How much does a vape cost

If you are thinking about switching from smoking to vaping or just want to understand the running costs of a vaping habit, this article is written for you. It is also for current vapers wanting to budget properly or compare products. The aim is to provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with vaping in the UK, including upfront device cost, ongoing consumables (e-liquid, coils, pods), variations in cost depending on usage, and how vaping compares with smoking in financial terms.

Upfront cost: the device

The first cost you will encounter when vaping is the cost of the hardware. This includes the vape device (sometimes called a starter kit or pod system) and the accessories needed to begin.
A good example is the Gotek X Pod Kit which retails at around £9.99 in the UK. This kind of device is aimed at beginners who prefer simplicity and lower initial investment.
If you choose a more advanced mod or premium kit you might pay significantly more. For instance the Ripple+ The Zero Nicotine Starter Kit is priced at £45.00 and represents a higher‐tier option.
Hardware price ranges are reported as follows: basic or entry level kits might cost from around £10–£20, mid-range kits from £30–£50, and high-end devices (often with extra features like temperature control, larger battery, advanced tank) can cost £60 or more. According to one guide, starter kits were in the range £20–£50 at time of writing. Vapestore Direct+3OK Vape+3Smokz Vape Store+3
It is worth noting that this hardware cost is typically a one-off (or at least intermittent) cost. Once you have your device you only need to maintain it and replace parts as required.
When budgeting for vaping, you should therefore separate the initial hardware cost and the ongoing monthly/yearly cost of consumables.

Ongoing costs: e-liquid, coils/pods and other consumables

After the hardware, the main ongoing costs of vaping come from e-liquid (often called juice), replacement coils or pods, and sometimes accessories (batteries, chargers, tanks).

E-liquid cost

E-liquid cost depends on how much you vape, the nicotine strength, the flavour and the bottle size. One UK retailer estimated that refillable vaping would cost roughly £15 per month for e-liquid (based on six 10ml bottles at £2.50 each) which equates to around £180 a year. Vape Superstore Another source stated that e-liquid might cost £208 annually on the higher side (without deals) or as little as £58 a year if you buy clearance deals. Aquavape

Coils, pods and replacement parts

Coils (for reusable tank systems) need regular replacement. One estimate gave coil costs at about £4.99 per month for an average vaper. TotallyWickedUK Other data indicates that replacement coils cost £5–£15 per pack and need replacing varying from every few days to every few weeks depending on usage. Vapestore Direct
If you use a pod system with prefilled pods, you will pay for new pods rather than just liquid. The ongoing cost may differ but remains part of the consumables cost.

Example total ongoing cost

Putting those figures together, a typical reusable kit might cost around £25 per month (for e-liquid plus replacement parts) after the initial hardware is bought. One retailer estimated monthly cost at £25, giving an annual cost around £300 (excluding hardware). Vape Superstore Another estimate gave average annual cost for vaping at £657 based on higher strength e-liquid plus starter kit plus accessories. TotallyWickedUK The variation is large because individual usage, device type and product choice vary widely.

Cost variations: usage, device type and product choices

Several factors influence how much you’ll spend on vaping: how much you vape (frequency and intensity), the device type and power level, the kind of e-liquid you use (nicotine strength, VG/PG ratio, brand), whether you buy deals or clearance stock, and whether you pursue advanced vaping versus simple mouth-to-lung style.
For example, users of higher wattage devices or sub-ohm systems will consume e-liquid more quickly and may replace coils more frequently, increasing cost. Conversely a modest nicotine strength, moderate use and an efficient device will stretch consumables further.
According to one guide, disposable vapes cost between £4–£8 per unit with around 300-600 puffs per device, making them more expensive per puff despite lower initial cost. Vapestore Direct+1
If you use many bottles of e-liquid per month or change coils very frequently then your annual cost may rise significantly beyond the averages quoted. One guide estimated disposable cost for vaping between £73 and £588 per year depending on usage. WizVape.co.uk
Another conversation among vapers noted that consumables alone might cost as little as £3-£10 per month for light usage, although that reflects minimal habit rather than typical. Vaping Forum - Planet of the Vapes
Therefore when budgeting for vaping you should customise the estimate based on your expected use pattern, device power, number of bottles per month, and choice of accessories.

cost comparisons: vaping vs smoking

One of the strongest financial arguments for many smokers switching to vaping is cost savings. For smokers in the UK, the annual cost of smoking can easily run into thousands of pounds depending on brand, number of cigarettes smoked per day and price increases. One guide estimated smoking costing over £4,000 per year for a pack-a-day smoker. TotallyWickedUK+1
By contrast, reusable vaping kits were estimated at around £320 per year in one recent analysis. Vape Superstore Another cited in excess of £650 per year for heavier vaping habits but still significantly below smoking in many cases. TotallyWickedUK
Thus for many adult smokers, switching to vaping is still a meaningful cost saving, even when factoring hardware and consumables.
That said, cost should not be the sole driver; health considerations, regulatory aspects and quitting plans are also important.

hardware and lifespan considerations

Another dimension of cost is how long your hardware lasts. A device may cost £30–£50 now but if it lasts several years then the cost per year is low. However if you upgrade frequently, the hardware cost increases. One manufacturer suggested that a refillable device costing around US$25-50 (roughly £20-40) may last several months to a year before needing replacement. innokin.com
Batteries degrade, tanks get damaged, and features become outdated which may prompt replacement. Coils and pods wear out more quickly than the device itself, but device longevity plays a role in total cost.
Accessory costs such as chargers, external batteries, cases, or backup devices can add up if you are a heavy vaper or an enthusiast seeking advanced setups.

Budgeting and cost scenarios

Let’s construct a few cost scenarios to illustrate how much vaping might cost in practice over a year.

Scenario A – light user, budget kit

Initial device: £15 (entry kit)
Monthly e-liquid cost: £8
Monthly coil/pod cost: £4
Total monthly consumables: £12
Annual consumables: £144
Plus initial device cost: £15
Total first year cost: ~ £159

Scenario B – average user, mid-range kit

Initial device: £30
Monthly e-liquid cost: £15
Monthly coil/pod cost: £5
Total monthly: £20
Annual consumables: £240
Total first year cost: ~ £270

Scenario C – heavier user, higher power setup

Initial device: £50
Monthly e-liquid cost: £25
Monthly coil/pod cost: £10
Total monthly: £35
Annual consumables: £420
Total first year cost: ~ £470

These scenarios align with observed estimates (from £150 to £650 or more) depending on usage and device.
Also note that after the first year the hardware cost may not repeat — if device remains usable then subsequent years may cost only consumables.

Future cost pressures and regulatory issues

It is important to recognise that regulatory and tax changes may affect vaping costs in the UK. For example, a recent announcement indicated that from October 2026 the UK government plans to introduce duty on e-liquid – for instance a rate of £2.20 per 10ml was quoted in a budget commentary. Financial Times+1
Also the ban on disposable vapes (effective from June 1st 2025) will force users to switch to refillable systems and potentially influence cost patterns due to device replacement, accessibility and device choice. AP News
These future changes mean that while current estimates are useful, budgeting should account for potential price rises in e-liquid, device replacements and regulatory compliance.

Choosing cost-effective options

If keeping cost down is a priority, there are several strategies:

• Choose a reliable refillable kit rather than single-use or premium devices (that background cost is lower).
• Use e-liquid deals and multi-buy offers (many UK retailers offer 4 for £10 or 2 for £20 deals) which reduces cost per ml.
• Choose moderate nicotine strength and vape efficiently (high wattage or sub-ohm usage uses more liquid faster).
• Replace coils only when necessary (avoid dry hits or burnt taste) and maintain your device (cleaning, correct wattage) to maximise lifespan.
• Avoid frequent device upgrades if you do not need advanced features.
• Consider second-hand or refurbished hardware if appropriate (ensuring safety and genuine product).

Hidden or less obvious costs

It is worth noting some less obvious costs:

• Batteries and chargers: If you vape with external batteries, you may need replacements or spares.
• Maintenance parts: Tanks, glass tubes, O-rings, drip tips may need replacing occasionally.
• Accessories: Carry cases, vape bands, cleaning kits.
• Time and attention: Device learning curve, coil priming, maintenance may require effort though not direct cost.
• Environmental cost: Though not a direct monetary cost, the disposal or recycling of hardware and e-liquid packaging can matter; some stores provide recycling but it may carry minor cost/time.

Summary of key cost take-aways

• The upfront hardware cost can range from around £10 for a basic kit to £50 or more for advanced setups.
• Monthly consumables (e-liquid, coils/pods) for typical use may range from £10-£30 or more depending on usage.
• Annual cost for most vapers falls roughly between £150 and £500 in the first year depending on user profile.
• These costs are often substantially lower than smoking equivalent for many smokers (where costs may run into thousands annually).
• Device lifespan, usage intensity, e-liquid choice and brand deals all influence total cost.
• Regulatory changes and taxes may increase future costs, so budgeting with potential price rise in mind is wise.
• Smart product selection, efficient vaping habits and deal-hunting can reduce cost further.

Final thoughts

Understanding how much vaping costs helps you plan and budget realistically. If you are a smoker contemplating switching to vaping, the financial advantage can be significant. The upfront investment is modest and ongoing costs are manageable compared to the cost of cigarettes.

If you are already vaping, assessing your own usage, device type and consumables can reveal whether you are spending efficiently or if there is potential to reduce cost.

While cost is one factor, it should not overshadow other important considerations such as safety, quality of products, compliance with regulations and your longer-term goals (for example whether your plan is to reduce nicotine and perhaps stop altogether).

Ultimately, whether you spend £150 or £470 in your first year, the key is that you understand what you are paying for, track your spending, and choose products and usage habits that align with your budget and goals. Vaping can be cost-effective, but only when managed deliberately.