04 / FOR ADULT SMOKERS CONSIDERING SWITCHING
The real annual cost of switching.
The NHS recommends vaping as a cessation tool for adult smokers. See the numbers — even after the new vape tax kicks in.
⚕ NHS-recommended cessation tool
-95%
UK average: ~13/day. Pack-a-day: 20/day.
UK avg premium pack 2026: £15–17.
Typical switcher: 20–50 ml/week of 10–20mg nic-salt.
Sources: HMRC tobacco & vaping duties · NHS Stop Smoking · PHE 2015 evidence review.
Cigarettes
Continuing to smoke
£0
per year
Per day£0
Per month£0
Per pack£0
Vapes
After Oct 1, 2026 (incl. VPD)
£0
per year
Per day£0
Per month£0
incl. VPD tax£0/yr
Annual savings by switching
£0
Even with the new vape tax, switching still saves significantly.
Relative harm — NHS / PHE position
Public Health England 2015 evidence review (cited by NHS): vaping is estimated around 95% less harmful than smoking.
Smoking — 100% (reference)
Vaping — ~5% relative harm
Vaping is not risk-free. Figure is an estimate based on toxin-exposure modelling for adult smokers.
Want NHS-backed quitting help?
NHS Stop Smoking Service offers free vape support, counselling, NRT.