Every year, smoking weighs more and more heavily on smokers' budgets. The rise in cigarette prices has been a flagship measure of French public health policy for nearly 10 years. The price of manufactured tobacco products was indeed revised upward in January 2026. In this article, we offer you an objective comparison of the monthly cost of the e-cigarette versus tobacco.

The constantly rising cost of tobacco

In order to combat the ravages of tobacco, responsible for more than 75,000 deaths per year, the government is adopting deterrent measures to make access to these products increasingly costly. This policy also aims to encourage the French to reduce or even stop their consumption.

Today, a pack of Lucky Strike, Camel, Philip Morris or Winston costs 13 euros, and up to 13.50 euros for a pack of Marlboro. In 2010, the price of a pack of Lucky Strike was 5.40 euros, representing an increase of 140.74% over 15 years.

Tobacco prices are expected to continue rising, with the Minister of Health having stated his intention to set the price of a pack of 20 cigarettes at a minimum of 13 euros by 2027.

every little saving counts

The budget of smokers vs vapers

In order to establish a comparison between the monthly cost of the e-cigarette and that of the traditional cigarette, we have calculated the budget represented by cigarette consumption over one month and one year for all smoker profiles; and by contrast, the annual budget of a vaper. 

What is the monthly cost of cigarettes for a smoker? 

To carry out this analysis, we based our figures on the example of a pack of Marlboro Red, retailing at 13.50 euros in February 2026. It should be noted that this price is very likely to change in the coming months.

  • Occasional smoker: 2 to 3 cigarettes per day, i.e. 1 pack per week
    Expenditure: €58.50 per month, i.e. €702 per year
  • Moderate smoker: 10 cigarettes per day, i.e. 3 and a half packs per week
    Expenditure: €204.75 per month, i.e. €2,457 per year
  • Heavy smoker: 20 cigarettes per day, i.e. 7 packs per week
    Expenditure: €409.50 per month, i.e. €4,914 per year

What is the monthly cost of the e-cigarette for a vaper? 

A vaper must first invest in purchasing an e-cigarette. Depending on their needs and preferences, you should generally budget between €8 and €120 to acquire quality equipment.

To power their e-cigarette, the vaper must then purchase e-liquids. For reference, the unit price of a 10 ml e-liquid bottle ranges from €3 to €7, regardless of its nicotine content.

  • Occasional smoker : 2 to 4 x 10 ml e-liquid bottles per month
    Expenditure: from €6 to €28 per month, i.e. from €72 to €336 per year
  • Moderate smoker: 5 to 7 x 10 ml e-liquid bottles per month
    Expenditure: from €15 to €49 per month, i.e. from €180 to €588 per year
  • Heavy smoker : 7 to 9 x 10 ml e-liquid bottles per month
    Expenditure: from €21 to €63 per month, i.e. from €252 to €756 per year

savings cat

Long-term financial overview

In view of the results of both analyses, the vaper achieves an excellent return on investment by opting for the e-cigarette.

Savings made by a vaper

  • Occasional smoker : compared to the smoker, the vaper can save on average between €30.50 and €52.50 per month and between €366 and €630 per year;
  • Regular smoker: the savings made by the vaper range from €155.75 to €189.75 per month, i.e. between €1,869 and €2,277 per year compared to the smoker;
  • Heavy smoker: a smoker can save between €346.50 and €388.50 per month and between €4,158 and €4,662 per year by choosing vaping.

big savings cat

What are you waiting for to switch to vaping?

As you will have understood, vaping is a far more economical option than manufactured tobacco products. Indeed, the monthly cost of the e-cigarette is one of the main motivations for smokers who give up traditional cigarettes in favour of vaping. Although vaping represents an investment to purchase an e-cigarette and e-liquids, the medium to long-term costs are much lower than buying cigarettes.

Beyond the savings, this transition from tobacco to vaping is also a matter of health. Today, the e-cigarette is among the most effective means of quitting tobacco consumption. 

The e-cigarette generates, among other things, tar and carbon monoxide, two substances harmful to the human body. Moreover, vaping allows for a gradual reduction in nicotine consumption, thus facilitating withdrawal.

Le Vapoteur Discount supports you in quitting cigarettes

Firmly committed to working towards a tobacco-free world, Le Vapoteur Discount is by your side to help you quit smoking. Find the most popular e-cigarette kits and a range of thousands of e-liquids made in France in our catalogue. In addition to offering a wide range of options, we provide special deals to access the highest quality products at affordable prices.

To take your first steps with the e-cigarette, here are the products we recommend:

The Vaporesso Luxe XR Max Kit

The Vaporesso Luxe XR Max Kit, crowned best pod at VapExpo 2024, is equipped with a built-in 2,800 mAh battery. Offering a maximum power of 80W, it represents an ideal choice for beginners wishing to discover vaping effectively. Its futuristic design, compactness and ergonomics are enhanced by a practical LED screen. In addition, its spacious cartridge allows you to fill up to 5 ml of your favourite e-liquid.

E-cigarette cost per month vs tobacco: prices in 2026

I want my kit to quit smoking!

A classic or fruity e-liquid from Le Vapoteur Discount

To start with the e-cigarette, it is often recommended to opt for a classic-flavoured e-liquid, which replicates the experience of a traditional cigarette. This allows the new vaper to rediscover familiar sensations while discovering vaping. Classic blonde lovers will appreciate references such as the Le TB USA e-liquid or the TB Virginie from Le Vapoteur Discount. These e-liquids, composed of 50% Propylene Glycol and 50% Vegetable Glycerin (50/50 PG/VG), are available in several nicotine strengths (0 mg, 3 mg, 6 mg, 12 mg and 18 mg) to support tobacco withdrawal. If you prefer something more original, the Fruits Rouges Le Vapoteur Discount e-liquid, combining strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and blackberry, might be just what you are looking for.

E-cigarette cost per month vs tobacco: prices in 2026

I want my e-liquid to say goodbye to tobacco!

E-cigarette cost per month vs tobacco: prices in 2026

I want my red fruit flavour e-liquid!

Published : 2026-01-05
Profile de Morgan Morgan 2026-01-05
Je suis Morgan Vieville, PDG et Fondateur du Vapoteur Discount. Depuis sa création en 2018, LVD œuvre pour un monde sans tabac et permet à des ce [...]
Morgan

About the author

Morgan

Je suis Morgan Vieville, PDG et Fondateur du Vapoteur Discount. Depuis sa création en 2018, LVD œuvre pour un monde sans tabac et permet à des ce [...]

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