Answering the question of “how much a tattoo costs” is akin to answering “how long does it take for your tattoo to heal”. In a nutshell, the answers are all over the place and there are more variables that can even be spelled out sufficiently in this space.
That being said, there are some generally accepted price ranges and factors to use as a reference when trying to determine how much a tattoo will cost.
The range in tattoo prices stems from many different variables such as:
- Size of the tattoo
- Location of the tattoo
- Where you live
- Experience and reputation of the tattoo artist
- Type of equipment and ink that is used
- How long the tattoo takes to complete
Tattoos are ordinarily priced out by size—either small, medium or large—but there are also those tiny ones that are under 2” and are of course also the least expensive. A small (2” by 2”) tattoo could be priced anywhere from $30 to $100 on average, and a tattoo double that size (4” by 4”) could cost you somewhere between $150 to $250.
Tattoo artists charge typically charge between $120 to $150 per hour, and the pricing depends on how long the tattoo will take to complete.
A larger or more intricate tattoo could run you a minimum of $500 for a sleeve size and as high as $4,000 for areas like the back or chest. Any kind of custom tattoo is likely going to be upwards of $1,000. If you’re considering a bodysuit, then start saving your money or consider a loan with a 5 year payment plan, because this route could easily cost you upwards of $50,000 or even over $100,000 for a full bodysuit, which could take a year or more to complete.
In addition to the size and type of design you choose, the color will also influence the final cost. Full color tattoos are customarily priced at twice the black or grey designs.
Though the pricing spectrum is pretty wide, the average range nationally spans from $150 to $450 for most tattoos. Truth be told, tattoo pricing is not much different than any other product or service—you get what you pay for. If you choose a cheap tattoo, chances are, it’s not the best quality and it may not look the way you envisioned.
Since a tattoo is a pretty big commitment to make, it’s worth taking the time to think it through, do your research, talk to people you know who have already got one, and have the details clear in your mind before scheduling an appointment. Choose your design, location, size, color, and go talk it out for an estimate with a few tattoo artists you are considering.
Think of your tattoo as an investment, kind of like purchasing a piece of artwork or fine jewelry. With this mindset, you won’t regret spending the money for the best you can afford, knowing that you’ve got something that you will truly enjoy for the long run.
About the author: Yaffa Baslaw (@yadeinu) is a Freelance Writer with over a decade of experience copywriting and blogging compelling content. She has written for more than 20 companies in the fields of healthcare, skincare, and retail.
FAQs
BASIC TATTOO COSTS
| TYPE | SIZE | COST |
|---|
| Tiny Tattoos | Under 2 inches | $50 - $100 |
| Small Tattoos | 2-4 inches | $50 - $250 |
| Medium Sized Tattoos | 4-6 inches | $150 - $450 |
| Large Single-Piece Tattoos | 4-6 inches | $500 - $5,000 |
1 more rowJan 29, 2022
There is a lot that goes into figuring out the cost of your new tattoo. It isn't a straight forward answer. Things like materials, size, location, and type of tattoo affect the tattoo price. On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo.
How do you politely ask how much a tattoo will cost? ›
“Can you provide me with a rough quote before my appointment?” “Can you tell me how much it will cost for me to get this design on my [specific body part]?” “I have a budget for this tattoo.
Is $250 an hour a lot for a tattoo? ›
HOURLY RATE vs.
Artists charge anywhere between $50-$400 per hour, with most somewhere between $100-250 per hour. Some charge a flat rate per piece. In this case, your artist will usually provide a cost estimate based on the size and details of your custom design.
How big is a $500 tattoo? ›
Hip/Thigh. A standard-size hip or thigh tattoo (about 12 inches in length) will run you about $500 for outline only, or anywhere from $1500 to $2000 for full color.
Is it OK to negotiate tattoo price? ›
Negotiating or Criticizing the Tattoo Price
This one is at the top of the absolute worst tattoo shop etiquette. Don't negotiate the price. Tattoo artists will always quote you beforehand based on their time and the size of the tattoo.
Is $200 for a tattoo expensive? ›
Medium-sized tattoos, including half-sleeves or designs covering a significant portion of a body part, can cost between $200 and $800, sometimes more. The price will depend on the design's complexity, the artist's expertise, and the time required to complete the tattoo.
Why do tattoos cost so much? ›
Quality work takes skill and time. And a lot of the tattoo price essentially comes down to the total time spent on the service, from designing the tattoo to changes made, to how long it takes to apply it to your skin.
How do you know if a tattoo is expensive? ›
Detail is one of the main factors that determine the price of a tattoo. The more detailed a design, the more ink and time will be needed to complete. Custom tattoos will always be more expensive than a stock tattoo that can be chosen from a book.
Should I tell my tattoo artist my budget? ›
If you can't afford the tattoo you want, talk to your artist beforehand in private & ask if he can do the work staying within your budget or see if there's a way to work out a payment plan (multiple session/pay-as-you-go) or wait and save up.
The cost of a 4-inch tattoo can vary depending on several factors such as the complexity of the design, the skill level of the tattoo artist, the location of the tattoo studio, and the tattoo artist's pricing structure. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 for a 4-inch tattoo.
How do you set a tattoo price? ›
Tattoo Pricing For Studio Owners and Artists: How to Price Your...
- Ink color and amount.
- Artist's experience and popularity.
- Tattoo size.
- Geographical location.
- Tattoo design and location.
If you're considering a 3x3 inch design, the price typically falls within the $150-$200 range. For larger tattoos measuring 4x4 inches or more, prices start at approximately $250 and go up from there. For custom and more extensive designs, artists commonly charge an hourly rate.
Is $50 a good tip for a $250 tattoo? ›
The general consensus in the tattoo community is that 20 percent is the typical amount to tip—just like at a restaurant or a hair salon. However, consider this number a baseline, as some tattoos require more or less work than others.
How much is a 1 hour tattoo? ›
Hourly. On average, tattoo artists charge $100 to $250 an hour, although in certain cases, high-profile tattoo artists charge more.
How much do you tip for a $500 tattoo? ›
“Some tip less, and some are very generous." For instance, you might wonder how much to tip for a $500 tattoo. In this case, tipping anywhere from $75 to $125 would be appropriate. If you're getting smaller art done or maybe a touch-up for $100, tipping anywhere from $15 to $25 fits the bill.
Is $1000 normal for a tattoo? ›
A larger or more intricate tattoo could run you a minimum of $500 for a sleeve size and as high as $4,000 for areas like the back or chest. Any kind of custom tattoo is likely going to be upwards of $1,000.
How much do you tip a tattoo artist for a $300 tattoo? ›
Here, you might find that while the quality of work is top-notch, the tipping rates hover around the 15-20% range. A tattoo costing $300 might get a tip of around $45 to $60.
