Addiction Cost Calculator

See the true financial impact of your habit — from daily costs to lifetime totals, plus what that money could be worth if invested instead.

Substance / Habit

Frequency

Cost Per Use ($)

Your Age

Why This Matters

Most people dramatically underestimate how much they spend on addictive substances and behaviors. A "few drinks a week" can easily cost $200/month. A pack-a-day smoking habit costs over $3,000/year in most states. Daily vaping runs $1,000-$2,000 annually.

But the direct cost is just the beginning. Hidden costs include higher health insurance premiums, more frequent medical visits, lost productivity, relationship strain, and reduced quality of life. When you add it all up, the true cost of addiction is often 2-3x the direct spending.

The most powerful number in this calculator is the "invested instead" figure. Money spent on addictive habits is money that could be growing. At a 7% annual return, $200/month invested instead of spent on alcohol becomes over $120,000 in 20 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What substances does this calculator cover?

This calculator covers alcohol, cigarettes, vaping/e-cigarettes, cannabis, gambling, fast food/junk food, energy drinks, and custom items. Each has preset average costs that you can customize.

How is the lifetime cost calculated?

Lifetime cost assumes continued spending at your current rate, adjusted for your age. It projects from your current age to age 80 and includes a simple compound calculation showing what that money could be worth if invested instead.

Are medical costs included?

The base calculation covers direct spending only. However, we show estimated health-related costs (increased insurance premiums, medical expenses) as a separate "hidden costs" section based on published research data.