Is Vaping Cheaper Than Smoking? The True Cost of Shortfill Liquids
Smoking has always been an expensive habit, but in the UK the cost has now reached staggering levels. A 20-a-day smoker can expect to spend around £5,000 every year on cigarettes, and with duty increases showing no sign of slowing, the financial burden is only getting heavier. Against this backdrop, many people wonder whether switching to vaping could save them money. The answer, particularly when it comes to shortfill e-liquids, is a resounding yes. Let’s break down the numbers, explore why shortfills deliver such strong value, and see how DRZL’s range helps you stretch your budget further without sacrificing flavour.
The rising cost of smoking in the UK
The cost of cigarettes is climbing year after year. A pack of 20 now averages between £14 and £15, meaning someone who smokes daily will burn through over £5,400 annually. Over the course of a decade, that adds up to more than £54,000 spent purely on cigarettes. These figures don’t even take into account the hidden costs of smoking, such as higher life insurance premiums or medical bills linked to smoking-related illnesses. With the government banning disposable vapes from June 2025, it’s clear that tighter regulation around smoking and tobacco products is only set to continue.
Vaping costs explained
Vaping works differently when it comes to expenses. The initial outlay is the device itself, with starter kits usually costing somewhere between £20 and £50. Beyond that, you’ll need to replace coils or pods on a regular basis, which can add around £100 to £200 to annual running costs. The biggest ongoing expense, however, is e-liquid. Depending on how much someone vapes and the format they buy, the annual cost can range anywhere between £300 and £1,000. Even at the higher end, this is still a fraction of what a smoker spends in a year.
Why shortfill e-liquids mean better value
Shortfill e-liquids are where the real savings start to appear. These are larger bottles of nicotine-free liquid, usually in 50 ml or 100 ml sizes, with enough space to add your own nicotine shot if you choose. When you’re buying in bulk, the cost per millilitre is considerably lower than it would be if you were relying on small 10 ml bottles. That means fewer purchases, less packaging and a lot more convenience.
DRZL’s shortfills give you bold, satisfying flavour in larger bottles that last longer and reduce your cost per ml even further. For vapers who want the best balance of value and taste, shortfills make more sense than any other format.
Cost comparison: smoking vs vaping with shortfills
The contrast becomes even clearer when you put smoking and vaping side by side. An average smoker who goes through 20 cigarettes a day will spend close to £5,000 over the course of a year. The same person using DRZL shortfills is likely to spend between £400 and £500. That’s a saving of around £4,500 each year.
For heavier smokers, the gap is even more dramatic. Someone on 40 cigarettes a day can easily spend £10,000 annually. A comparable vaper relying on shortfills and bulk bundles might spend between £600 and £700 instead, freeing up over £9,000 every year. These are life-changing amounts of money when viewed over a period of several years.
Vape tax and the future of costs
From October 2026, the government plans to introduce a new vaping tax that will add £2.20 to every 10 ml of e-liquid. While the details are still being refined, this will make small bottles significantly more expensive. Shortfills, however, will remain the best value option because the tax burden spreads across a larger volume of liquid. By opting for 50 ml or 100 ml bottles, you will continue to pay less per millilitre than those who stick with 10 ml options.
The upcoming disposable ban also highlights the importance of refillable, sustainable choices. Shortfills not only help keep costs down, they also align with the direction of UK regulation, making them a forward-thinking option for anyone planning their long-term vaping spend.
The bigger picture: cost beyond the wallet
The true price of smoking extends beyond money spent at the till. Smoking carries knock-on costs that affect your finances in less obvious ways, from inflated life insurance premiums to higher medical bills in the future. While vaping isn’t risk-free, it avoids many of these additional financial burdens, making the savings even greater when you step back and look at the full picture.
Why choose DRZL shortfills?
At DRZL, we’ve designed our shortfill range to deliver the strongest possible value without compromising on flavour. You can choose between 50 ml and 100 ml bottles, both made with high-VG blends that create smooth clouds and rich, satisfying taste. All of our liquids are produced in the UK and manufactured to ISO 9001 standards, with MHRA and HSE compliance ensuring full peace of mind. When you stock up through our multi-pack e-liquid offers, you reduce your cost per ml even further, all while knowing that your e-liquids are produced to the highest quality standards.
Final thoughts
So, is vaping cheaper than smoking? The answer is clear. While smoking can drain £5,000 or more from your pocket every year, switching to DRZL shortfills can cut that spend down to less than £500. Factor in fewer trips to buy bottles, less packaging waste, and the reassurance of UK-made quality, and shortfills stand out as the smart choice.
If you’re ready to make the switch and experience both flavour and value, now is the time. Explore DRZL’s shortfill range today.