E-Cigarette vs Tobacco: which costs less? The ultra-complete 2026 guide

With the constant increase in the price of tobacco in France, the budget question becomes central for many smokers. In 2026, the average price of a pack is already close to €13, and some projections even mention the possibility of a pack costing €25 by 2040, depending on future tax policies.

In light of this, the electronic cigarette appears as an alternative not only different in terms of use, but also potentially much more economical.
However, a real question remains:

👉 Does the electronic cigarette really cost less than tobacco?
👉 And above all, in what proportions?

At VAPEVO.com, we analyzed the real usage costs of electronic cigarettes compared to tobacco, to provide you with a reliable, educational comparison based on concrete scenarios.

 

💡 Two totally different budget logics

The traditional cigarette works on a simple model:
➡️ each pack purchased = an immediate and final expense.
Once consumed, you have to buy again... and again.

The electronic cigarette, on the other hand, relies on a very different financial mechanism:

• an initial investment (the equipment)
• then lower and controlled recurring costs (e-liquids, coils, possible batteries)

Concretely:

• tobacco = ongoing expense
• vaping = amortization + reduced operating costs

It is this structural difference that explains the significant savings gaps observed in the medium and long term.

 

💶 How much does an electronic cigarette cost?

On VAPEVO.com, the price of an electronic cigarette varies on average between:

👉 €8.70 and €85 (except for certain limited edition models or premium e-pipes which can cost more than €300)

This price depends on several criteria:

• format: pod, beginner kit, advanced equipment
• power
• battery life
• desired inhalation style (MTL, RDL, or DL)
• comfort and options

In practice:

• beginners prefer simple, compact, and economical models
• more experienced vapers can invest more in higher-performance but durable equipment

 

📈 The price of tobacco: a heavily taxed expense

It is often forgotten, but most of the price of a pack of cigarettes corresponds to taxes. On average, 75% to 80% of the price of a pack consists of taxation. Since the 2000s, the price of tobacco has seen a spectacular and continuous increase — a trend that could continue.

The electronic cigarette is not subject to the same progressive logic, which explains its relative economic stability over time.

 

📊 Overall comparison: tobacco VS electronic cigarette

Rather than multiplying special cases, here is a summary table that provides at a glance the financial differences between tobacco and vape according to three main consumption profiles.

💸 Monthly comparison

📅 Annual comparison

 

🧮 To get a personalized estimate

These figures provide a clear view, but you can go even further with our interactive tool:

👉 Vape vs Cigarette Savings Calculator

In a few seconds, you get an estimate based on:

• your current consumption
• your type of vaping
• your purchase frequency

 

🎯 Why can these figures vary?

Like any equipment, the electronic cigarette involves variable parameters from one user to another:

• model used
• usage frequency
• price of e-liquids
• maintenance habits
• coil replacement rate

⏱️ On average:

• a coil is replaced every 2 weeks
• a pack of 5 coils costs between €8 and €15
• the average monthly cost is generally between €5 and €20

 

🧪 Even more savings? Discover DIY e-liquid

To reduce their budget even further, some vapers choose DIY (Do It Yourself), meaning making their own e-liquids.

Advantages of DIY

• much lower price per milliliter
  
• possibility to prepare large volumes
  
• total flavor customization
  
• control of nicotine level and PG/VG ratio

For example:

• ready-to-vape e-liquid 10 ml ≈ €4.90
• equivalent DIY e-liquid ≈ sometimes less than €1

To simplify preparation and avoid any mistakes:

👉 DIY e-liquid Calculator

It automatically calculates:

• the number of boosters
• the amount of base
• the final nicotine dosage
• the recommended percentage of flavoring

 

The cost of equipment over time

🔋 The battery

Two types exist: built-in battery or removable batteries.
They generally offer a very good lifespan, often several years, before any potential loss of autonomy. A battery costs on average less than €10.

🔥 The coil

This is the main consumable element:

• lifespan: 2 to 3 weeks
• unit price: ≈ €1 to €4
• generally low monthly cost

🧩 Seals, tank, drip tip

These elements ensure waterproofing and user comfort. They are inexpensive, often included, and require only regular maintenance rather than frequent replacement.

 

✔️ Verdict: the electronic cigarette is far more economical

The analysis is clear:

• the electronic cigarette costs significantly less than tobacco over time
• the savings are real, concrete, and often very significant
• depending on the profiles, they can represent several thousand euros per year
• vaping also allows for a more stable, predictable, and controlled budget

⚠️ This information is for informational purposes only.
Using an electronic cigarette can be part of a tobacco reduction or cessation approach and can, if necessary, be supported by a healthcare professional.

 

🎯 Continue your comparison with VAPEVO

🧮 Calculate your personal savings
https://www.vapevo.com/pages/calculateur-economies-cigarette-vs-vape

🧪 Make your own e-liquid and further reduce your budget
https://www.vapevo.com/pages/calculateur-diy-pour-fabriquer-son-e-liquide