We composed a guide for you that contains:
- A Price Calculator
- 5 Worldwide Tattoo Cost Examples
- 4 Price Tables Based on Different Criteria
- Several Extra Tips
We include how much you’ll spend even with aftercare products, which no other guide ever mentions.
Quick Price Calculator
How much does a tattoo cost?
Get an estimation based on the profile of your tattoo and tattoo artist.
Practical Examples
Nothing better than seeing to believing. So here are some examples of tattoos with information about their price, location, detail and information about the artist.
This will help you better understand how different tattoo jobs are priced.
Dotwork and Fineline - 1600$ - USA
Tattoo done in Phoenix, Arizona, by an experienced artist. Session lasted about 9 hours and the tattoo boasts a lot of attention to detail.
Lettering Blackwork - 50$ - Poland
Tattoo was done in Krakow, Poland, by a starting artist. The session lasted about 1 hour and the tattoo was simple and quick.
Abstract Black & Grey - 300$ - Brazil
Tattoo done in Florianópolis, Brazil, by an established artist. Session lasted about 5 hours and required a lot of shading.
Abstract Neo Traditional - 600$ - UK
Tattoo done in London, UK, by an experienced artist. It lasted 2 sessions of about 5 hours and required a lot of attention to detail.
Microrealism - 950$ - France
Tattoo done in Paris, France, by an experienced artist. Session lasted about 10 hours and was done using several techniques.
Price Tables
Average Tattoo Costs Per Size
| Size | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tiny (Minimal) | $135 |
| Small (< 5cm / 2") | $165 |
| Medium (Up to 10cm / 4") | $490 |
| Large Standalone (Up to 20cm / 8") | $810 |
| Half Sleeve | $970 |
| Full Sleeve | $1.300 |
| Full Back | $3.300 |
Tattoo artists often charge based on the time it takes to complete a piece, so naturally larger tattoos require more time and dedication to complete. The table above estimates the same drawing in different sizes.
An intricate design with fine details will demand more time and will impact the price significantly. Of course in some cases a small tattoo can be more expensive than a sleeve - it all depends on the context.
Average Tattoo Costs Per Artist Level
| Artist Level | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Starting Out | $120 - $250 |
| Apprentice | $170 - $320 |
| Established | $280 - $400 |
| Experienced | $380 - $550 |
| Popular (>50k IG followers) | $550 - $800 |
| World's Top (>200k IG followers) | $1200 - $1500 |
Highly skilled and experienced artists often charge more for their work, reflecting the quality and craftsmanship they bring to the table.
Before settling on an artist, take the time to review their portfolio, read client reviews, and ensure their style aligns with your vision.
If you go to a studio, remember that it will not be the studio putting ink on your skin, it will be an artist, so you should know specifically who you want to work with.
Average Tattoo Costs Per Region
| City | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, USA | $530 |
| New York, USA | $500 |
| Los Angeles, USA | $440 |
| Sydney, Australia | $430 |
| Washington, USA | $420 |
| Oslo, Norway | $390 |
| Dallas, USA | $390 |
| Denver, USA | $350 |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | $350 |
| Berlin, Germany | $330 |
| Paris, France | $320 |
| Dublin, Ireland | $320 |
| Tokyo, Japan | $320 |
| London, UK | $270 |
| Stockholm, Sweden | $270 |
| Madrid, Spain | $240 |
| Rome, Italy | $235 |
| Warsaw, Poland | $155 |
| Lisbon, Portugal | $150 |
| São Paulo, Brazil | $80 |
| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | $75 |
The biggest impact on price is the hourly rate charged by the artist.
The table above refers to about 3 hours of work from an artist in each of the location.
Please consider that if it's not a walk-in, many artists will add the hours dedicated to meeting with you and designing your piece.
Other Elements to Consider
Aftercare Products
The costs don't stop when the needle stops.
Ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of your new ink involves proper aftercare.
While aftercare is not a direct part of the tattoo creation process, it's an essential step in maintaining the health of your skin and preserving the quality of the tattoo.
| AFTERCARE PRODUCT | AVERAGE COST (USD) |
|---|---|
| Antimicrobial Soap | $15 |
| Tattoo Balm | $20 |
| Tattoo Lotion | $16 |
If you need a guide for aftercare, here's what you should do.
Tattoo Shop Location
The geographical location of the tattoo studio can influence pricing.
In urban areas with a higher cost of living, tattoo shops may charge more to cover overhead expenses such as rent, utilities, and other operational costs.
For instance, in Europe, every tattoo parlor located in a city center will be significantly more expensive than a parlor in the outskirts of the city.
Consider researching different studios in your area and nearby cities to get an idea of the price range.
Color vs. Black & Gray
The choice between color and black and gray tattoos can also impact the cost.
Color tattoos often require more time, material and skill, as well as a broader range of ink colors. Simply changing between colors is time consuming and will require more time from the tattoo artist.
Consultation and Customization
Some artists charge for consultation and customization services.
If you require a unique design tailored to your preferences, be prepared to cover the artist's time and effort spent on creating and refining the artwork before the actual tattooing process begins.
Tipping
Tipping applies only in the USA and other anglophone countries where it is customary. In most countries in Europe it will not be part of the equation.
In addition, tipping in the tattoo industry is not mandatory. It is also not always expected but it's always appreciated:
- If you feel that the artist went above and beyond, we suggest tipping around 20% to 25%.
- If the work was well done and respectful, around 10% to 20%.
- If it was ok and uneventful, a 10% tip will suffice.
Golden Tips
- If you're getting a tattoo in the US, make sure to verify all possible additional costs such as added tax and expected tip
- Investing in a tattoo you'll love for the rest of your life is way cheaper than saving a few bucks - cover-ups are always more expensive than what they're covering
- Tattoos are a lifetime art commitment - invest proportionally to it's exposure on your body!
- The most expensive and painful part of a tattoo's lifecycle is the laser removal - make sure you won't ever need it!
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