The cost of smoking can be prohibitively high in the UK and smokers looking for an alternative to cigarettes may be curious about how the cost of vaping stacks up.
In this blog we will provide a clear, impartial, data-driven analysis of the average annual expenditure for both smoking and refillable vaping drawing on current research to help you make an informed decision on which option could work best for you.
The annual financial cost of smoking
The cost of a packet of cigarettes varies from brand to brand and is constantly on the rise. According to ASH Scotland, The price of an average packet of 20 cigarettes was £16.45 in January 2025, with the more expensive brands reaching between £17.90 and £18.98 per pack.
If the average number of cigarettes smoked per day is approximately 11 (10.9 for women, 11.7 for men) according to a 2023 study by ASH, it is clear that the costs quickly add up. In fact, for a smoker who goes through a 20 pack of cigarettes a day, ASH Scotland estimates a cost of £5,569 per year, based on the 2024 average price of cigarettes.
Figures from the Office of National Statistics also show a consistent rise in the cost of cigarettes from 1987 until today, suggesting that the prices will only continue to go up.
These high costs are increasingly becoming a driving factor for those deciding to quit smoking. A study funded by Cancer Research UK found that 23% of respondents cited price as a motive for giving up smoking.
Reporting on this research, lead author Dr Sarah Jackson, of the UCL Tobacco & Alcohol Research Group, said:
“The average smoker spends around £20 a week on cigarettes, so quitting smoking offers considerable potential to reduce their outgoings – even if they switch to other nicotine products like e-cigarettes, which are not only less harmful but more affordable.”
The cost of vaping and vape components
The price of a starter kit ranges anywhere from around £5 to around £40, depending on the type of kit you choose. The cost of an average starter kit is, however, comparable to a packet of 20 cigarettes and will often last for one to two years before needing replaced.
There are a few ongoing costs to factor in, though, such as e-liquid, replacement pods and/or replacement coils – these vary depending on the type of kit bought. For example, some kits use prefilled pods which are designed to be replaced once the e-liquid they contain is finished, while others use refillable pods or a tank.
Research published on medRxiv suggests that the average weekly price of vaping came to £8.39 by 2025. This article has not yet been peer reviewed but offers an in-depth look at the cost of vaping purchases between 2021 and 2025. These figures track with other existing data , such as the 2019 ULC study which found that switching to e-cigarettes may save people around £780 a year, the equivalent of £15 a week.
The NHS also reports that once an initial kit has been bought, it has been estimated that vaping costs about a third as much as smoking.
Strategies for managing the ongoing cost of vaping
For those who wish to manage the ongoing cost of vaping, there are also a number of options to consider.
The first is the care and maintenance of a vape device. Looking after a device and being sure to follow manufacturers guidelines can extend the lifespan of coils and the hardware, reducing replacement frequency. For tips on extending the lifespan of coils and pods, have a look at our guide to how long vape coils last. When it comes to your kit, we also have a device cleaning and maintenance guide.
Bulk purchasing also offers an opportunity to save. Buying e-liquid in multi-buy formats or larger shortfill bottles reduces the unit price per millilitre. Likewise, buying pods in bundles can reduce the individual cost price.
Conclusion of the annual cost analysis
Studies such as the ULC research mentioned above suggest that the financial benefits of quitting smoking are becoming a much more important part of the decision to quit for many, with cost being considered alongside other important factors such as current and future health concerns.
Adult smokers interested in exploring refillable vape kits can browse Evapo’s range of vape kits to find appropriate devices and e-liquids.
This content is for factual, informational purposes only, intended for existing adult smokers and vapers. WARNING: This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.
Sources
Ashscotland.org.uk – 17/10/2025 (last checked)
Ash.org.uk – 01/11/2025
Ashscotland.org.uk – 01/04/2025
Ons.gov.uk – 17/09/2025
Ulc.ac.uk – 22/04/2025
Medrxiv.og – 17/06/2025
Nhs.uk – 17/10/2025 (last checked)
Ulc.ac.uk – 26/06/2019
