Cost Analysis of Vaping: From Startup to Ongoing Expenses

Many people enter the world of vaping with excitement, only to discover the monetary commitment can be significant. This article aims to break down the financial aspects of vaping, from the initial startup costs to ongoing expenses, helping both new vapers and seasoned users understand the true cost implications.

Initial Start-up Costs

When venturing into vaping, the initial start-up costs can vary significantly depending on the e-cig, mod, and other accessories one chooses to purchase. For some, the initial investment may range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, or even more, depending on the quality of the products and the variety of features desired.

For example, the author mentions starting with a high-end mod like the Smok Alien 80 priced at around $125, which is just the beginning. Additional components, such as a Falcon tank, can escalate the cost further. While vaping provides savings over traditional cigarettes, the initial setup can be costly.

Ongoing Expenses

Once the initial setup is in place, the ongoing costs of vaping can be fairly manageable. According to the author, the overall weekly cost for three individuals (themselves and their husband and son-in-law) can range from just $1 to $3 depending on the amount and quality of e-liquid they choose to use.

The expense breakdown for e-liquid and coils, which replace the heating element in the tank, is as follows:

E-liquid: A one-time investment of CAD 125 for 45 milliliter bottles can last a few months, with an ongoing expense of around CAD 3-4 bottles per month. Coils: Replacement coils can cost approximately $25 per month, depending on usage.

Total ongoing costs range from around $120 to $150 CAD per year for the device, including vape batteries, which last a considerable amount of time.

Budgeting and Cost Comparison

The author has been a vaper for eight years, which has provided her with the advantage of wholesale pricing, granting her access to better deals on e-cigs and accessories. However, she also points out that the cost of vaping can still be a factor, even with these savings.

For instance, if someone were to purchase a newer and more advanced product like the Falcon tank, which retails for CAD 45, this would mean an additional investment on top of the mod.

Price points for e-liquid range from CAD 30 for 3mg to CAD 120 to 150 for a powerful, attractive vaping device, including vape batteries. This cost can be significantly higher than traditional cigarette expenses, especially for new vapers.

Alternatives and Lifestyle Considerations

The author notes that while vaping can be cheaper than smoking in the long run, it may not align with everyone's lifestyle or preferences. Some vapers find that vaping does not satisfy the same way smoking does, leading them to reconsider their habits.

For the author, the financial decision to vape involved the cost of equipment and e-liquid versus smoking. She estimates that investing $150 to $200 upfront for vaping options versus approximately $20 to $400 annually for ongoing vaping expenses can make vaping a more cost-effective choice, albeit with higher initial costs.

She compares vaping to her own smoking habit, which she keeps under control to cost $200 annually. By reserving smoking for special occasions like after a holiday dinner, she limits her smoking to five times per year, allowing her to enjoy five cigars worth $50 each. Even with occasional life-changing cigars costing $15, she wonders about the experience of a $50 cigar.

The author concludes by stating, 'I’m not against vaping, I’m just not the target demographic.' She implies that while vaping can be a viable alternative, it may not align with everyone's lifestyle and taste preferences.