In the ongoing global public health debate, the conversation around smoking and vaping is often dominated by health risks and harm reduction potential. However, a crucial, tangible factor influencing user behavior is cost. Both smoking traditional cigarettes and using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), or vapes, impose significant financial burdens on individuals and societies. These costs extend far beyond the retail price of a pack of cigarettes or a disposable vape, encompassing massive healthcare expenditures, lost productivity, and long-term economic strain. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of the costs of smoking versus vaping in 2025, drawing on global retail price data, public health economic models, and reports from leading institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO), Statista, and UCSF. We’ll explore what you pay at the store, the hidden societal costs, and ultimately, which habit is more expensive for the individual, the taxpayer, and the global economy.