The world of vaping has exploded in popularity over the past decade since entering the scene back in 2003. From sleek vape pens to powerful battery mods, there’s now a dizzying array of vaping devices to choose from. But one question often puzzles newbies and seasoned vapers alike – how much do vapes cost?
The reality is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Vape prices can vary wildly depending on the type of device, brand, e-liquid, and accessories. A basic disposable vape pen might set you back just $5, while a top-of-the-line vape mod could cost over $300. Knowing the key factors that influence overall vaping cost can help you make savvy purchase decisions aligned with your needs and budget.
This guide will break down everything that affects how much vapes cost, from the vape itself to e-juices, batteries, and more. Whether you’re looking to start vaping, upgrade your gear, or simply understand the expenses, you’ll walk away an informed vape consumer.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Vapes?
Vape devices come in a rainbow of sizes, styles, colors, and features. Although vaping is generally considered to be safer than smoking, vapes aren’t exactly cheap, especially in the long haul. Whether you’re after a disposable vape or a rechargeable rig, the actual the cost of vaping often varies based on different factors, including brand, vape juice, accessories, and retailer.
Let’s take a closer look at how these factors affect the price you pay for vapes.
Factor #1 – Vape Type
This one is a no-brainer. The very first decision you’ll make sets the stage for the cost of your vape device, and that’s the type of device itself. Vaping devices contain similar core components like a battery, heating element, and chamber to generate vapor from nicotine e-liquid or cannabis oil.
However, different types of vapes vary quite deeply in design, features, and price ranges:
Vape Pens
Vape pens are the most common type of vaping devices. They’re bulkier than cig-a-likes yet more discreet and sleek-looking. Portable vape pens are small and convenient to carry. That’s true of a slim disposable vape pen like SOLO1, which is versatile and portable. Expect them to be highly variable in price depending on quality, from a budget-friendly $10 to a luxurious $1,000.
Cig-a-likes
Mimicking the look and feel of cigarettes, cig-a-likes are compact devices perfect for beginners looking for alternatives for smoking. These slim vapes are among the most affordable options, though lacking in battery life and vapor production. Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $50.
Disposable Vapes
As the name suggests, disposable vapes are convenient but not refillable. They are incredibly simple and handy but offer one-tank use only. Most disposables vape tank come pre-filled. Unlike a permanent vaping device, these disposable vapes range in price from $5 to $100.
Pod Systems
If you’re looking for an option that is sleek and friendly to the user, look no further than vape pod systems. They are usually ultra-compact and low maintenance with prefilled or refillable pods (or cartridges). They typically cost between $9 and $200.
Mechanical Tank Mods
For the experienced vapers seeking ultimate control, mechanical mods offer a wide range of customization. When it comes to cost, $30 to $350 is the ballpark for these devices.
Vape Mods
Offering the most power and customization options, vape mods are ideal for cloud chasers and experienced vapers. Prices range from $25 to $150 for basic models, with high-end options reaching $300.
Vape Starter Kits
All-in-one refillable vape kits are perfect for beginners. That’s especially true if you are transitioning from smoking. These kits offer a complete setup for beginners, with prices falling between $30 and $150.
Meanwhile, mouth-to-lungs (MTL) starter kits are designed to replicate the experience of smoking cigarettes. That makes it perfect for those seeking a familiar feel. Expect these beauties to cost anywhere from $25 to upwards of $100.
As a general rule, cheaper vape types prioritize simplicity and portability, while premium vapes allow for more temperature control, battery life, vapor production, and customization.
Factor #2 – Vape Brand
Beyond the device category, the specific brand you get your vape plays a major role in pricing. Premium vape brands invest more in innovative designs, quality materials, and expert manufacturing, commanding higher price tags as a result.
Disposable Vape Pen Brands
The most popular disposable vapes like Cilicon, AldVapor, and Elf Bar range from around $5-$25 per device. Since these can provide between 600-10,000 puffs each, heavy vapers may need to buy several per week, averaging $60-$120 in monthly disposable costs.
The typical monthly expenditures range from around $60 to $120, although they have the potential to be considerably higher. Don’t be surprised if you spend anywhere between $700 and $5,100 per year on vapes, depending on the cost of the device you select and your daily requirements.
Most seasoned vape users usually choose their favorite brands and stick to their products unless they run into an unpleasant experience. That’s when any minor price changes may not influence their buying decisions. Newbies, on the flipside, tend to be overwhelmed by the dizzying choice of vape brands and products out there. They need to do some homework and trial a few models before settling on what to buy.
Rechargeable Vape Brands
Rechargeable vape devices offer higher battery capacity and they last longer than disposable vape pens. That’s because you can refill the tank once you have exhausted the vape juice or cannabis oil. The design of all-in-one rigs bring together a heating coil, rechargeable battery, mouthpiece, and tank for the oil or juice.
The upfront investment is higher than disposables. However, rechargeable vapes are far more cost-effective long-term since you only need to replenish affordable e-juice and replaceable components.
Of course, the cost of rechargeables vary from one brand to the next. For refillable vapes, you’re looking at $20-$70 for quality brand vape pens and starter kits from Vaporesso, VooPoo, Cilicon, and similar respected names. Premium box mods can cost $150+, with high-end brands like Geekvape’s Aegis line commanding $70+.
It’s up to you to go for a brand that ticks most of your boxes. Some high-end rechargeable vapes may set you back upwards of $100 but they last long without multiple replacements. If you’re still on the fence when it comes to vaping versus smoking marijuana, go for quality but low-priced options.
Factor #3 – Cost of Vape Juice or Oil
E-liquid or vape oil is the lifeblood and main recurring cost for any vaper using a refillable device. It’s a big determinant of the overall cost of a vape life. Vape juice range in prices, depending heavily on the:
- Brand – Buying vape juice from premium lines will cost you $20+ for 30ml while budget options start around $10
- Nicotine Strength – Higher nicotine levels tend to cost more
- Flavor – Unique, complex blends carry premiums over single/simple flavors
- Bottle Size – Larger volumes like 100ml reduce per ml costs
Cost of Vape Juice in Pre-Filled Devices
If your vape cartridge comes pre-filled with oil or nicotine e liquid, the upfront cost is going to be way lower than an empty rig that you need to fill with your own vape juice. The downside is that most pre -filled vapes have a small tank capacity, typically 0.5-1 mL.
Whether you get them in a multi-pack or individual, your overall vaping cost will hover between $3 and $7, with each lasting a vaper a day or two before replacement. That means the vape juice cost can sit anywhere from $15 to $100 per month. Navigating the world of vaping costs can be a daunting task for beginners.
Cost of Vape Juice by Bottle
Clearly, the cost of buying prefilled cartridges will add up pretty fast, leaving you with a high vaping bill. That’s where refillable vape devices prove to be far cost-effective.
When vaping nicotine e-liquids, the average vaper can expect to pay $15-$35 monthly. Cannabis vape oils demand even higher prices in the $40-$80 per bottle range.
Factor #4 – Heating Coil Replacements
All vape devices have heating elements at their core, usually made of metallic coil or ceramic. Their primary job is to heat the vape oil or juice, causing the vapor to rise into the mouthpiece. It’s, therefore, the heartbeat of any vape device.
All vapers must factor in the cost of replacing burnt-out atomizer coils and heating elements every 1-2 weeks. These vape coils range $1-$5 each from most brands but can be purchased in affordable 5-packs. Coil lifespan depends heavily on wattage, e-liquid composition, and heating coil technology – either the simpler conduction, ceramic heating, or convection vapes with precise temperature control.
Factor #5 – Battery Capacity
Experienced vapers know battery life is king for an enjoyable vaping experience. Vape batteries are rated by their mAh capacity. The higher the battery capacity the longer the time juice will last between charges. Premium vape batteries run $20 to $80 or higher, with longevity as the main cost factor.
Maintaining spare batteries extends the lifespan of your entire vaporizer without needing full replacements as often. Most mid-range mods allow affordable battery swaps, while some budget pens are disposable once the battery dies.
Factor #6 – The Cost of Accessories
To get the most out of your device and extend its lifespan, certain vape accessories are must-haves. We’re talking chargers, cleaning kits, carrying cases, or coil replacements. They can all add up the overall vaping cost.
Charging Equipment
Whether replacing cables, portable batteries, or full charging docks, maintaining charged batteries is crucial. The cost of the charger ranges between $3 and $50.
Tanks and Replacement Coils
As a general rule, higher-quality all-in-one vape devices cost more. But lower-priced rigs usually have tank and coil issues. They can malfunction or wear out, needing frequent replacement at a cost. Upgrading or replacing vape tanks and disposable coils vastly improves vapor quality, with the cost in the $10 to $70 range.
Vape Pen Cleaning Kit
Cleaning your vape device can do wonders for its look, safety, and longevity. The last thing you want is a vape mod that is dirty with a sticky mess. Investing in a kit of cleaning tools can help with this, costing $3 to $10 per pack. Rubbing alcohol, brushes, and cottons keep vapes like new between deep cleanings.
Carrying Cases
Owning a vape pen case can spruce up your vaping experience, but it comes with a small cost. Expect to pay between $5 and $30 to protect and organize vape gear on-the-go with stylish hard or soft cases.
Other Vape Accessories
Those seeking the best in vapor production, temperature control, and battery optimization may also invest in:
- Glass Tank Replacements
- Coil Wicking Materials
- Spare Parts/O-Rings
- Drip Tips
- Mesh Screens
While not required for vaping, these accessories allow customized performance and aesthetics worthy of enthusiast hobbyists.
Factor # 7 – Your Country: Where You Live
Finally, vape prices can fluctuate based on your geographic location due to local taxes, shipping costs, and market dynamics. Devices that cost $35 for a starter kit in the UK might retail for $65 in Australia.
In the US, you can expect the average cost of vape pens at $45, while vape cartridges will set you back about $35. That’s right about what Canadians pay for the vape devices, at an average of $45 and $30, respectively. Doing price comparisons at nearby vape shops and vape online can reveal local savings opportunities.
Helpful Vape Cost Saving Tips
While vaping can be cheaper than smoking cigarettes overall, the costs can still add up quickly, especially if you’re not a strategic shopper. Follow these money-saving tips to maximize your vaping budget.
Invest in a Quality Refillable Vape Kit
One of the biggest wastes of vaping money is continually buying disposable vape pens and cig-a-likes. While convenient, these single-use devices provide very short-term value compared to purchasing a refillable vape kit upfront.
A decent starter kit with a refillable tank or pod system will cost $30-$100 initially. However, you’ll make that back in just a couple months by avoiding $5-$20+ per disposable vape.
Buy Bulk E-Liquid and DIY Mixing
Vape juice is the liquid gold that powers any reusable vaping device. Fortunately, most e-liquid brands offer huge savings when you buy “short-fill” bottles in higher volumes like 100ml+. The per/ml price drops substantially. Take bulk savings even further by purchasing nicotine-free short fill bottles and nicotine shots/salts separately, then mixing your own custom ratios.
Buy Secondhand or Clearance Vape Gear
Don’t overlook the used and clearance vape markets for big discounts on gently used mods, tanks, RDAs, and accessories.
Many vape shops and online stores have clearance sections to move previous generation or open-box products. You can find deeply discounted starter kits, mods, tanks, and more. As long as the core device functions and replaceable parts are available, second hand vapes can perform just as well as new at a fraction of the cost.
The vape community is also very active in reselling used gear on classifieds, forums, Facebook groups, and apps. With just a little patience, you can score amazing deals on premium mods and atomizers from individual sellers for 50% off or more.
Maintain Older Vape Mods
Thanks to their modular design, aging vape mods don’t need to be discarded once the battery dies or the tank gets gunked up. With some basic maintenance like replacing batteries, tanks, coils, and o-rings, you can easily revive and refresh an older mod you may have sitting in storage.
