smoking but also breaks down the costs of various vaping options, allowing you to see how they stack up against traditional cigarettes.
Understanding the Costs
Cost of Cigarettes
Smokers, whether they use roll-ups or pre-made cigarettes, have undoubtedly felt the pinch of rising prices. Beyond the financial burden, cigarettes generate significant waste, are the leading cause of preventable deaths in developed countries, and have a pervasive odour.
Cost of Disposables
Disposable vapes are undoubtedly the simplest option available and are often the first kind of vape that beginners will try. Each device arrives prefilled with e-liquid and a pre-charged battery, requiring no setup. They are available in a range of flavours and nicotine strengths. However, because you'll be constantly replacing your device when it runs out of e-liquid, they are not the cheapest vaping option in the long term.
Cost of Refillable Pod Kits with Removable Coils
These kits provide even greater customisation. With multiple coil options, users can experiment with different vapour productions. Although they require more maintenance, such as weekly coil replacements, they are cheaper in the long run compared to disposable vapes and cigarettes.
Cost of Tank Vape Kits
Tank vape kits, like pod kits with replaceable coils, require regular coil changes. However, they offer the greatest long-term savings as the only part needing regular replacement is the coil. These kits provide extensive customisation options and the longest battery life, making them popular among experienced vapers.
Cost of Prefilled Pod Kits
Prefilled pod kits, known for their sleek design and minimal maintenance, are a popular vaping choice. With these, you only need to charge the battery and replace the pod when it runs out of e-liquid. They are cost-effective because you only replace the pods, not the entire device.
Cost of Refillable Pod Kits
Refillable pod kits offer more customisation by allowing users to choose their e-liquids, which can be cheaper and provide a variety of flavours and nicotine strengths. These kits require some maintenance, like charging the battery and refilling the pod, but they eliminate the need for messy coil changes.
Cost Assumptions for Tobacco and Vapes
Here's a breakdown of the average costs associated with smoking and vaping. These figures reflect average retail prices and multi-buy deals, which provide the best value. Note that cigarette prices are likely to continue rising, potentially increasing savings for those who switch to vaping.
- 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 lead to significant financial savings, depending on the vaping method chosen. While initial costs for some vaping kits may seem high, the long-term savings compared to the continuously rising price of cigarettes are substantial. Additionally, vaping offers more customisation and potentially fewer health risks, making it a compelling alternative for those looking to quit smoking.
*The data reflects the habits of an individual who smokes an average of ten cigarettes per day.
