How Much Do Tattoos Cost?

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I wish I could answer this question for you in a single sentence. But in reality, the cost of a tattoo depends on a variety of factors that make it impossible to give you a simple, one-figure answer. Tattoos can range in price from $50 to $10,000, so yeah, you’re going to want to do some research early on to know if you can afford that tattoo you’ve been dreaming about.

In this article you can see a detailed breakdown of typical tattoo prices in 2025 based on a variety of factors, including tattoo size and placement, artist location and experience, and aftercare. These should give you a decent guide on what you can expect to pay.

However, if you want to get a fast and clear estimate of how much your tattoo may cost, use our tattoo cost calculator. It’s in intuitive tool that gives you an estimated price after you provide some details about your desired tattoo and artist.

But if you’re not yet sure on all those details yet, feel free to read through this article to gain a deeper understanding of what may influence your tattoo’s cost.

What Can Change How Much a Tattoo Costs?

There are numerous elements that go into the eventual price of a tattoo. Depending on what kind of tattoo you’re getting, you’ll need to consider most or even all of these when it comes to pricing. Your tattoo artist will also likely take these into account.

1. Artist Experience & Location

Like any specialist, your tattoo artist’s skill level will greatly change their rate. New and up-and-coming tattoo artists typically charge a lot less than experienced or well-known artists.

And if you want to go to someone who’s Instagram famous? Whew! You might be paying a lot more than most. High demand drives a premium price but when it comes to permanent ink on your body, talent and reliability go a long way.

Location also plays a big role in a tattoo’s cost. Tattoo artists in bigger, more expensive cities will often charge more than those in smaller towns. So if you’re in New York City, you might be paying just as much for an inexperienced artist than someone paying for an experienced one in say, Statesboro, Georgia.

2. Hourly or Flat Day Rate

Does your tattoo artist charge an hourly rate or a flat day rate? It will probably depend on how much time they expect your tattoo to take.

Smaller, less intricate tattoos are generally charged at an hourly rate these days. You can still find places that do flat rates for pre-designed tats on the wall, but they’re rarer. Most tattooists will charge an hourly rate, especially if you get a tailored design.

If your tattoo artist thinks your tattoo is going to take five hours or longer, they will usually charge a flat day rate. You can expect this if you’re wanting to get a large and/or intricate tattoo with a lot of colors. Day rates can often be more expensive than hourly rates as the artist is unable to work on other people for longer and is also using more ink and skill.

3. Time Required for Tattooing

Obviously the longer your tattoo takes, the more it’s going to cost. This could be calculated by the hours, days or sessions. You’ll need to discuss this with your tattoo artist beforehand, so you have a clear idea of what you’re in for, both in terms of time and cost.

4. Tattoo Style

The complexity of the design will change things. Simple styles will generally cost less than intricate designs with a lot of colors and fine lines. Let’s say you want detailed shading, multiple colors and needles and fine lines. That’s going to be in the upper end of style costs. However, if you just want a quick and simple single needle tattoo, your cost will be lower.

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5. Original vs Pre-Existing Design

Another element to consider is whether you want to commission an original design from your artist or have them tattoo a pre-existing design. If they’re going to spend time on a new tattoo design for you, they’re going to charge for that time and work. So opting for a design they’ve already created can be a great way to cut the cost of a tattoo.  

6. Tattoo Size

The size is another major determinant of tattoo prices. A small tattoo won’t cost as much, unless it’s so small it requires special tools, like a micro-needle. Whereas larger tattoos that require a lot more time will demand a higher price.

7. Body Placement

Most areas on your body will usually have the same price. However, it’s the more sensitive or harder to reach places that may raise the cost a bit.

If your tattoo placement is going to increase the difficulty, it’s going to increase the price. So body parts like your hands and feet may cost more. Genital tattoos can also cost more because of the higher level of expertise, longer session time and dedicated tattoo shop spaces for privacy.

8. Minimum Cost

Does your tattoo shop charge a minimum fee for tattoos before you even get into design and style? It’s pretty common these days, as it allows a tattoo parlor to ensure their artists are fairly compensated for their craft. However, it can also increase the cost slightly if you’re already starting at $50 before you decide what tattoo you want.

Price Ranges for Tattoos Depending on Specific Elements

It’s all well and good to know about the different elements that can alter the cost of your tattoo. However, it still doesn’t tells us how much you can expect to pay. Truth is, this value is going to change, if only because of inflation, so the figures I’ve included in the tables below should only be taken as a guide.

These might help you figure out what tattoo you can afford before you get into planning. Because the last thing you want to do is spend time and energy dreaming up a tattoo only to realize it’s too expensive. I can hopefully save you from that. And when you’re ready to design your tattoo, take a look at our free-to-try AI tattoo generator. It’s a great tool for getting tattoo ideas.  

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Estimated Tattoo Prices by Size

As I’ve mentioned above, size plays a big role in your overall cost. If you’re just starting your tattoo journey, it’s usually a safe bet to go for a small tattoo. It’s a smaller commitment in terms of both your body and cost.

The price ranges listed below are also dependent on the other factors listed above. They’ll give you a good starting point for estimating your budget for your first or next tattoo, especially if you know what size you want. They can also help you decide which size you can afford.

A sleeve tattoo can be one of the more expensive options out there. You can make it more affordable by option for a half sleeve tattoo, but even that can be around $1,000 or more. A full-sleeve tattoo can be anywhere upwards of $1,300 or $3,000 or more. Tiny tattoos are a great starting point and medium tattoos can be a good mid-range for budgets.

Estimated Tattoo Prices by Body Placement

Are you still deciding where you want your body art? Take a look at the below price ranges for the different areas of your body.

As you can see, the cost can vary quite a lot in some parts, mostly due to people getting different sizes. For instance, the cost of a back tattoo has a big range because there’s a lot of room for small to large tattoos.

Estimated Tattoo Prices by Color Requirements

Color is a little trickier to estimate as there isn’t really a set fee for using multiple colors. The more colors you want, the higher the price will be. But the cost depends on your starting point. That’s why I’ve included the percentage increases.

So if you’re getting a tattoo that costs $300 as black-only, but you want to have three colors instead, you might end up spending between $360 and $420.

Estimated Artist Rates by Experience

As you can see from the table below, the hourly and day rates for tattoo artists change significantly as they get more experienced or famous. Celebrity artists, such as those with massive followings on social media, typically charge the highest fees.

Like most things in life, you usually get what you pay for when it comes to tattoos. So opting for an inexperienced artists may save you money, but you’re also probably going to get more amateur work done. For many people, the extra cost of a more established artists is worth the peace of mind that their permanent body art is in safe, experienced hands.

How Much Do Tattoos Cost Around the USA?

Depending on where you live or where you want to get your tattoo, the cost is going to increase or lower. I’ve listed the 10 most-expensive cities and the 10 cheapest cities in the USA for tattoos.

As the New York Times reported in 2024, the tattoo industry is booming in the States and around the world. Tattoo prices are continuing to rise with growing demand and the biggest cities tend to be the most expensive for getting inked. New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles are the most expensive for average tattoo cost, while Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Memphis are some of the cheapest average tattoo prices.

10 Most Expensive Places in the USA for Tattoos

10 Cheapest Places in the USA for Tattoos

How Much Are Tattoos Around the World?

You may be thinking, what about the rest of the world? There’s something great about getting inked while travelling. It gives your tattoo more meaning and can evoke memories of your trip whenever you catch sight of it.

While the world’s major cities typically ask for a pretty penny, there are numerous places where you can get quality ink for much less than on home soil. You won’t be surprised to see many US cities on the list of the world’s most expensive for tattoos. We’ve also got London, Paris and Tokyo near the top of average tattoo cost. When it comes to the cheapest places for tattoos, many South-East Asia destinations are a safe bet. If you’re happy to venture across the border into Mexico, you could be looking at a fraction of the cost compared to most American cities.

Keep in mind changing exchange rates may alter these estimations, which I’ve included as US dollars for simplicity.

10 Most Expensive Places in the World for Tattoos

10 Cheapest Places in the World for Tattoos

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Should You Tip Your Tattoo Artist?

Tipping isn’t a world-wide practice, but if you’re getting a tattoo in the USA, you should definitely tip your artist. The additional tip should be factored into your tattoo budget as about 15-20% extra. However, if you’re getting a large or very complicated tattoo that takes multiple sessions, you may end up wanting to tip closer to 25%. Especially if you want to establish a good working relationship with your artist.

As well as a tip, you can support your artist by bringing them food or drink for your session. This can be especially appreciated if it’s a long session. Be sure to leave them a review or give them a shout out if you’re posting your tattoo on your socials. Artists get a lot of business through word of mouth and it gives them more time for their craft if they’re having to do less self-promotion.

How Expensive is Tattoo Aftercare?

Proper tattoo aftercare isn’t expensive and is very important to ensuring the ink you just spent your money on looks its best. If your tattoo doesn’t heal properly, it could suffer permanent damage, ruining your investment. It’s better to spend the extra $40-$50 on the right products to ensure it heals and looks good for years to come. If you’re wondering about aftercare, read our article on why your tattoo might be itchy.

Can You Get Discounts on Tattoos?

It is possible to get package deals on tattoos but it’s something you’ll need to discuss with your tattoo artist. It’s really at the tattoo parlor or artist’s discretion.

For instance, some artists might bundle your sessions together into a single day rate if you’re willing to spend more time under the needle. You might also be able to get a discount if you’re a returning customer or if you refer a friend to the tattoo shop.

If your artist is having a slow month or they feel like your design is really simple and quick, they may also offer you a discounted rate. However, you shouldn’t expect this and only consider it in your budget after you’ve discussed it with your tattoo artist.

How Should You Budget for Your Tattoo?

I know all these elements can make budgeting for your tattoo’s final price hard to figure out. Even with this guide and our tattoo cost calculator, you may end up getting quoted more or less than you’ve budgeted.

If you follow the below steps, you’ll at least have a rough idea of your final price so you know where to start. My advice would be to add on an extra 10% to whatever number you land on so you don’t risk falling short. And it’s always nice to have a little left over.

1. Think about your tattoo design, size, color and placement.
2. Research your local tattoo artists and studios to find one that meets your needs and budget.
3. Factor in any additional tattoo prices, such as aftercare, tipping, touch ups and consultation fees.

Should You Spend More or Less on a Tattoo?

This really comes down to your personal preference and needs. Tattoos can vary a lot in quality, so if you opt for a cheap tattoo, you may end up regretting the design or quality of it. Alternatively, there are plenty of talented artists out there who don’t charge as much as others. Not everyone can afford the premium designs or artists as well. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right tattoo artist.

If you don’t have a lot of money to spend but still want a quality design and experienced tattoo artist, you may want to opt for a small tattoo. This way you can still get quality ink without draining your bank account.

If you do opt for a cheap tattoo, just remember that tattoo removal can cost upwards of $1,500 for small tattoos and $4,000 for large ones. It’s always best to avoid that experience if you can. Maybe that means spending more on your tattoo initially, but the experience and eventual artwork will usually be worth the price. Much more so than removal in the future.