How Much Is a Vape?

Whether you are worried about your overall health and are looking for an alternative to help you quit smoking or are an experienced vape user, knowing the costs can be beneficial as you shop for vapes. When you first start vaping, it might seem like there are tons of steps in the process — or hundreds of options — but it is no different from when you found your favorite brand of cigarettes to smoke and stuck to a certain type. Most people who vape try a few different kinds of devices (and flavors of e-liquid) before developing a favorite and settling into a routine.

Continue reading to learn more about the average cost of vaping and to learn how switching to vaping can be a possible alternative to cigarette smoking for you.

What is the Cost of General Vape Pens for Those Just Starting Out?

Vape pens do not have to cost more than cigarettes; you might be surprised to learn that vaping can be up to 90% less expensive than smoking. While the initial hardware purchase can average somewhere between $20 and $50, the cost of the consumables each month can be as low as $25-$35. If you compare that to the cost of smoking 1 pack of cigarettes daily at $8-$9 per pack, your cost savings grow substantially.

Most beginners will start with a disposable vape. Disposable vapes are prefilled vaping devices that require no assembly and offer anywhere from 500 to 10,000 puffs before they need to be disposed of, as the name suggests, and replaced. Disposable vapes come in all the same flavors as e-liquid, feel almost the same as smoking a cigarette, require little to no learning, and cost between $10 and $25 on average depending on the puff count. Their battery life ranges from three days to five days, and some disposable vapes are rechargeable.

For these reasons, disposable vapes are a great option for smokers who are trying vaping products for the first time. They are not the best long-term option, however, because buying a new disposable vape every time you run out of e-juice gets expensive; refillable vapes are more cost-effective. They’re super helpful when you find yourself on the road without your vape — one stop and one quick purchase will have you ready to go again.

Pod systems generally cost between $20 and $30 plus the cost of e-juice, which can also range from $15 to $30 depending on brand and volume. Pod systems are small, rechargeable, affordable, and easy to use, making them another popular choice for new vapers.

Vape mods are the largest, most expensive, and most customizable option available and are generally more suitable for those who have been vaping for a while. Vape mods offer the most customizable vaping experience, but can be complicated or feel overwhelming for those just starting out. When you buy a vape mod, you need to purchase at least three items: the vape mod, which ranges from $30 – $75; the tank or atomizer, which ranges from $20 to $50; and the vape juice, which ranges from $10 to $30. You can buy these items in a kit that includes the vape mod and tank/atomizer to save money.

What are the Benefits of Purchasing a More Expensive Vape?

It’s no secret that a $10 vape can meet your needs when starting out, but as you become a more experienced vaper, you will likely become curious about more customizable, advanced options. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, the cheapest vapes are typically disposable or, at the very least, not expected to last a lifetime. That means you’ll buy many of them over the course of your life. In every case, disposable vapes are more expensive than refillable vapes, even though they look more affordable at first glance.

Spending more money on an expensive vape isn’t required, but offers a multitude of benefits:

• The most expensive vape kits are made with quality materials and designed to last a long time; buying one expensive vape that lasts for a long time is more cost-effective than buying multiple disposable or lower-end vapes.
• The tank in more expensive vape kits has greater capacity, which means they can hold more vape juice, and you don’t have to refill them as often. They are more convenient overall.
• Maintenance on high-quality vapes is generally easier than maintenance on lower-end vape kits.
• Expensive vapes typically provide a more customizable user experience (adjustable airflow, temperature controls, wattage, etc.), allowing you to choose your own settings.

Ask the experts at Vaper Chasers, your Virginia Beach vape shop, what brands they recommend based on your preferences and budget.

What Additional Costs are Associated with Vaping?

Understanding all of the costs associated with vaping can help you plan for expenses accordingly — and, if you’re transitioning from traditional tobacco products, calculate your savings!

With vaping, some of the additional costs you might incur above and beyond the device include:

• The cost of any pods you purchase, most pods/coils come in packs of 4-5, typically enough to last about 1 month. Depending on the brand and type of coil or pod being used, these packs on average range from $6-20.
• The charger adapter if it wasn’t included, which can start under $10 and run up to around $30, depending on the brand of the charging adapter you prefer (we always recommend a quality wall/charging adapter for vapor products)
• Charging cord – It is our opinion that vapes that include the charge cable typically include a low quality cable that should be replaced immediately. Quality cords range from $10-20 and should last about a year or more as long as they’re properly handled. Avoid using or handling your vape device while it’s plugged in order to prevent damage to the cable and/or charge connection found on the device itself.
• Cleaning supplies like cotton-tipped swabs and alcohol; cleaning your vape often can improve function and make it last longer.
• Any e-liquid when you don’t use a disposable vape; keep in mind that nicotine tax can drive up the cost of disposable vapes or e-liquids substantially depending on your state/locale. Virginia has a $0.066/ml tax, resulting in about $8 in nicotine tax on a 120ml bottle of e-liquid.

What Other Factors Affect the Cost of Vapes?

There is a myriad of factors that will affect the cost of vaping. The more you know about the investment required, the more educated decisions you’re able to make now when purchasing your device and planning ahead. Buying in-store gives you instant access to experts who can answer your questions about not only the cost and function of the products you’re looking at now but long-term cost and maintenance as well.

Frequency of Use

How often you vape will affect your overall investment. Those who vape more often will go through e-juice and coils more often. Using sweet e-liquids can also cause you to burn through coils more frequently (but coils are a relatively inexpensive accessory, so keep that in mind).

If you smoke now and you plan to use vaping as a way to quit smoking, you can expect to vape more when you first start, reducing the frequency of use over time. As a note, nicotine strength can also drive costs. Lower strength nicotine might be preferable for a number of reasons, but you’ll typically use more e-liquid with lower strengths than you do with higher strengths.

Accessories

Accessories will add to your total investment and include batteries ($10 – $12 each), pods or cartridges ($6 – $20 per pack), chargers ($5 – $30), wires/wicks (< $5), drip tips (< $5), and coils ($5 – $20 per pack). One thing to consider when settling on a specific brand of product is the popularity/availability. Brands like Vaporesso, Smok, Geekvape and UWell should be available at just about every vape shop in the country, while some niche brands may only be available at your local shop. If you’re somebody who is always on the go, this could be an important factor to consider.

Heating/Coils

Replacement coils need to be replaced as often as every couple of days for the heaviest users and every 3-4 weeks for the lightest users. Coils range from $5-$20 for a multipack.

Design

Design influences total cost as well; simple, sleek devices like vape pens and pod mods are generally less expensive than more artistic options like box mods. The fancier and more well built the device, the more you can expect to pay for it.

What are the Different Types of Vapes You Can Buy and Their Average Cost?

When you’re first getting started, the number of options available can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help explain the types of vapes available and the average cost of each. Regardless of the style of vape you choose, you will find that there are products in nearly every price range. You can find vape pens, disposable vapes, and pod mods within the same price range and can choose whether you want to spend $10 or invest in a higher-end device for more. Talk through the pros and cons with one of our experts if you’re unsure. Our sales staff do not work on commission and are encouraged to find what works for you specifically. We pride ourselves in our ability to cater a device to your specific wants and needs.

Cig-a-Likes and Pre-Filled Pods

Commonly referred to as e-cigarettes and vape pens – made by companies like Juul – Cig-A-Likes vapes are small, cylindrical, and refillable. They are a great option for new vapers and those looking for an electronic cigarette to replace smoking. They range from $10 to $30 and are more affordable overall than disposable vapes.

Disposable

Disposable vapes are often the best vape for those trying to replace tobacco products with vaping for the first time simply due to convenience and ease of use. When you buy a disposable vape, you use it until it stops hitting and then throw it away. Disposable vapes are convenient, so some people use them all the time, but they do cost significantly more than refillable vapes over time. Disposable vapes are typically around $10 – $25.

Pod Mods

Pod mods are sleek and well-designed; most consider them to be a step above vape pens and a step below box mods. Pod mods range from $20to $30.

Vape Mods

Vape mods are considered the most customizable and most advanced devices available. They start around $50 and go up from there.

How Much is a Vape Pen Starter Kit and What is Included?

When you first start vaping, the you have a variety of amazing choices available to you at Vapor Chasers. You might have some questions before starting. Which coils are compatible with my device? What else do I need to buy to begin vaping right away? These questions can be answered with the help of an associate at your local Vapor Chasers.

As a rule of thumb most starter kits come with everything you need: the device, the coil, the pod, the charging cable, and instructions. No matter which starter kit you buy, the only item you will need to purchase separately is e-liquid.

Starter kits generally don’t cost more than a device itself; they range from $20 – $100.

At Vapor Chasers, you don’t have to worry about vaping becoming a tremendous undertaking. Starting is actually quite easy with the help of our team. Visit our shop today and let us help you find a custom device suited just for you.

Are You Ready to Give Vaping a Shot?

Done searching ‘how much do vapes cost?’ and ready to get started? Visit the experts at Vapor Chasers in Virginia Beach, carrying vape brands like SMOK, GeekVape, UWell, Innokin, Vaporesso, and more. We can help you find the right devices, vape tanks, coils, e-liquids, and more to get started and ensure you leave with the accessories you need the first time.  You can also contact us online through our form or call (757) 321-9998 for more information!

We have locations in Hilltop, Kempsville, and Shore Drive for your convenience.