Is Vaping Cheaper Than Smoking: Costs & Considerations

Posted By Superior Vapour

If you're thinking about ditching the cigs and making the switch to vaping, chances are you've wondered: Is vaping really cheaper than smoking? It's a fair question, especially with the cost of cigarettes climbing every year.

While vaping does have some upfront costs, over time, it can seriously lighten the load on your wallet. Let’s break it all down.

The Starting Point: Upfront Costs

What appeals to many about smoking cigarettes is the simplicity. For most smokers, it’s just a case of grabbing a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. There’s no major setup and no accessories – just instant gratification. The average price of a 20-pack in the UK? Around £15, give or take. That’s your entry point.

Vaping, on the other hand, requires a little more upfront planning. You’ll need a starter kit, some e-liquid and possibly a spare coil or two. A decent quality starter kit will set you back somewhere between £20 and £40, depending on how fancy you want to go. Add another fiver or so for a bottle of e-liquid, and your first vape shop visit might total around £30 to £35.

Yes, that’s more than a single pack of cigarettes. But bear with us.

The Ongoing Costs: Smoking vs Vaping

Let’s say you smoke a conservative 10 cigarettes a day. That’s roughly £7.50 per day, or over £232 a month. Over the course of a year? You’re spending more than £2,700 on cigarettes alone. And that doesn’t even include the little extras: lighters, petrol station top-ups or emergency late-night runs when you're out.

Now let’s look at vaping. If you’re using a refillable pod or tank system (like the Aspire PockeX or Zelos Nano), you’ll likely go through one 10ml bottle of e-liquid per week, depending on your usage. That’s around £5 a week. Coils need replacing every week or two, costing about £3-£5 each. All in, a moderate vaper might spend around £40 per month.

That means your yearly spend could be as low as £400; less than one sixth of the cost of smoking. The difference is massive.

A Quick Word on Disposables

It’s worth noting that not all vape kits are equal when it comes to cost. Disposable vapes – those single-use puff bars you see at corner shops – may be convenient, but they’re not built for long-term savings.

At around £5–£6 each, using one disposable per day adds up quickly. You’re looking at roughly £150 a month – cheaper than cigarettes, yes, but still far more expensive than refillable kits. They’re great in a pinch or for beginners testing the waters, but if you’re in it for the savings, refillables are the way to go.

But It’s Not Just About the Numbers…

While the pounds and pence are compelling, cost isn’t the only thing people love about vaping. There’s the ability to choose your flavours, tailor your nicotine level and find a device that suits your lifestyle. And there’s the control: unlike cigarettes, which burn out whether you’re ready or not, vapes let you take as little or as much as you need, when you need it.

That flexibility also makes it easier to cut back, both on usage and spending. Many vapers gradually reduce their nicotine intake over time, which often leads to using less liquid and fewer coils – another bonus for your wallet.

How to Keep Your Vaping Budget in Check

Of course, like anything, it’s easy to get carried away. If you’re not careful, you could end up spending more than you need to. But with a few smart habits, you can keep your vaping costs comfortably low:

Stick with refillable kits. As tempting as disposables might be, refillables are cheaper and better for the environment.
Buy e-liquid in multipacks or larger quantities. Most brands offer discounts when you buy more.
Look after your gear. Clean your tank regularly, don’t let it run dry and change coils when needed – burnt coils ruin flavour and cost you money.
Don’t overstock. Yes, variety is nice. But you don’t need 12 new bottles of e-liquid every month. Find your favourites and keep it simple.

At Superior Vapour, we’re all about helping you get the most out of vaping, without spending a fortune. We stock a wide range of budget-friendly starter kits, affordable e-liquids, and long-lasting coils, all handpicked for quality and value.

Not sure what you need? Our friendly team is always happy to help, whether you’re brand new to vaping or just want to cut down on costs. You’ll find everything you need in one place—and probably discover a few new favourites along the way.

So, Is Vaping Cheaper Than Smoking?

In short? Yes – by a mile. While there’s a bit more to think about upfront, the savings quickly stack up. Over time, vaping offers not only more control over your habit but a huge financial advantage too.

If you’re looking to save money, reduce your nicotine intake or simply want a cleaner alternative to smoking, vaping is a smart move. And with so many affordable options out there, you don’t have to break the bank to make the switch.