“How much is a vape?” is one of the most common questions people ask before making the switch from smoking — and it’s a fair one. Vaping is usually pitched as the cheaper alternative to cigarettes, but the actual cost depends a lot on what kind of device you go for. A disposable bar and a refillable kit sit at very different ends of the price scale, and the cheapest option upfront isn’t always the cheapest over time.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what you can expect to pay for vapes in Ireland in 2026, and how to work out which type gives you the best value.
Note: prices below are general guide ranges to help you compare device types. Always check the retailer’s current listings for exact, up-to-date pricing.
Disposable vapes
Disposable bars are the most popular entry point because they’re cheap to try and need zero setup — you puff straight out of the packet and bin it when it’s done. A single disposable bar typically lands in the lower price bracket, making it the cheapest individual purchase you can make.
The catch is that the cost adds up. If you’re getting through one every couple of days, those small individual prices accumulate quickly over a month. Disposables are brilliant for trying vaping or as a backup, but they’re rarely the cheapest way to vape long term. You can see the current range and pricing on the disposable vape bars page.
Prefilled pod kits
Pod kits are the natural step up from disposables. You buy a small rechargeable device once, then replace just the prefilled pods as you go. Brands like the Lost Mary Tappo were designed specifically to deliver the same flavours as a disposable at a noticeably lower running cost.
The maths is simple: the device is a one-off purchase, and each replacement pod usually costs less than buying a whole new disposable. For someone vaping daily, this is typically where the real savings begin. Browse the lost mary range to compare kit and pod pricing.
Refillable kits and e-liquid
If you want the lowest running cost of all, a refillable kit paired with bottled e-liquid is the way to go. Here you buy a reusable device and top it up yourself from a bottle of vape juice.
There’s a slightly higher upfront cost for the device, and a small learning curve, but the per-millilitre cost of bottled e-liquid is far lower than the equivalent in pods or disposables. A single 10ml bottle can replace several disposables, which is where heavier vapers save the most money over a year.
Vapes vs cigarettes: the cost comparison
The headline reason most people switch is cost, and the gap is significant. A pack-a-day smoker in Ireland is spending a substantial sum every week on cigarettes thanks to some of the highest tobacco taxes in Europe.
By comparison, even allowing for the upfront cost of a device, most vapers spend a fraction of that on pods or e-liquid. The exact saving depends on how much you vape and which system you choose — but for the vast majority of people making the switch, vaping works out considerably cheaper than smoking.
So what should you actually buy?
It comes down to how often you’ll vape:
- Just trying it out? A disposable bar is the cheapest way to dip your toe in.
- Vaping daily and want to save? A prefilled pod kit like the Tappo cuts your running costs while keeping things simple.
- Want the absolute lowest cost per puff? A refillable kit with bottled e-liquid wins over the long run.
The key thing to remember is that the cheapest device to buy and the cheapest device to run are often not the same thing. If you’re switching for good, it’s usually worth spending a little more upfront on a refillable or pod system to save more over the months that follow.
Buying vapes in Ireland
Buying from a dedicated Irish retailer means genuine products, a proper range to choose from, and nationwide delivery. The eCig Store stocks everything from disposable vape bars to refillable kits and a full range of vape juice, so you can pick the setup that matches both your budget and how you plan to vape.
Nicotine is an addictive substance. Vaping products are for adults aged 18 and over only. Prices are indicative and subject to change — check the retailer for current pricing.
