Whether you want to get a tattoo on a whim or have been planning your full chest piece for the past decade, you’ll need to have some serious dough set aside for the tattoo artist. Tattoos are not cheap, and you’ll be expected to tip them at the end of the session as well.
In this guide, we’ll explain what impacts the cost of your tattoo, how to predict the cost, and how to tell if your tattoo artist is ripping you off. So, without further ado, let’s look at how much tattoos cost, what factors affect the price, and what designs will cost you an extra buck.
Tattoo Prices Chart (2022 Update)
We’ve created a price chart that will give you the average price range of your tattoo, based on the size and placement. These two factors are arguably the most important, but the experience of the tattoo artist also matters a lot.
For more info on what can make a tattoo costly, read ‘Factors That Impact Tattoo Prices’ below or get in touch with the tattoo parlors you are shortlisting.
Obviously, a forearm tattoo that’s a minimalist triangle symbol is going to be a lot quicker and cheaper than a detailed photorealistic portrait – that’s why the price range and time can vary a lot.
| Tattoo Placement | Size | Average Time (Spread Over Multiple Sessions) | Average Price Range |
| Full Body Tattoo | Everywhere! | 30+ hours | $100,000+ |
| Arm Tattoo | Full Sleeve | 11 hours | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| Half Sleeve | 5 hours | $800 – $2,000 | |
| Upper Arm | 3-5 hours | $600 – $1,300 | |
| Forearm | 2-5 hours | $300 – $1,300 | |
| Back Tattoo | Full Back | 40-60 hours | $7,000 – $9,000 |
| Half Back | 20-40 hours | $2,500 – $5,000 | |
| Medium Size | 5 hours | $300 – $700 | |
| Small Size | 2-3 hours | $100 – $450 | |
| Chest Tattoo | Full Chest | 10-20 hours | $600 – $2,000 |
| Half Chest | 8-12 hours | $450 – $1,200 | |
| Medium Size | 7-9 hours | $250 – $600 | |
| Small Size | 2-3 hours | $100 – $300 | |
| Shoulder Tattoo | Back of Shoulder | 7-9 hours | $1,000 – $1,700 |
| Shoulder Cap | 4-5 hours | $800 – $1,500 | |
| Hip Tattoo | Hip to Thigh | 7-9 hours | $500 – $2,500 |
| Large Outer Hip | 5-6 hours | $800 – $2,200 | |
| Medium Size | 4-5 hours | $250 – $700 | |
| Small Inner Hipbone | 2-3 hours | $100 – $300 | |
| Face Tattoo | Full Face | 5-6 hours | $500 – $1,000 |
| Small Size | 2-3 hours | $200 – $800 | |
| Miniscule Size | Up to 30 minutes | $40 – $80 | |
| Bespoke (lip, eyeball, etc.) | Up to 1 hour | Unknown | |
| Hand Tattoo | Medium Size | 3-4 hours | $100 – $250 |
| Finger Tattoo | Up to 1 hour | $50 – $100 | |
| Small Size | 2-3 hours | $40 – $80 | |
| Foot Tattoo | Medium Foot Tattoo | 3-4 hours | $100 – $200 |
| Medium Ankle Size | 4-5 hours | $50 – $300 | |
| Small Toe Size | Up to 1 hour | $40 – $100 | |
| Rib Tattoo | Full Side Body | 6-7hours | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Medium Size | 5-6 hours | $600 – $1,000 | |
| Small Size | 2-3 hours | $250 – $500 | |
| Leg Tattoo | Thigh | 5-6 hours | $500 – $1,000 |
| Lower Leg | 5-6 hours | $500 – $1,200 |
Tattoo Prices Around the World!
From California to Omaha, there are some amazing tattoo stores in the US. Finding out their prices is often as simple as calling them up or checking out their website. But what if you want to get a tattoo on your vacation?
Here is a list of some of the most popular places in the world to get a tattoo, with the currency the prices will be listed in and a general idea of how they compare to US prices.
Note: Currency exchange rates change all the time, so double check what any quotes are equivalent to in USD!
UK
Tattoos in the UK will be priced with GBP, pound sterling. Typically, prices are higher for nearly everything in London, the capital city. This is due to higher tattoo shop rent prices and experience – it’s fair to say that the best British tattoo artists are usually found in London. Tattoo shops elsewhere in the country may be cheaper.
Compared to the USA, tattoo prices in the UK are a little cheaper. The average cost of a tattoo in the UK is widely quoted as £130, which is roughly equivalent to $170 (according to today’s exchange rate). Cost Evaluation found that the average tattoo price in the US was $245, although this could simply be because Brits may prefer smaller tattoos!
Ireland
In Ireland, the currency you’ll need is the euro. Like American tattoo shops, there’s usually a base rate of €50 to cover the costs of equipment and sterilizing the workplace, etc. Getting a tattoo of a Celtic harp or shamrock on your trip to Dublin is incredibly common, so you may find inflated prices for tourists there.
Interestingly, there is no minimum age legislation in Ireland – although most tattoo artists will ask for parental permission if you look too young.
New Zealand
There are plenty of tattoo parlors in New Zealand, especially in Auckland City. Most will require a deposit or have a base rate for tattoos, around $100 depending on the size and style of the tattoo. In this part of the world, you can usually find some super talented tattoo artists who specialize in Māori and Japanese styles – but be prepared to pay even more for those.
When looking at New Zealand tattoo prices online, you may see the dollar sign, but this usually refers to the New Zealand dollar (NZ$) rather than USD. 1 NZ$ is around 70 cents in USD.
Australia
Like New Zealand, dollar prices are probably referring to Australian dollars rather than US dollars – keep this in mind when asking for quotes and researching online. As usual, the most expensive (but also the most talented) tattoo artists can be found in major cities and urban areas:
Melbourne
Minimum charges are usually around $100, with prices for the tattoo calculated per hour rather than a flat rate. From our research, we’ve found that tattoos in Melbourne seem to be a bit higher than the other Australian cities – this may be because Melbourne is a very eclectic place that attracts many young people. The area is known for having diverse culture, music festivals, and many art-related events.
You can find some real talent in Melbourne.
Perth
Perth is a very remote city, so finding a cheaper tattoo shop in the next town along isn’t very easy! The city has a very relaxed vibe and a gorgeous sunny climate that is the perfect place to show off some ink – so tattoos are popular here. You can find a wide range of tattoo stores at very different budgets.
We’ve seen some quotes at $250 an hour, and others that are willing to start below $100.
Sydney
Although Sydney is not Australia’s capital city (Canberra is) it’s typically the biggest tourist city in the country and is the place to be if you want a tattoo. The Australian Tattoo Expo is held in Sydney and you can expect to pay quite a bit for some ink.
Hourly prices are around $200 and starting prices (even for very small tattoos) begin at $100.
Canada
In Canada, prices for small tattoos in cities (especially Toronto) start at $100, while tattoos from parlors in rural areas will cost a lot less. Our research found that tattoos are just as popular in Canada as they are in the US and the UK, so there’s no reason why you can’t get a tattoo in Canada.
Interestingly, traditional tattoos created by indigenous tattoo artists in Canada are making a comeback. That may be an avenue to explore when thinking up tattoo ideas for your Canadian road trip!
Factors That Impact Tattoo Prices
Tattoo artists don’t just set a price at random. There are many factors that go into the pricing for a tattoo. Above all else, it needs to be profitable for the tattoo artist to work. That means that they will have a minimum rate or starting rate that covers the cost of their time and equipment.
So, if a tattoo artist tells you that they can’t dip below a certain price, please respect that!
On top of that base rate, the style and size of the tattoo can also impact the price. You are also paying for the artist’s talent. The more talented they are, the more it will cost.
For example, a tattoo by Ryan Ashley Malarkey will set you back $200 minimum.
Artist Expertise and Experience
The higher the expertise and experience of a tattoo artist, the higher the price of the tattoo! That is the general practice of seemingly every serious tattoo shop. So, if you think getting a tattoo is expensive, remember that the tattoo artist is responsible for putting a permanent piece of body art on your body.
So, they better be charging you for that because chances are they will be exceptional.
Of course, the easy way to tell if the tattoo artist is overcharging is to check their social media accounts and website – if the tattoos they are showing off are spectacular, you know that the high price is justified.
This is also why a tattoo from an apprentice or new tattoo artist is cheaper. Just remember, with an inexperienced tattoo artist you have a higher risk of getting an unsatisfactory tattoo.
Tattoo Gun Prices and Start-Up Costs
We’ve mentioned base rates and equipment costs a few times so far. To give you a better idea of what those costs are, the average tattoo artist will need to cover the price of:
- Tattoo gun – around $500 for a great tattoo gun, plus more to learn how to use it and run it.
- Inks – the more colors you want, the more ink they will need to buy or open.
- Needles – fresh needles and needles of different sizes/shapes will be required.
- Gloves and masks – for hygiene, fresh gloves and masks will be needed for each session.
- Cleaning equipment – surfaces need to be sterilized and the workplace should be kept tidy (you really don’t want a tattoo artist to skimp on this).
- Rent and upkeep costs – keeping the tattoo shop open and the electricity running isn’t free.
Then on top of all these expenses, the tattoo artist needs to earn a living that pays for their own home and put food on the table.
Tattoo Shop Location
If you plan to get a tattoo in New York City, you’re gonna pay up to five times more than for the same tattoo in a smaller town or rural place for example. The reason for that lies in higher costs of living and parlor renting in large cities compared to small towns.
Moreover, high-end tattoo artists tend to work in large-city tattoo shops, which also determines the starting cost of a tattoo. The number of tattoo artists sharing a space can change the price – by sharing a parlor, the rent is shared.
Design Complexity
If you want to get a tattoo that has a complex design, with a lot of detailing, shading, and a complicated color scheme, then the tattoo will be much more expensive than you’d expect. Furthermore, things like size and tattoo placement also tend to play a role in the final cost, so try to get a tattoo in simpler locations (like the forearm) if you want to save some cash.
This is not just because it takes more time to create a complex tattoo. Unusual colors can be hard to source and changing needle sizes frequently can lead to longer and more frequent sessions. Furthermore, if the tattoo is so complex that it needs multiple sessions, then remember that the tattoo artist must go through the cleaning sterilization process (and equipment) each time. This all adds to the cost.
Colors
The cheapest tattoos are the ones with only black and white coloring. So, let’s say that the starting price for a tattoo is $100. Well, the same tattoo, only colored, can cost double or even triple the starting price for a black and white tattoo.
Ink is not cheap for tattoos. Usually, a tattoo parlor will have a range of inks that the artists can use. When one color runs out, more is ordered. If you need a color that isn’t part of the standard range, they may need to order it especially for you. And if there’s no guarantee that they’ll have another customer that wants that same color in the future, then the ink will go to waste.
Read More: Tattoo Colors: Everything You Need to Know (Ultimate Guide)
Size
Bigger tattoos require much more work from the tattoo artist. They are time-consuming and require the artist’s full commitment. That is why they tend to be much more expensive since you’re not only paying for the tattoo, but also the artist’s time and expertise. Obviously, the more area that needs to be inked, the more ink that will be used too.
Time is money, after all.
As a general guide:
- Under 2-inches – $50 to $100
- 2 to 4-inches – $100 to $250
- 4 to 6-inches – $250 to $700
- 6-inches or more – $700+
Read More: Tattoo Sizes: Expert Guide With Examples (2023 Updated)
Body Placement
The tougher the tattoo placement, the higher the price; that is the basic rule for working out the cost of any tattoo. If a certain body part or area requires additional care and skills, it means that the tattoo artist needs to have a lot of experience and expertise, which costs money. Getting ankle, wrist, breast, nipple, face/lip, or tattoos in private areas is rather costly, mostly due to the sensitivity of the areas, as well as the design or size of the tattoo.
Furthermore, not every tattoo artist wants to spend all day tattooing your junk! Don’t expect every tattoo artist to ink your intimate areas without a second thought – those that are willing may charge more than you expect.
Tattoo Price Estimate by Placement
You can consult our tattoo prices chart above to find a quick answer for how much your tattoo will cost. But if you want a more detailed explanation of why tattoos in certain placements cost more, then find your desired tattoo area below.
If you have a specific tattoo design in mind, then you should talk to a professional tattoo artist about what body area will be best for it. They will know what placement will look best and what size is actually feasible for your desired design.
You can consult multiple tattoo artists when you are still deciding where you want your design placed on your body. Some skilled artists may have a different opinion to others and give you more options for placement at different costs.
Full Body Tattoo
If you want to get a full body tattoo, that means you’re truly committed and ready to pay up. Well, in that case, be ready to pay more than $100,000, depending on the design and color of the tattoo(s). The price counts the time and labor-intensity of the process. Also, bear in mind the tip for the tattoo artist(s) of 10% to 30% of the final tattoo cost.
As with all tattoos, the more detailed the design, the longer it will take the artist. Many tattoo artists will go on an hourly rate for super large tattoos. That means that they will be paid for the length of time (over multiple sessions) instead of a fixed price upfront.
This enables them to add to your tattoo and expand it into a full body piece without ending up out of pocket.
Arm Tattoo
Arm tattoos are usually split into two categories – sleeves and medium/small tattoos. Either you have a wraparound sleeve that covers all (or half) of your arm, or you have a small tattoo that covers just part of your arm.
Sleeve Tattoos
A full arm sleeve will cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 for the outline only. For example, a simple black and white geometric design, without shading or intricate areas.
However, if you want your tattoo to feature more details, shading, or even different colors, be ready to cash out up to $6,000 to $7,000. The reason for the high price lies in how time and labor-intense the sleeve tattoos are. They often require several sessions and may take several days, even weeks for a tattoo artist to complete the whole tattoo.
Half tattoos will be less money, of course, but not always half the price of a full sleeve – this is because whether you have a whole sleeve or half sleeve, you’re still paying for the equipment and ink colors. For a half sleeve, tattoo prices usually start at $800 for a simple (one color, no shading) tattoo up to $2,000 for a very detailed piece that wraps around your upper arm or forearm.
Forearm Tattoo
A forearm tattoo is one of the most popular tattoos globally. Forearm tattoos look excellent, regardless of design or size; and they are often more artistic than the tattoos on other body parts. Luckily, a nice forearm tattoo will cost you anywhere between $300 to $1,300, depending on the size, coloring, detailing, overall design, etc. But you can expect to pay overall less for a simple, outlined, or lettered forearm tattoo.
Upper Arm Tattoo
Generally, the upper arm creates a much wider canvas for your tattoo artist to work with. While the forearm leads onto the wrist, where only small tattoos fit, the upper arm connects to the shoulder area where much larger designs can flow.
As a result, upper arm tattoos tend to average $600 to $1,300+ depending on the style and how close it is to a sleeve.
Full Back Tattoo
A full back tattoo will cost you anywhere between $2,500 to $5,000 for the outline only – or for half a back tattoo. However, bear in mind that a full back tattoo doesn’t cover the whole back. It only comprises the area from the bottom of the neck to the waist. So, you might add several hundred dollars more if you want the tattoo to extend all over the lower back, shoulders, or ribs as well.
When it comes to full back tattoos with all the detailing, shading, and coloring, you can expect to pay up to $7,000 to $8,000, and even more if the tattoo extends over the lower back. The reason for the price lies in the fact that your tattoo artist may work on the piece for days, usually between 40 and 60 hours, depending on the complexity, detailing, and coloring.
Medium & Small Back Tattoos
Generally, the back is a great canvas for your tattoo artist because it’s a flat surface. However, if you are very bony then getting a tattoo over the shoulder blades, spine, and ribs can be painful and uncomfortable – meaning that fewer, shorter sessions are required rather than one long one.
For a medium tattoo, like a portrait on one shoulder blade or a design that covers the “tramp stamp” area, you’re looking at $300 and $700 and a 5-hour session time.
Smaller tattoos on the back are less common, because it looks a little strange to have a small tattoo on such an expansive area of the body. It gives the impression that the tattoo is floating! Nonetheless, a small back tattoo is typically in the region of $100 to $450.
Chest Piece Tattoo
The chest area is a popular spot for tattoos. Tattoos in this area usually cover the breast/pec part of your chest. If you want a tattoo on your ribs or below this area (like Rihanna’s Isis tattoo by her solar plexus) then see “Rib Tattoos” below.
Medium & Small Chest Tattoos
Because a chest tattoo requires fewer hours of work and less expertise, a chest piece may cost you significantly less than the previous two placements. A small rose tattoo by your heart, for example, may cost around $100 to $300. A medium sized tattoo that requires more work is going to be $250 to $600.
Half Chest Tattoo
By half chest, we mean that exactly half of your chest will be completely covered in ink. This may even include the nipple! For larger tattoos like this, you’re certainly looking at the high end of the price range. Expect to pay around $450 for a simple design and up to $1,200 for a complex one.
Full Chest Tattoo
A full chest tattoo outlining alone will cost between $600 to $1,000. A full chest tattoo with all the detailing, shading, and coloring may increase the final tattoo cost up to $2,000. This type of tattoo will cover your chest completely.
Shoulder Tattoo
Don’t give the cold shoulder to your tattoo artist! Here’s what to expect in terms of cost.
Back of Shoulder Tattoo
Covering the top and back of your shoulder blade, this area of your body is quite sensitive so may take a few sessions more than expected. A simple yet large tattoo in this area will be $1,000 to $1,700.
Shoulder Cap Tattoo
If you’re thinking about getting a cool tattoo without spending thousands of dollars, then consider getting a shoulder cap tattoo. The shoulder cap (or the round part of the shoulder) tattoo has a starting price of $800 for an outline and will add several hundred dollars more for detailing and coloring. Therefore, a large, highly detailed, and colored shoulder tattoo might cost you up to $1,500 max.
Also Read:
Hip Tattoo
Hip tattoos can be in a range of positions, ranging from near your crotch to on the very outer edge of your hip and trialing down to your thigh or up to your ribs.
Hip to Thigh
A hip and upper thigh tattoo will cost you anywhere between $500 to $1,000 for outlining only, depending on the size of course. When it comes to detailing and coloring, a hip and/or thigh tattoo may cost you up to $2,500.
Large Outer Hip
A tattoo that completely covers your hip, from your back to your front, will cost a considerable amount. The price for such a tattoo can vary depending on the expertise levels of the tattoo artist as well as the complexity of the tattoo itself.
From our research, we estimate costs to be between $800 for a simple outline and $2,200 for a full-colored tatt.
Medium Size
Just like the medium size chest and back tattoos, the hip is a good canvas because it’s usually quite fleshy and a smooth surface to work on – avoiding the hip bone, of course. A medium-sized tattoo on your hip will cost around $250 to $700.
Small Inner Hipbone
Just on the inside of your hipbone, along the line of your underpants/panties, is a soft area that’s popular with very small tattoos. A ladybug or small symbol looks cute in this placement and will set you back $100 to $300 depending on the complexity and colors.
Face Tattoos
Face tattoos are usually reserved for the hardcore tattoo lovers, but that doesn’t mean they necessarily need to cost a fortune.
Full Face Tattoo
A tattoo that covers your full face can cost $500 to $1,000 depending on the complexity of the design. Getting your face tattooed is intense, so you may need to split it across multiple sessions. Furthermore, some tattoo artists may not feel comfortable tattooing your face completely!
Small Face Tattoo
If you’re tired of putting on or drawing your eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip liner every single day, then you should try getting a permanent version of each of the liners and eyebrows. Small face and lip tattoos along with cosmetic tattoos typically fall into the same price range. According to permanent makeup artists, such tattoos can cost anywhere between $200 to $800 per procedure, depending on the wishes and requirements of the customer, as well as the artist’s expertise.
Miniscule Face Tattoo
A dot by your eyebrow, a fake beauty mark, or a teardrop in one color, is a very small and quick tattoo for an artist to create. Prices for these tattoos are usually close to the base rate – the cost of getting the equipment ready, plus however many ink colors you require. $40 to $80 is about average for tiny tattoos like this.
Bespoke Face Tattoos
You may have heard or seen examples of crazy face tattoos, for example getting the white of your eyeball tattooed or tattoos inside your mouth. Finding an average cost for these kinds of tattoos is difficult, because not every tattoo artist will be willing to do them – they may even damage your eyesight.
If you want a crazy, bespoke tattoo like an eyeball tattoo, you need to find an artist who can do it first – you may not be able to negotiate price.
Also Read: Getting A Face Tattoo: Is It A Good Idea? (2023 Updated)
Finger and Hand Tattoo
If you can handle the pain of getting a finger or hand tattoo, then you’ll surely save some money. These tattoos tend to have very reasonable price tags attached.
Medium Size
Medium size tattoos on the hand are usually across the back of the hand and toward the wrist. Hand tattoos can go up to $250, depending on the design, size, and color. This very bony area of the body can be painful to get inked.
Finger Tattoo
Finger tattoos tend to cost anywhere between $50 to $100 – for example a word or symbol along the side of one finger, or an initial on each finger. Finger and hand tattoos are always fun and cool to have, and are becoming more socially acceptable, especially for employers. So, as we said, if you can handle the pain, then go for it.
Small Size
A dot below each nail on one hand is not going to cost much at all or require much time. You can expect to pay similar to what the miniscule face tattoo will cost – $40 to $80.
Also Read:
Foot and Ankle Tattoos
Tattoos on the foot and ankle area are very popular and are one of the most affordable tattoo placements.
Medium Foot Tattoo
The space on the sole or top of your foot is quite small, so the largest tattoo you can get here is “medium-sized” and only a little bigger than you could get on the back of your hand. The area is bony so it can be quite painful, but tattoo artists can usually get a medium-sized foot tattoo done in a session or two. The cost of a foot tattoo is typically $100 to $200.
Ankle Tattoo
One of the cheapest tattoos you can get is an ankle tattoo. An ankle tattoo doesn’t require much work and tends to cost anywhere between $50 to $300, depending on the size, design, and color, of course. Bear in mind that, however, ankle tattoos tend to hurt a lot due to the prominent bones, thin skin, and several nerve endings. But, if you can overcome the pain, then you might save some money with an ankle piece.
Toe Tattoo
A tiny tattoo on your toe – whether it’s a smiley face on the pad of your big toe or a mandala-esque design beneath each nailbed – isn’t going to cost much in time or money. Like small face tattoos and finger tattoos, a miniscule toe tattoo will typically set you back $40 to $100.
Rib/Side Tattoo
Getting a rib or side tattoo hurts; we thought you should know that before the price.
Full Side Body Rib Tattoo
A tattoo that covers the entire ribcage on one side of your body is not just painful to get inked, but costly too. You’re looking at a $1,000 to $2,000, if it’s very detailed and colored intricately. For simpler tattoos, the cost will be less.
Medium-Sized Rib Tattoo
You may have to pay between $600 to $1,000 for an average-sized rib tattoo. The price does increase when we count in detailing and coloring, so expect to add up to $500 if the design is unique and requires extra skill.
Small-Sized Rib Tattoo
A small tattoo that’s 2-5 inches in size will cost far less than a medium or full-sized rib tattoo. You’re looking at $250 to $500 depending on the exact size and intricacies of the tattoo design.
Leg Tattoo
Leg tattoos are popular with both men and women. The prices below are based on a large tattoo that covers most of your leg (either the front or back) so if you want a smaller tattoo, then use the price guides for upper arm and forearm above – it’s similar for legs!
Thigh Tattoo
The thigh is a great place to get a tattoo. The flesh here is quite thick and fatty, so it shouldn’t be too painful. This enables the tattoo artist to get a lot of work done in one session, thus reducing the cost. The average thigh tattoo costs $500 to $1,000.
Lower Leg Tattoo
The lower leg can be quite bony – especially over the shin. This often translates to more sessions, especially if the tattoo covers the ankle too. So, the average cost of a full lower-leg tattoo is $500 to $1,200. If you want a leg sleeve, it will cost even more.
5 Tips to Help You Find the Right Tattoo Price
On top of the prices listed above, you’ll also need to tip your tattoo artist. So, it makes sense to find the best price possible for your ink. Here are 5 tips to help you do that.
1. Do Your Research
Ask around; talk to your friend and family and get some recommendations. See if they’re satisfied with their tattoos regarding quality and price.
2. Find Affordable Yet Skilled Artists
Talk to tattoo artists who are new to the game; most new tattoo artists tend to give discounts to acquire experience. However, check their work and see if they’ll you a good tattoo.
3. Negotiate a Flat Rate
Look for a tattoo artist that will offer you a flat rate and not add costs with every hour of the session.
4. Get Used to The Pain!
Try to get all the tattoos at once if you can handle the pain of course. Getting tattoos in a bulk might save you money since tattoo shops tend to offer discounts in such cases.
5. Ask for a Discount
Negotiate the price of the tattoo with the artist. If you’re getting a simple tattoo, or the first tattoo of your life, try to use it as an advantage and ask for a small discount.
Ultimately, if you want to get an awesome tattoo, you should be aware that it will cost you a lot of money. Since it’s something that will sit on your body permanently, don’t play around and try to save up for the tattoo. Talk to a tattoo artist, see how much it might cost you, and start saving!
Tattoo Removal Prices
If you one day begin to regret your tattoo, then don’t panic. You have a few options. The first is to cover your tattoo with another tattoo – there are tattoo artists who specialize in cover ups, and they typically charge slightly more than the prices above. You’re looking at $10 to $100 more than the original tattoo cost (plus inflation if it’s been a long while).
The other option is to get laser tattoo removal. This costs a minimum of $7,000. It takes several sessions, each costing between $500 and $1,000 each to get the tattoo removed. If you have tattoo ink that’s difficult to remove or just a very large tattoo that you want erased, it will cost even more and take even longer. You could be looking at $15,000 total cost.
Also Read:
- Do Tattoo Removal Creams Work? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
- Tattoo Removal: Everything You Should Know (Before You Get a Tattoo)
- How Many Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments Do I Need To Get Rid Of My Tattoo?
- Does Tattoo Removal Cause Scarring: Laser Tattoo Removal and Side Effects
- How To Treat Blisters After Tattoo Removal?
FAQs
What Are the Starting Prices for Regular Tattoos?
Every tattoo shop has a set price for a tattoo. The starting prices depend on the tattoo shop and the quality of their offer. So, in that sense, you can expect to pay from $50 to $150 as a starting price for simple tattoos. The pricing, of course, depends on the size and the placing of the tattoo, as well as the detailing.
However, you can expect to pay even less as a starting rate since the price does depend on the tattoo artist as well. But the more experienced the tattoo artist is, the higher the starting price. You can also expect some tattoo artists to charge you by the hour as well.
What Are the Starting Prices for Simple Tattoos?
When it comes to simple and small tattoos (like a simple outline), the starting price varies between $60 to $100. The price counts for small, simple outline tattoos, that include only the black color and maybe some shading or few details. For example, for the starting price, you can get a tattoo like a heart, a star, a small ‘name’ or ‘word’ tattoo, etc.
What Are the Most Expensive Tattoos?
Some of the most expensive and time-consuming tattoos include the ones called ‘sleeve tattoos’. These tattoos are called the ‘full back’, ‘full leg’ or ‘full arm’ tattoos, obviously depending on the body part they are to occupy. These tattoos can take up to several months to finish, and if they include color and shading, they can even increase in price. Of course, bear in mind that the final cost of a full sleeve tattoo requires a tip for the tattoo artist, which is usually 15% to 30% of the final cost. But the most expensive tattoo one can get is a full body tattoo. The price for such an endeavor can go higher than $100,000, not including the tip for the tattoo artists themselves.
What is the Starting Price for Letter Tattoos?
If you were wondering whether a letter tattoo will cost you less than a regular one, then bear this in mind; one short word tattoo will cost you between $50 to $200, depending on the size of the letters as well as the color and overall design. The lettering tattoo isn’t usually charged by letter, but the price does increase as the size of the tattoo or the word increases.
How Much is A Small Tattoo?
A small tattoo that’s 2-inches or less in size can cost you anywhere from $50 to $100. It really depends on the complexity of the design. Regardless of how small or large your tattoo is, it still costs the tattoo artist to set up their workstation, use fresh needles, sterilize the workplace, etc. That’s why costs rarely dip below $40 to $50.
How Much is A Tattoo Sleeve?
A full tattoo sleeve costs up to $7,000 according to our research. If you have a simple design, only 1 color ink, or want a half sleeve, then the cost may be lower.
