Is vaping still cheaper than smoking in Canada in 2025?

A comprehensive breakdown of the cost of vaping vs. the cost of smoking in Canada

In recent years, the Canadian government has taken significant steps to regulate vaping and smoking through excise taxes and other public health policies. With the updated federal vaping excise tax introduced in 2024 and matched by several provinces in 2025, many Canadians are wondering: Is vaping still cheaper than smoking in 2025?

The short answer is. Yes, without question, vaping is cheaper than smoking in Canada.

The detailed answer is broken down below:

Smoking Costs in Canada (2025)

Cigarette prices in Canada have continued to rise in 2025, primarily due to ongoing federal and provincial taxation aimed at curbing tobacco use. The average retail price of a single pack of cigarettes now sits at approximately $19, although this can vary significantly by province:

• Quebec: $17.50/pack → $5,277/year
• Ontario: ~$19.00/pack → $6,935/year
• British Columbia: ~$21.00/pack → $7,665/year

Assuming a pack-a-day habit, a Canadian smoker in 2025 can expect to spend between $5,200 and $7,700 annually on cigarettes.

The Updated Vaping Excise Tax (2025)

In 2024, Canada revised its federal vaping excise tax rates. These new rates now apply to all e-liquid products, whether in bottled form, disposable vapes, or prefilled pods:

• $1.12 per 2 mL (or gram) for the first 10 mL
• $1.12 per additional 10 mL beyond the first 10 mL

Participating provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, PEI, and New Brunswick match the federal tax, effectively doubling the total excise duty on vaping products in those regions.

Despite these tax increases, vaping still offers a significantly more cost-effective alternative to smoking. Here’s how.

Cost of Vaping in Canada, 2025

Vaping comes in three primary formats, each with its own cost structure. We’ll examine all three:

1. Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes are prefilled and ready to use. These devices typically provide around 1,600 puffs and last most users 3–4 days. The average cost per device is $19.50, with excise taxes already included in the shelf price.

• Daily cost: ~$4.87
• Annual cost: ~$1,777

Although the most expensive of all vaping formats, disposables are still over 70% cheaper than daily cigarette smoking.

2. Pod Systems (Prefilled Pods)

Pod systems such as STLTH or Allo Sync use replaceable prefilled pods and a reusable device. These are popular for their convenience and mid-range pricing.

• Device cost: ~$15 (replaced every 3 months)
• Pods: 3-pack for $17.99, each lasting about a day
• Daily cost (device + pod): ~$3.16
• Annual cost: ~$1,155

Even with excise taxes applied, pod systems are about 83% less expensive than smoking cigarettes.

3. Refillable Devices with Bottled E-Liquid

This is the most budget-friendly vaping option and is typically used by more experienced vapers. Users refill their tanks manually using bottled e-liquid and replace coils periodically.

• Starter kit cost: $60 (amortized over 1 year)
• Coils: 2 per month @ $3.60 each → $0.24/day
• E-liquid: $65.99 per 120 mL bottle, used at ~5 mL/day
  • Daily e-liquid cost: ~$2.75
  • Excise tax per bottle: ~$71.68 (federal + provincial)
• Daily total cost: ~$3.15
• Annual cost: ~$1,150

Refillable systems deliver the highest cost savings, up to 83% cheaper than smoking.

Comparison Table: Smoking vs. Vaping Costs in 2025

Final Verdict: Vaping Remains the Cheaper Option

Even with the doubled federal-provincial excise taxes in 2025, vaping is still significantly cheaper than smoking in Canada. While the cost of all nicotine products has risen, the relative affordability of vaping remains unchanged.

• Disposables offer convenience but at a higher daily cost.
• Pod systems strike a balance between ease and affordability.
• Refillable systems are the best choice for long-term savings.

For Canadians seeking to reduce expenses and minimize health risks, switching from cigarettes to vaping remains a financially prudent decision in 2025.

Tips to Stretch Out Your Vape Dollars

Don’t Use Disposables as Your Main Vape

We get it – disposables are easy, quick and consistent. But long term, they will cost you much more than using a kit that you fill up with e-liquid yourself. A disposable vape with about 10ml of e-liquid will run you $20-$25, which is about 4-5x more than buying the e-liquid separately, which costs $5.83 for 10ml.

Vaping with Canada Vapes E-liquid and Kits will always be cheaper than pre-filled pods or disposable vapes – a lot cheaper!

We offer e-liquid in FreeBase, Nic Salts and High VG so no matter what your vaping needs are, we have you covered! We have over 100 unique flavors and many nicotine strength options to take advantage of..

Buy Your E-liquid In Larger Bottles

Bigger bottles save money – 120ml bottles are about 18% savings vs. 60ml bottles, and they often go on sale, so you can save even more.

Lower Your Vape Wattage For Longer-lasting E-liquid

Coils and pods with higher wattages reduce how much liquid you will use, and will make your e-liquid last much longer. Consider the Smok Nord 5 pod system, kits or the Caliburn G2 kits that work best with our freebase e-liquid (add links)

Keep Your Eye Out For Our Monthly Promotions!

Make sure you are on our mailing list (add link to mailing list) as we regularly discount our e-liquid through monthly promotions.

Check out the Clearance Section – we often have discounted slower selling e-liquids in our clearance section for up to 50% off!

Refer a friend Canada Vapes for a half-price bottle of e-liquid!

Need help switching?

Explore Canada Vapes for budget-friendly vaping kits, premium Canadian e-liquid, and expert customer support.

If you have any questions, our expert award-winning customer support experts are always available to talk, email or text. Just reach out at 1-844-286-VAPE, or email support@canadavpes.com anytime.