Is Vaping Cheaper Than Smoking? Let’s Break Down the Costs
  • Support
  • Ollie Pringle
  • 2 mins read

Is Vaping Cheaper Than Smoking? Let’s Break Down the Costs

As the cost of living continues to climb in the UK, many smokers are wondering whether switching to vaping will actually save them money.

While upfront costs can seem confusing, the long-term savings are real — especially if you choose the right kind of vape kit and e-liquid.

In this blog, we break down the real numbers behind vape cost vs cigarettes in the UK, and explain how refillable pod systems and bar salt e-liquids offer excellent value for everyday vapers.

The Cost of Smoking in the UK (2025)

According to the latest figures, a pack of 20 cigarettes in the UK now costs £14–£16, depending on the brand. For a smoker going through a pack per day:

£15 x 7 days = £105/week
£105 x 52 weeks = £5,460/year

Even if you only smoke 10 cigarettes per day, you’re still looking at over £2,700 per year. That's a significant cost — and it’s only expected to rise.

Vaping Costs: What You Really Spend
Let’s break down the costs of vaping using refillable pod systems and 10ml e-liquids (like bar salts), which are the most economical and popular option at Time2Vape.
Starter Kit (One-Time Cost)

  • Refillable pod kit (e.g. HULA 7000 or Vaporesso) = £10–£25

E-Liquid (Ongoing Cost)

  • 10ml nic salt bottle = £1.99–£4.50, depending on brand

  • One bottle typically lasts 2–3 days for a regular vaper

Weekly e-liquid cost: £10–£15
Annual e-liquid spend: £500–£750

Occasional Extras

  • Replacement pods or coils: £2–£4 every 1–2 weeks

  • USB-C charging: minimal electricity cost

Vape vs Cigarette Cost Comparison (Weekly)
Product Average Weekly Cost Average Annual Cost
Smoking (20/day) £105 £5,460
Smoking (10/day) £52.50 £2,730
Vaping (average user) £12–£18 £600–£950

 

Even including device maintenance and the occasional upgrade, vaping typically saves users thousands of pounds per year compared to smoking.

How to Keep Vaping Costs Low

Choose a refillable pod system – These cost more upfront than disposables, but quickly pay off. Devices like the HULA 7000 offer up to 7000 puffs per kit and use 10ml pre-filled pods, giving huge cost efficiency.

Use bar salts – Bar salt e-liquids (like Lost 10, Tripl3, and NaCl) deliver bold disposable-style flavours at a fraction of the price.

Take care of your kit – Storing your vape properly and replacing pods/coils when needed helps avoid waste and keeps flavour strong.

Final Thoughts: Is Vaping Really Cheaper Than Smoking?
In short — yes. Significantly. Once you get past the small upfront cost of a refillable vape kit, your weekly spend can drop by over 80% compared to traditional cigarettes.
At Time2Vape, we help thousands of customers make the switch to vaping in a way that’s not just healthier, but more affordable long-term. 

Explore our full range of refillable pod kits, bar salt e-liquids, and pre-filled pods to start saving today.