Vaping vs. Smoking: Which costs more per month? A price comparison 2025

21.03.2025
Dampfen vs Rauchen: Was kostet mehr im Monat? Ein Preisvergleich 2025

Switching from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes is often associated with health benefits – but what about the financial impact? In this article, we compare the monthly costs of vaping and smoking based Current prices for e-liquids, coils and tobacco (As of August 2025)...

The monthly cost of cigarettes

Current cigarette prices in Germany (2025)

In 2025, the price of an average pack of cigarettes (20 pieces) will be approximately... €9.00 to €9.80 , depending on the brand and retailer. This results in the following monthly costs:

  • 1 pack daily: €9.50 × 30 days = €285 / month

  • 10 cigarettes per day: ~140 € / month

  • Occasional smoker (5 cigarettes/day): ~€70/month

Tax burden & other costs

A large portion of the price is due to tobacco tax (for tobacco substitutes), also known as e-liquid tax. Current taxation in the year 2025 amounts €0.26/ml , which is in 2026 on 0.32€/ml It is rising. A further increase for 2027 is not currently planned.

How much does vaping cost per month?

Overview of typical e-cigarette user costs

The monthly cost of vaping depends heavily on consumption, device type, and e-liquid choice. Here's a realistic example for an average vaper:

component Quantity / Month Price
E-Liquid (10ml) ~16 bottles 16 × €7 = €112
Coils / Pods 2–4 pieces Ø 10 €
Electricity / Accessories (proportional) lump sum €2

 Total monthly costs: approx. 124 € .

Variations in consumption patterns

  • Beginners using disposable vapes: approx. €7–10 per device → up to €160 / month

  • DIY e-liquid mixers: only about. €50–80 / month

  • Heavy Vaper (Sub-Ohm, lots of vapor): approx. €124–200 / month

Comparison: Vaping vs. Smoking on a Monthly Basis

Consumption. Type Cigarettes Month Monthly costs Vaping (Ø)
occasional smoker ~150 ~80 € ~49 €
average smoker ~600 ~312 € ~124 €
heavy smoker ~900 ~468 € ~200 €

Conclusion: Vaping costs on average 60% less as cigarettes – depending on vaping habits and setup..

Reusable hardware saves money in the long run.

A good pod system is a reusable vape with a battery. It lasts for months or even years. These systems are more environmentally friendly than disposable vapes or cigarettes. Compared to buying cigarettes daily, the cost of vaping decreases significantly over time.

Which option is more financially worthwhile?

Those who only look at the monthly costs will be better off with the Vaping is significantly cheaper . Even with higher consumption, monthly expenses are usually below €130, while smokers quickly spend €250–400 per month.

Additionally, vapers can Controlling the intensity and nicotine content yourself , which can also lead to long-term savings or even quitting nicotine.