Three forces have reshaped the disposable vs refillable cost equation in 2026:
1. Vape taxes have spread to 35 states. As of 2026, 35 states plus DC and Puerto Rico levy excise taxes on vape products, up from 31 in mid-2024. Washington's excise tax reached 95% on January 1, 2026, effectively doubling the retail price of disposables. South Carolina enacted its first state vape tax effective October 2026. These taxes apply disproportionately to disposables because they are taxed per unit rather than per milliliter of e-liquid.
2. Disposable bans are spreading. California's AB762 banned the sale of disposable nicotine vapes. New York restricts flavored nicotine vapes to tobacco flavor only. Over 14 states have PMTA registry laws that restrict which products can legally be sold, disproportionately affecting disposable brands that lack FDA authorization. For vapers in these states, refillable systems are increasingly the only legal option.
3. Supply chain costs are rising. China's cancellation of vape export VAT rebates, effective April 1, 2026, increased manufacturing costs for disposable devices. Since most disposable vapes are manufactured in Shenzhen and exported to the US, this policy change added an estimated 8-12% to wholesale costs — costs passed on to consumers.
The result: disposable vape prices have risen 15-25% since 2024, while refillable pod system prices have remained stable or decreased slightly due to market competition. For a comparison of the best refillable options, see our best refillable pod vapes 2026 comparison.
