With the cost of traditional cigarettes rising fast and some brands nearing as much as £13 pounds for a pack of twenty, it is clear to see how expensive a tobacco smoking habit can be.

Let’s take a look at an average to heavy smoker, purchasing a pack of 20 cigarettes each day.

If a smoker in the UK buys a packet of cigarettes each day at an average cost of £13 per pack (or 65p per cigarette), the expenses can be calculated as follows:

Daily Cost: £13
Weekly Cost: £91
Monthly Cost: £390
Annual Cost: £4,745

20-a-day smokers spend approximately £390 per month on their smoking habit. That’s the same as a UK household’s average monthly grocery costs. Even more alarming, you are spending around £4,745 per year. That is a significant amount of money that could be invested in a high-interest bank account or put towards a house deposit.

£13 a day for a packet of 20 cigarettes may not seem like a big deal. But you can see that when you add it up, the results can be pretty alarming. Let’s break it down further for different levels of smokers.


 5 A Day Habit

If you smoke only five cigarettes daily, you can say you aren’t a proper smoker. But even a minimal amount of smoking will affect your health and, surprisingly, your wallet.

Daily Cost for 5 cigarettes: £3.25
Weekly Cost: £22.75
Monthly Cost: £97.50
Annual Cost: £1,186.25

Smoking five cigarettes will set you back around £97.50 a month. That’s money you could spend on a meal out for two, a facial, a massage, a theatre ticket, or a new pair of shoes. Your “little” smoking habit will also cost around £1,186.25 in one year. That’s equivalent to a long weekend in Florence, a luxury spa break or a flight to New York.


10 A Day Habit

If a smoker smokes 10 cigarettes a day, the expenses can be calculated as follows:

Daily Cost for 10 cigarettes: £6.50
Weekly Cost: £45.50
Monthly Cost: £195
Annual Cost: £2,372.50

Smoking 10 cigarettes a day makes a significant dent in your savings. At £195 a month, this is the cost of a night away at a decent hotel, a spa weekend or that holiday wardrobe you’ve been eyeing up for summer. Then there’s the annual cost of £2,372.50, a hefty sum which could pay for a family holiday or even a deposit on a car.

Don’t forget, the annual tax increase on cigarettes in the UK means that every year, smokers have to dig even deeper into their pockets.

The cost of smoking to the NHS is substantial, impacting various aspects of healthcare. MPs recently voted in favour of legislation that will effectively ban smoking for those born after 2008. As the Tobacco and Vapes Bill Committee begins to scrutinise the bill, ASH has released data from Landmark Economics that estimates the cost of smoking to the economy. The figures suggest that the cost has risen from £17 billion to 21.8 billion!

This includes:

●    £1.9 billion to the NHS
●    £1.2 billion in social care costs to local authorities
●    £18.3 billion in lost productivity.

The significant expense to our health services arises from:

1.    Treatment of Smoking-Related Diseases: These include lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and numerous other health conditions directly linked to smoking.
2.    Hospital Admissions: Smoking leads to a high number of hospital admissions each year, straining NHS resources.
3.    Primary Care Costs: GP consultations, prescriptions, and outpatient appointments for smoking-related illnesses add to the financial burden.
4.    Public Health Campaigns: Efforts to reduce smoking prevalence and prevent smoking initiation, including educational programs and cessation support, also incur costs.

Overall, the financial burden of smoking on the NHS underscores the importance of smoking cessation programs and public health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates in the UK.

The NHS is committed to helping people quit smoking for good. Smoking-related diseases are preventable. The immediate benefits of quitting are extraordinary. Within 72 hours, your body will be nicotine-free. The harmful chemicals in smoke will have already passed through your urine. From 2 weeks, your heart attack risk will drop, and your lung function will improve. From 5 to 15 years, your stroke risk will be the same as that of a non-smoker.

Smoking-related diseases drain the National Health Service of precious funds and resources. According to the NHS, stop smoking services:

●    312,975 people set a quit date through the NHS campaigns.
●    50% reported to have successfully quit.
●    Success increases with a steady increase in the number aged 60 and over.

As well as making a considerable dent in your health and finances, there is another cost factor that should be addressed when discussing smoking - the cost of smoking on the environment.

Keep Britain Tidy, the UK environmental organisation, has stated that of all the rubbish types in the UK, it’s the cigarette butt making the most mess, being the most littered item in England. This is a widespread problem, with only 1% of towns reporting no smoking-related litter; it is a more significant problem than some would suspect. Since over seven million adults in the UK still smoke traditional cigarettes, smoking-related litter is substantial.

Thankfully, statistics from Public Health England show that smoking numbers are falling, with a considerable drop of 15% since 2015. Will the fact that fewer people are smoking significantly impact the amount of smoking-related litter? We can but hope! Over two hundred and forty-four million cigarette butts per year are estimated to be dropped, and that’s just in the UK. That means that a third of the litter dropped is related to tobacco smoking; quite frankly, that’s appalling!

Smoking-related littering is a big issue. The LEQSE (Local Environmental Quality Survey) recorded results in 2015, showing that, on average, each site they surveyed had 7.1 cigarette butts dropped on it. That’s a significant amount! The study also confirmed that a higher volume of cigarette-related litter was found in industrial areas, areas with high foot traffic from the public (i.e. parks, shopping areas and so on) and many built-up housing areas.

The attitudes to smoking-related littering are also concerning. A survey by Keep Britain Tidy shows that, in general, cigarette butt litter was considered by some to be “not as bad” as other types of littering. The study results went so far as to state that many questioned would not drop “ordinary” litter outdoors, such as food wrappers, but would, had, and would likely continue to drop cigarette butts.

When you buy a vape starter kit, it may seem like an expensive outlay compared to a packet of cigarettes. However, when you consider how long a kit lasts, how cheap it is to use and enjoy, and how much money you save in just the first few weeks alone, the financial benefit of switching becomes very clear.

While money shouldn’t be the main reason for switching from smoking to vaping, health should always come first; the costs are considerable. Let’s take a look at whether vaping really is cheaper than smoking or fake news.

Refillable Vape Kit Prices

Due to their adaptability and long-term cost-effectiveness, refillable vape kits have become quite popular among vapers. These kits include a tank or atomiser, rechargeable batteries, and changeable coils. Compared to disposable vape or pre-filled pod systems, the initial cost of a refillable vape kit may seem expensive, but the significant long-term savings make it worthwhile.

Refillable vape kit prices in the UK might change according to the brand, features, and quality. According to the most recent information, dependable refillable vape starter kits cost between £10 and £20. Choosing a more expensive item may improve usability, performance, and durability. However, even with a mid-range refillable vape kit, significant savings can be realised compared to conventional smoking.

It is important to remember that e-liquid consumption varies according to personal vaping habits and frequency. Compared to casual vapers, heavy vapers tend to use more e-liquid. However, the overall cost of e-liquids is still much lower than the expense of conventional smoking, even with moderate to heavy usage.

A vital component of the vaping experience is e-liquid, sometimes known as vape juice. These liquids, which come in various tastes and nicotine levels, must be considered when estimating the entire cost of vaping.

The brand, intricacy of the flavour, bottle size, and nicotine level all affect the cost of e-liquid in the UK. According to the most recent data, a 10ml bottle of e-liquid normally costs between £1 and £3, with luxury or elaborate flavours frequently costing more. However, buying e-liquids in bigger sizes, like 50ml or 100ml bottles, can result in significant savings over time.

Additionally, there is a chance for even more considerable savings when vapers gradually reduce their nicotine intake and switch to e-liquids with lower nicotine concentrations or nicotine-free options. This may result in lower monthly e-liquid costs and more significant long-term financial savings.

Don’t be tempted to cut the cost by buying e-liquids from anywhere other than a reputable retailer. Not only do you not know what is in an e-liquid that fell off the back of a lorry, but it won’t be of great quality, and therefore, you’ll likely use twice as much and still not get the enjoyment you deserve. E-liquids are actually pretty inexpensive, and this, coupled with bundle offers, means that you may buy a number of e-liquids for your box at a discounted rate. Depending on how much you vape, your e-liquids will last you much longer than a packet of cigarettes would.

Let's compare vaping costs to traditional smoking using the most recent UK data to comprehend potential savings.

In the UK, a pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs £13. Assuming a pack of cigarettes daily translates to £91 per week or almost £390 per month. Over a year, this cost soars to an astounding £4,745. Contrarily, vaping is significantly less expensive, including the initial purchase of a refillable vape kit and e-liquids.

For instance, even if a typical vaper spends an initial £40 on a decent refillable vape kit and £20 on e-liquids monthly, the yearly cost would be £280. Even if the vape kit has to be replaced or parts changed, this is still nowhere near the annual cost of smoking!

Although the main vaping costs are refillable vape kits and e-liquid purchases, it is important to consider additional elements that may result in further cost savings.

Costs of Replacing a Coil

Since coils in refillable vape kits gradually deteriorate over time and influence vapour output and flavour quality, they must be replaced regularly. Replacement frequency varies depending on usage patterns and coil conditions.

A coil may last several weeks; new coils can cost between £2 and £4 each. Although vaping is still relatively inexpensive compared to the ongoing cost of cigarettes, this additional cost must be considered when estimating the cost of vaping.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Vape devices, like any electronic item, require periodic maintenance and care to guarantee the best performance and longevity. This can require washing the tank, changing the O-rings, or sporadically buying new batteries or charges. Even though these charges are infrequent and minor, they should be considered when calculating the total cost of vaping.

Potential Indirect Savings

Beyond the clear cost contrast with traditional smoking, vaping can result in further indirect savings. For instance, some vapers report fewer visits to the doctor for smoking-related illnesses, which can lead to lower healthcare expenses over time.

Users frequently report enhanced odour management because vaping creates less detectable scents than cigarette smoke. Eliminating the need for air fresheners, dry cleaning, and other costs related to removing the smell of tobacco smoke can result in cost savings.

Disposable vapes are small, one-time-use gadgets with e-liquid already added and a charged battery. The accessibility of disposable vapes is one of their main benefits. They typically cost less than reusable vaping devices and don't need extra parts like tanks or coils, so there are no extra expenses.

Disposable vapes can cost more or less based on several variables, including brand, size, flavour variety, and nicotine content. The typical cost of a single disposable vape is between £3 and £5. Some disposable vapes provide more puffs per unit, which may impact the price. Disposable vapes, however, are made to be thrown away once the e-liquid runs out and should not be used for extended periods.

At face value, vaping might seem more expensive than tobacco smoking when considering the price of a packet of cigarettes and a starter kit. When you break things down, however, it’s easy to see that not only is vaping the healthier alternative, it can be cheaper long term and much easier to afford on a budget.

Strictly speaking, all you need to vape is a starter kit and some e-liquid. However, suppose you decide to upgrade to a more customisable e-cigarette. In that case, you will eventually need to replace your starter kit or parts of your cigarette due to wear and tear.

What Regular Costs Should I Expect As A Vaper?

Understanding the common expenses involved and which parts of your device need regular replacement can help you budget effectively and maintain your vaping setup.

Initial Purchase Costs

The first cost you'll encounter is buying the vaping device itself. In the UK, basic starter kits can range from £10 to £50, making them accessible for beginners. More advanced devices, such as box mods or advanced starter kit, can cost anywhere from £50 to £150 or more. These advanced systems often offer more features like temperature control and customisable wattage, making them a popular choice for experienced vapers.

E-Liquids

One recurring expense is e-liquid, which serves as the fuel for your vaping device. E-liquids in the UK typically cost between £1 and £4 for a 10ml bottle. The frequency with which you'll need to replace e-liquid depends largely on your vaping habits.

Coils

Coils are another component that require regular replacement. With frequent use, coils can become clogged or burnt, leading to a decrease in performance and flavour quality. In the UK, coils cost between £5 and £12 for a pack of five. Depending on the type of e-liquid and your vaping frequency, coils generally need to be replaced every one to three weeks. Therefore, a regular user might spend £10 to £20 per month on coils.

Pods and Tanks

Different devices use either replaceable pods or refillable tanks. Replacement pods generally cost between £3 and £5 each and can last from a few days to a week, depending on usage. This could translate to a monthly cost of £15 to £40. Refillable tanks, on the other hand, are usually more durable but still require occasional replacement, especially if damaged. A new tank can cost anywhere between £15 and £40, depending on your device, but these typically last much longer unless they break or wear out.

Batteries

If you’re using a device with replaceable batteries, these are another recurrent expense. Quality rechargeable batteries cost anywhere from £5 to £12 each. With proper care, such as avoiding overcharging, these batteries can last six months to a year. Battery chargers, while a one-time expense, can cost between £8 and £15. It’s advisable to have a couple of spare batteries to ensure uninterrupted vaping, adding to the initial cost.

Cleaning Supplies

Regular maintenance can keep your device operating smoothly and extend its life. While basic cleaning supplies such as clean water and cloths are fine to use, advanced supplies like alcohol, cotton swabs, and microfiber cloths are sometimes necessary. You may also need to replace o-rings and gaskets occasionally, which generally cost a few pounds for a pack. While these costs are minor, they do add up over time.

Vaping Accessories

Various accessories can enhance your vaping experience but come at an additional cost. These include drip tips, protective cases, and even special e-liquid storage containers. While these are definitely not essential, they can make vaping more convenient and fun.

In summary, vaping involves both initial and ongoing costs. Monthly expenses, including e-liquids, coils, pods, tanks, and possibly batteries, can range from £30 to £100 or more, depending on your usage patterns and the type of equipment you use. By understanding these costs and planning accordingly, you can better manage your vaping budget and ensure a consistent and enjoyable experience.

The great thing about vaping is that the choice is yours. You can get some decent vaping out of a starter kit, and even if you replace the whole thing down the line, it STILL works out cheaper than smoking does. Hopefully, it’s becoming clear that vaping is not the big, expensive hobby that some might assume and that you ultimately have control over how and how much you invest in it. Either way, we’re sure you’ve quickly realised that vaping is significantly cheaper and more budget-friendly than smoking, which ticks many boxes for many people.

If you’re looking to make further savings as a vaper, here are our expert tips.

Choose Rebuildable Atomisers.

One of the biggest costs associated with vaping is frequently purchasing replacement coils for your atomiser. To cut this cost, consider using rebuildable atomisers. These atomisers allow you to construct and install your coils, saving you a lot of money. Despite the slightly greater initial outlay, rebuildable atomisers are a cost-effective solution for vapers.

Purchasing in Bulk

Bulk purchases of vaping products can considerably save expenses. Search for trustworthy online merchants to get savings on larger orders of e-liquids, coils, and other vaping accessories. By purchasing in bulk, you can reduce the cost per unit and ensure there will be enough supply for a long time.

Upkeep and Cleaning of Your Equipment

Your vaping equipment needs to be properly maintained and cleaned frequently to work at its best and be the most economical. If maintenance is neglected, your gadgets' lifespan may be shortened or damaged, requiring you to replace them earlier than necessary. To ensure your vaping equipment's effective operation and lifespan, clean the contacts, replace the cotton wicks, and regularly clean your atomisers.

Research and Price Comparison

Finally, before making any purchases related to vaping, always take the time to shop around and compare prices. Prices vary widely because there are so many Internet shops and markets. Comparing costs may help you uncover the best vape deal offers and benefit from sales or discounts, eventually helping you save money on your vaping materials.

If you consider the short-term savings of switching between traditional tobacco cigarettes and vapes, you can easily imagine the long-term implications of choosing vaping on your bank balance. Why not choose to split the savings you make every week between your everyday current account (seeing an immediate saving on what you were spending on tobacco smoking) and your savings account (enjoying a longer-term treat from the money saved)?

Being able to buy pods and e-liquids in multiples without breaking the bank increases your savings and also means no rushing out in awful weather to get another pack. E smokers find it easy to gauge how much they are smoking, and many report that they find the vapour they inhale just as satisfying as tobacco smoke and yet they feel they smoke less often / inhale fewer puffs.

Being able to choose the level of nicotine you inhale with vaping also offers vapers greater control over how much they smoke. Being able to reduce the nicotine levels in the e-liquid gradually reduces the cravings until you’ll more than likely find you are smoking low or even nicotine-free liquid purely because you enjoy them, not because you have to light up to get your nicotine fix.

Not only is vaping a much healthier alternative to tobacco cigarette smoking, but the long-term costs are significantly lower. By switching from tobacco cigarettes to vapes, you’ll feel physically and financially better, as well as have access to the extensive world of flavours! At Go Smoke Free, we make it our mission to bring you the very best vaping products at unbeatable online prices. From budget e-liquids and vape starter kits, to great value bulk order deals, you can get started on your vaping journey for less.