Vaping Vs. Smoking in Canada: Which is Cheaper in 2022?

Vaping Vs. Smoking in Canada: Which is Cheaper in 2022?

For many ex-cigarette smokers, making the switch to vaping came with the added benefit of extra savings. The new excise tax, which was introduced in October 2022 by the Canadian Government, has caused concern that price increases will mean vaping will no longer be the more economical option. This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of vaping compared to the cost of smoking in Canada. Before we compare, let’s look at what the tax is and how it affects the vaping industry. 

The Excise Tax

In July 2022, The Canadian Government announced a federal vaping tax coming into effect October 1, 2022. The tax applies to all imported or domestic vaping products intended for use in Canada, including e-liquid bottles, pre-filled pods, and disposable vapes. The tax is applied on a per millilitre basis, at a rate of $1 per every 2ml for the first 10ml, and then $1 per every 10ml thereafter. 

Cost Break Down

Cigarettes in Canada

The average price for a pack of cigarettes varies across Canada, with cigarettes being cheapest in Quebec and most expensive in Newfoundland. However, the average price for a 20 pack of cigarettes in Canada is $13.91, as of April 2022. Meaning, a pack-a-day smoker would spend approximately $5,077.15 per year. In Quebec, with the cheapest average price of $10.65, the yearly cost would be $3,887.25. Comparatively, in Newfoundland, the yearly cost would be $5,734.15.

Vaping in Canada

The vaping industry offers a wide range of vaping products at varying price points. However, for simplicity and accuracy, we will look at three of the most popular vaping options, disposables, pods, and traditional e-liquid.

Disposable Vapes

Starting with the most expensive option on our list, disposable vapes are prefilled devices, designed for one-time use. Disposables range in size, strength and price but typically run from $14 to $22 and last an average1600 puffs, or approximately three days. Excise tax on a disposable vape would range from $2 to $5 dollars depending on the size. As a result, the average price of a disposable vape is approximately $21. Yearly spending would be $2,555, if repurchasing a new disposable vape every 3 days. Meaning, on average, switching from cigarettes will save $2,522 yearly. Even in the province with the cheapest cigarette prices, that’s a savings of over 34%.

Pod Systems

Over the past few years, pod systems have become very popular among vapers due to their simplicity and convenience. Unlike disposables, pod systems have a rechargeable battery and can be reused. Most pod systems use pre-filled pod cartridges that can be easily swapped out when empty. Meaning, pod system users must purchase a vape pen and refillable pods. Vape pens typically range from $15 to $20 and last an average of 3 months. Pod cartridges are typically sold in packs of three priced at $18 on average. Assuming a usage rate of one cartridge a day, and pen replacement every three months, the yearly total would be $2,260. Meaning, average yearly savings would be $2,817.15, or 55.5%.

E-liquid 

Traditional e-liquids are usually available in four sizes, 10ml, 30ml, 60ml, and 120ml and e-liquid pricing will depend on brand, size and strength. As explained above, the excise tax is applied on a per millilitre basis with the first ten millilitres being taxed the most. Therefore, opting for a larger quantity bottle will save more money in the long run. A 120ml bottle is typically priced around $65. Assuming a usage rate of 5ml per day, a 120ml bottle will last 24 days. A device with a refillable tank will also be required. On average a starter kit costs approximately $60. With proper maintenance a starter kit can be expected to last up to a year. Additionally, the coil must be replaced every two months, with an average replacement cost of $3.50. Adding up all the expenses above, the average yearly cost of vaping traditional e-liquid is $1070. Meaning, switching from cigarettes to traditional e-liquid will save over $4,000 yearly.

Conclusion

Even with the implementation of the new excise tax, vaping continues to be the more affordable option. Along with the financial motivations, there are many other reasons to consider switching from cigarettes. If you are interested in making the change, you can check out our guide on The Best Vaping Options for Heavy Smokers.

1 Response

Robert Bailet

Jan 22, 2023

Excise tax is bullshit and gonna push a lot of ex-smokers like myself back to cigs because when the govt first started using their over reach to police our freedoms and make cigs ridiculously expensive, everyone just started buying indian reserve cigs which are $25 a carton which at about a pack a day lasts roughly a week, now compared to vaping I go through one of those 100-120ml bottles in about a week and in Canada costs $30 even before this stupid excise tax but again being a smart consumer and knowning us Canadians always getting the shaft you can import from the states at the reasonable price of half ($8-$12us a bottle) but the US just had their own stupid vaping act which killed 95% of shops that would import over here and the couple that remained shipping is exorbitant but still with enough quantity per order it still works out to a bit cheaper than smoking but nope after this stupid proposed flavor ban we got attacked with then they through the excise tax on us. Im really sick of the government, forced back to smoking it seems

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