Vaping has gone from something only a few people did a few years ago to something that’s everywhere. It’s visible in parks, outside pubs, at festivals, and even at family BBQs. The bright colours, bold branding, and sweet flavours have made vaping more than just a habit — it’s now a full-blown lifestyle.

As vaping becomes part of daily life for millions in the UK, it raises a big question:
How much are we actually spending on it every year?

As someone who runs a vape website, I’ve seen a major shift in what people are buying — and how often. But the biggest surprise? The type of people vaping. It's not just teenagers or ex-smokers, and it’s far from the media stereotype. We’re seeing customers of all backgrounds — students, professionals, even parents — spending more than ever.

What Affects How Much You Spend on Vapes?

The amount you spend depends on how often you vape, what device you use, and your stress levels. Yep — having spoken to customers and casual users, we’ve noticed that people tend to vape more heavily during high-stress periods (exams, job changes, breakups, you name it).

To keep things simple, let’s look at the two most common types of vapes in the UK:

Disposable Vape Users

If you’re buying disposable vapes — say, three per week at around £6 each — that’s:

• £18 per week

• Around £936 per year

We’ve seen plenty of customers who use even more — especially those who prefer fruity flavours or high-nicotine options. Some even buy in bulk — 5 cases of 10 disposables in one go, which lasts them about a month. That can easily push yearly spend past £1,000.

Refillable Vape Users

Refillable kits cost more upfront but save a ton of money over time. For example:

• Starter kit: £15–£20 one-off

• Monthly e-liquid & coils: £25/month on average

• Total annual cost: ~£320

Not only is this significantly cheaper than disposables, it’s also more environmentally friendly — especially with the UK’s disposable vape ban coming into effect on June 1st, 2025.

We’re already seeing a rise in interest in rechargeable vapes — and it’s only going to grow once disposables are phased out. If you’re still on disposables, now’s the time to make the switch.

Disposable vs. Refillable: Which Costs More?

Let’s look at the difference side-by-side:

Verdict: Refillable kits win long-term. You might spend more in the first month — but after that, you’ll be saving hundreds.

Vaping vs. Smoking: What’s Cheaper?

Let’s not forget why many people vape in the first place: to quit smoking and save money.

According to NHS estimates, someone who smokes 20 cigarettes per day spends over £4,500 a year on tobacco. Even heavy vape users who stick to disposables spend around £1,000 a year — that’s a saving of over £3,000.

If you switch to refillables, the savings get even bigger — potentially £4,000 a year compared to smoking.
It’s not just a health decision — it’s a financial one too.

Regional Spending Trends (Bonus Insight)

From our own store data and UK-wide trends:

• Vape spending is highest in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham

• TikTok trends suggest disposables are more popular among 18–25-year-olds

• Men often lean towards menthol and fruity flavours

• Women tend to prefer sweet, dessert, or candy-inspired options

This shift shows that vaping is about more than nicotine now — it’s about flavour, habit, and lifestyle.

And if you’re trying to cut nicotine altogether, many users are switching to nicotine pouches or exploring lower-strength nic salts to reduce their intake gradually.

What Customers Don’t Realise

We’ve had customers who didn’t realise how much they were spending until they looked at their receipts. One person told us they’d been buying five boxes of 10 disposables per month. That’s £300+ — just on vaping.

But once they switched to refillables, their spend dropped massively. And interestingly — their vaping habits didn’t really change. They weren’t vaping more or less. They just stopped wasting money.

So… How Much Are Brits Spending?

Based on our breakdown:

• Light refillable users: ~£300/year

• Moderate disposable users: £800–£1,000/year

• Heavy vapers: £1,200+ per year

Multiply that by millions of vapers in the UK, and it’s no wonder the UK vape market is expected to hit £4.2 billion in 2025 (Statista).

Final Thoughts: Vape Smarter, Not More

Vaping isn’t free — and for many, it’s become a real monthly expense. Whether you vape casually or daily, the costs add up quickly.

But the good news? You’ve got options. With a bit of planning and the right device, you can save hundreds every year — without giving up the flavours and satisfaction you enjoy.

If you're ready to vape smarter, check out our guides or browse our kits for budget-friendly vape gear, nic salts, and e-liquid bundles at Thunder Vapes.