Stopping smoking does not have to be expensive – there are even good free services. Anyone who also gets support pays between around €20 and €800, depending on the method. Here you will find all the common methods with their costs, the effort involved and an honest assessment of the evidence – including for our own method.
The costs at a glance
- Rauchfrei Telefonfree of charge
- ÖGK nicotine-free coursefree of charge
- E-cigarette (starter kit)approx. €20–50 + ongoing costs
- Nicotine replacement, 8–12 weeksapprox. €150–350
- Bioresonance at Bio Rauch Stopp€180 or €250 (Plus)
- Soft laser at other providersapprox. €200–240
- Hypnosis, 2–4 sessionsapprox. €250–460
- Acupuncture, 5–10 sessionsapprox. €300–800
For comparison: 2 months of smoking (20 a day) ≈ €430
Guide values for Vienna, as at September 2026. The bars show the usual price range. Prescription medication is not shown, because the costs depend on the preparation and the doctor's prescription.
All methods in detail
| Method | Costs (guide value) | Effort | Who pays? | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rauchfrei Telefon | free of charge | several telephone conversations | free of charge (social insurance) | well proven |
| ÖGK nicotine-free course | free of charge | 6 weeks, group or online | free of charge for insured persons | well proven |
| Nicotine replacement (patches, gum) | approx. €150–350 | 8–12 weeks, daily | Paid by you | well proven |
| Medication (e.g. bupropion) | depending on the preparation | approx. 7–12 weeks, medical supervision | prescription only – clarify with your doctor | well proven |
| E-cigarette | approx. €20–50 + ongoing | ongoing | Paid by you | partly proven, dependence remains |
| Hypnosis | approx. €250–460 | 2–4 sessions | Paid by you | not sufficiently proven |
| Acupuncture | approx. €60–80 per session | 5–10 sessions | Paid by you, possibly supplementary insurance | not sufficiently proven |
| Soft laser (laser acupuncture) | approx. €200–240 | usually 1 session | Paid by you | not sufficiently proven |
| Bioresonance (Bio Rauch Stopp) | €180 / €250 (Plus) | usually 1 session, approx. 70 min. | Paid by you | not proven |
The evidence is assessed on the basis of systematic reviews (including Cochrane Reviews). Prices: published prices from providers in Vienna and from online pharmacies, as at September 2026 – guide values, no guarantee.
Free support in Austria
The Rauchfrei Telefon offers you advice on 0800 810 013 (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) free of charge, anonymously and, if you wish, over several conversations. In addition, the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) offers free nicotine-free courses: six weeks, led by psychologists, on site or online. Both are well supported by scientific evidence and can be combined with any other method.
Nicotine replacement & medication
Nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are available over the counter at pharmacies. A patch costs around €3.50–4 depending on the strength and the pack, and a pack of 105 pieces of chewing gum around €20–25. For a typical course over 8–12 weeks you should reckon with about €150–350. As a rule you bear the costs yourself.
Prescription medication such as bupropion is only used on a doctor's prescription and under medical supervision. Varenicline is approved in Austria, but according to the Rauchfrei Telefon it is currently not available in pharmacies. It is best to discuss costs and reimbursement with your doctor.
Hypnosis, acupuncture & laser
Hypnosis: Providers in Vienna usually charge around €250–460 for a programme of 2–4 sessions. Acupuncture: With doctors a session usually costs €60–80; 5–10 sessions are often recommended, so about €300–800 in total. Soft laser: At specialised providers, the laser application at acupuncture points usually costs around €200–240 for one session.
For all three methods, effectiveness is not sufficiently proven scientifically. Many people nevertheless find them a helpful impulse. Look for transparent prices and for what is included in the package – a follow-up treatment, for example.
Bioresonance at Bio Rauch Stopp
We say it openly: the effectiveness of bioresonance is not scientifically proven. Our clients value the calm, personal support, a fixed stop-smoking day and a clear plan for the first weeks. The preliminary talk by telephone is free of charge – you decide only afterwards.
All prices & servicesWeigh it up: What does carrying on smoking cost?
At around €7.20 per pack (20 cigarettes), the sum is quickly done:
Most methods therefore cost less than one to two months of carrying on smoking. Your personal figure – and what you could afford with it – is shown by the Smoke-free calculator.
What to look for when it comes to prices
- Transparency: Reputable providers state their prices openly – before the appointment.
- Scope of services: Is a follow-up treatment or a top-up included? How long does the session last?
- No guarantee of success: Promises such as “100 % smoke-free” or “money back” are not reputable with any method.
- Combine: Free counselling can be combined with any method and improves your chances.
Frequently asked questions
Does health insurance pay for smoking cessation?
In Austria the Rauchfrei Telefon (0800 810 013) and the ÖGK's nicotine-free courses are free of charge. Nicotine replacement, hypnosis, acupuncture, laser and bioresonance are as a rule paid for by you. Whether and how much is covered for prescription medication is best clarified with your doctor and your health insurance fund.
What is the cheapest way to stop smoking?
The free services: telephone counselling from the Rauchfrei Telefon and the ÖGK courses. They are well supported by scientific evidence and can be combined with other methods.
Why do prices for hypnosis, laser and acupuncture differ so much?
Prices depend on the number and length of the sessions, on follow-up treatments included in the package and on the qualifications of the provider. So do not compare only the price, but also exactly what is included.
Is paid smoking cessation worth it?
Anyone who smokes 20 cigarettes a day spends around €216 a month on cigarettes. Most methods therefore cost less than one to two months of carrying on smoking. What is decisive is that you choose a method with which you really see your stop-smoking plan through.
What does smoking cessation at Bio Rauch Stopp cost?
Stop Smoking Basic costs €180, Stop Smoking Plus with an additional soft laser application and one top-up within 3 months costs €250, and a top-up costs €65. The preliminary talk by telephone is free of charge.
This guide provides general information and is no substitute for medical advice. All prices are guide values without guarantee (as at September 2026). In Austria, free and scientifically sound counselling is available from the Rauchfrei Telefon on 0800 810 013.