Vaping Versus Smoking – How The Costs Add Up

The history of smoking dates back to as early as 5000BC and smoking remains a popular pastime in the UK. However, the cost of smoking is increasing every year. Constant rises in taxes are pushing prices up and the legislation surrounding smokers is getting more strict; this year Wales banned smoking in many public outdoor areas. Vaping is a relatively new alternative that many smokers are turning to, both for health and financial reasons. Is vaping not only safer for us, society and the environment, but also a bonus for our bank balances? It’s time to weigh up the odds for vaping versus smoking…

Burning A Hole In Our Pockets

Smoking is an expensive business, particularly in the UK. The average smoker can puff away just over 11 cigarettes each day according to the Office of National Statistics, costing up to £2,500 a year, depending on their brand of choice. If you are a heavy smoker, this can double. And that doesn’t include lighters, the cost of extra washing due to the smell of smoke on your clothes and perhaps even air fresheners for your car and home.

Vaping – Let’s Do The Maths…

Vaping, on the other hand, is not experiencing the same price hikes as cigarettes. The initial outlay may be more, but the overall annual expense is considerably less. A starter kit can set you back anywhere between £20 and £70, depending on your e-cigarette of choice – and there is a vast choice! You then need to consider your liquids – again a huge variety of flavours, strengths and sizes. In general, a 10ml bottle can last 1-2 weeks, depending on how often you vape. If you take that as 52 bottles a year, costing an average of £3.50 each, this equates to £182 per year. If you buy the liquids in multipacks it works out even cheaper.

You will also need replacement coils (usually replaced every couple of weeks). A pack of 5 coils cost around £11 and if you calculate 6 packs to cover you over 1 year, that’s £66. Add on a spare replacement battery (around £10-15) and your average yearly total is £313 , based on a £50 e-cigarette and £15 battery. Compared to a few thousand pounds for cigarettes,the financial difference is huge.

Other Considerations

When thinking of switching to a vape, there are other more widespread factors which may influence your decision. The financial implications aren’t just individual. The economy loses millions every year due to smoking breaks, sick leave and premature deaths. Smoking related illnesses cost the NHS over £2.5 billion per year. The impact on the environment from farming and manufacturing through to consumption of tobacco is huge.

Personally, you also have a potential loss of income due to long term ill health related to smoking later on in life. And as a final blow, a half to two thirds of all lifelong smokers die because of their habit.

The Smoke Clears

The environmental and health impacts of e-cigarettes are not yet fully understood as they are a relatively recent phenomenon. Studies are being undertaken to evaluate these and it is believed that vaping may be up to twice as successful in helping you quit smoking than other methods such as patches, gums or therapy. It’s also purported to be at least 95% safer than smoking. With statistics like that and the financial benefits of swapping to vaping, I must say, I’m convinced!