Is Vaping Cheaper Than Smoking?

Smoking is an expensive habit, costing the average smoker over £4,000 annually.* Vaping, however, presents a significantly cheaper alternative, potentially saving ex-smokers up to £780 per year.

Research, funded by Cancer Research UK, indicates that vaping is more cost-effective than nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) by offering savings of £680 annually.

The costs of smoking extend beyond financial implications, as it poses a substantial risk to both finances and health, being the leading preventable cause of death in the UK.

Fortunately, vaping emerges as a more cost-effective and less harmful alternative. Reports suggest that transitioning to vaping can increase ex-smokers’ disposable income by approximately one-eighth.

Costs of Smoking

The UK stands out as one of Europe’s priciest countries for smokers, with cigarette prices continually rising. Since 2007, the cost of a 20-pack of cigarettes has surged by a staggering 150%, soaring from £5.33 to as much as £12.72. With impending price hikes, smoking is becoming increasingly unaffordable.

Are Vapes More Economical than Cigarettes?

Vaping presents itself as a cheaper and less harmful option compared to smoking, offering financial advantages.

Vaping vs. Smoking: Cost Comparison

Studies indicate that individuals switching to vaping can save up to £15.06 weekly. However, the actual cost of vaping is influenced by factors like:

• Smoking/vaping frequency
• Device type and inhalation method
• Quality and cost of e-liquids

For those resembling their cigarette usage with vaping, a 10ml e-liquid bottle can last 5 to 7 days, replacing nearly 140 cigarettes. This amounts to £84 for smokers, contrasting with the £7.50 expense for two bottles of OK Vape 50:50 e-liquid.

Despite the perceived initial setup and maintenance costs, maintaining a vape kit proves minimal compared to cigarette prices. Cigalikes start from £3.00, with refill costs as low as £5.30, rendering vaping substantially cheaper than smoking. Some even argue that transitioning to vaping can result in cost savings as early as the third or fourth day.

Irrespective of smoking habits, it’s evident that e-cigarettes serve as a budget-friendly substitute for tobacco products.

The True Costs of Smoking

The repercussions of smoking extend beyond monetary aspects. Reports highlight that smoking’s health and productivity impacts cost the UK economy £17 billion annually, with the NHS bearing £2.5 billion. From urgent care to long-term assistance, smoking-related issues strain a significant portion of the NHS budget.

Moreover, almost half of all smokers are reported to face premature deaths due to smoking, leading to around 100 million years of lost life.

Starting with Vaping: Exploring Options