Is Vaping Cheaper Than Smoking in South Africa?

Cigarettes are expensive and the price increases every Budget. Here’s an honest cost comparison between smoking and vaping in South Africa, using real rand figures based on products available at Krem Vape Studio.

What cigarettes cost per month

At roughly R55–R65 per pack of 20, a pack-a-day smoker spends R1 650–R1 950 per month on cigarettes alone. A half-a-pack-a-day habit is still R825–R975/month. These numbers only go up with each annual excise increase.

What vaping costs per month

The main ongoing cost of vaping is e-liquid and replacement pods. Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a pod system user:

E-liquid consumption depends on how much you vape. A moderate user typically goes through one 30ml bottle every 10–14 days — that’s 2–3 bottles per month. A heavy user may go through more. Even at the higher end, a pack-a-day smoker who switches to vaping typically saves R500–R1 500 per month depending on their consumption.

What about the starter device?

A quality pod system from Krem Vape Studio ranges from R280 (OXVA Xlim Go) to R579 (OXVA Xlim Pro 3). This is a one-time cost — the device itself lasts months to years if looked after. Most people recover the device cost within the first month of switching.

Disposable vs reusable vapes on cost

Disposable vapes (R150–R300 each) are more convenient but more expensive per puff than a reusable pod system with bottled e-liquid. If you’re buying disposables every few days, your monthly spend can match or exceed a smoking habit. For real savings, a reusable device with e-liquid is the better value.

The bottom line

For most people switching from a pack-a-day habit, vaping results in meaningful savings from month one. The heavier the smoking habit, the larger the saving. The only upfront cost is the device, which pays for itself quickly.

Browse starter kits at kremvape.co.za.

For adult use only (18+). Contains nicotine — an addictive substance.