{"id":4498,"date":"2020-12-30T07:38:34","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T16:47:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/?p=4498"},"modified":"2024-01-21T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-01-21T00:00:00","slug":"how-much-do-tattoos-cost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/how-much-do-tattoos-cost\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate Guide to Tattoo Price Chart: How Much Do Tattoos Cost?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you want to get a tattoo on a whim or have been planning your full chest piece for the past decade, you\u2019ll need to have some serious dough set aside for the tattoo artist. Tattoos are not cheap, and you\u2019ll be expected to tip them at the end of the session as well.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll 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\u2019s look at how much tattoos cost, what factors affect the price, and what designs will cost you an extra buck.<\/p>\n

Tattoo Prices Chart (2022 Update)<\/h2>\n

We\u2019ve created a price chart that will give you the average price range <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

For more info on what can make a tattoo costly, read \u2018Factors That Impact Tattoo Prices\u2019 below or get in touch with the tattoo parlors you are shortlisting.<\/p>\n

Obviously, a forearm tattoo that\u2019s a minimalist triangle symbol is going to be a lot quicker and cheaper than a detailed photorealistic portrait \u2013 that\u2019s why the price range and time can vary a lot.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Tattoo Placement<\/strong><\/td>\nSize<\/strong><\/td>\nAverage Time (Spread Over Multiple Sessions)<\/strong><\/td>\nAverage Price Range<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Full Body Tattoo<\/td>\nEverywhere!<\/td>\n30+ hours<\/td>\n$100,000+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arm Tattoo<\/td>\nFull Sleeve<\/td>\n11 hours<\/td>\n$2,000 – $7,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Half Sleeve<\/td>\n5 hours<\/td>\n$800 – $2,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Upper Arm<\/td>\n3-5 hours<\/td>\n$600 – $1,300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Forearm<\/td>\n2-5 hours<\/td>\n$300 – $1,300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Back Tattoo<\/td>\nFull Back<\/td>\n40-60 hours<\/td>\n$7,000 – $9,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Half Back<\/td>\n20-40 hours<\/td>\n$2,500 – $5,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Medium Size<\/td>\n5 hours<\/td>\n$300 – $700<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Small Size<\/td>\n2-3 hours<\/td>\n$100 – $450<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chest Tattoo<\/td>\nFull Chest<\/td>\n10-20 hours<\/td>\n$600 – $2,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Half Chest<\/td>\n8-12 hours<\/td>\n$450 – $1,200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Medium Size<\/td>\n7-9 hours<\/td>\n$250 – $600<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Small Size<\/td>\n2-3 hours<\/td>\n$100 – $300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shoulder Tattoo<\/td>\nBack of Shoulder<\/td>\n7-9 hours<\/td>\n$1,000 – $1,700<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shoulder Cap<\/td>\n4-5 hours<\/td>\n$800 – $1,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hip Tattoo<\/td>\nHip to Thigh<\/td>\n7-9 hours<\/td>\n$500 – $2,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Large Outer Hip<\/td>\n5-6 hours<\/td>\n$800 – $2,200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Medium Size<\/td>\n4-5 hours<\/td>\n$250 – $700<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Small Inner Hipbone<\/td>\n2-3 hours<\/td>\n$100 – $300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Face Tattoo<\/td>\nFull Face<\/td>\n5-6 hours<\/td>\n$500 – $1,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Small Size<\/td>\n2-3 hours<\/td>\n$200 – $800<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Miniscule Size<\/td>\nUp to 30 minutes<\/td>\n$40 – $80<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bespoke (lip, eyeball, etc.)<\/td>\nUp to 1 hour<\/td>\nUnknown<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hand Tattoo<\/td>\nMedium Size<\/td>\n3-4 hours<\/td>\n$100 – $250<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Finger Tattoo<\/td>\nUp to 1 hour<\/td>\n$50 – $100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Small Size<\/td>\n2-3 hours<\/td>\n$40 – $80<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Foot Tattoo<\/td>\nMedium Foot Tattoo<\/td>\n3-4 hours<\/td>\n$100 – $200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Medium Ankle Size<\/td>\n4-5 hours<\/td>\n$50 – $300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Small Toe Size<\/td>\nUp to 1 hour<\/td>\n$40 – $100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rib Tattoo<\/td>\nFull Side Body<\/td>\n6-7hours<\/td>\n$1,000 – $2,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Medium Size<\/td>\n5-6 hours<\/td>\n$600 – $1,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Small Size<\/td>\n2-3 hours<\/td>\n$250 – $500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Leg Tattoo<\/td>\nThigh<\/td>\n5-6 hours<\/td>\n$500 – $1,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lower Leg<\/td>\n5-6 hours<\/td>\n$500 – $1,200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Tattoo Prices Around the World!<\/h2>\n
\"Tattoo
Credit: @inquisition.tattoo.studio<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Note: Currency exchange rates change all the time, so double check what any quotes are equivalent to in USD!<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

UK<\/h3>\n

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 \u2013 it\u2019s fair to say that the best British tattoo artists are usually found in London. Tattoo shops elsewhere in the country may be cheaper.<\/p>\n

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 \u00a3130, which is roughly equivalent to $170 (according to today\u2019s exchange rate). Cost Evaluation<\/a> found that the average tattoo price in the US was $245, although this could simply be because Brits may prefer smaller tattoos!<\/p>\n

Ireland<\/h3>\n

In Ireland, the currency you\u2019ll need is the euro. Like American tattoo shops, there\u2019s usually a base rate of \u20ac50 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.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, there is no minimum age legislation in Ireland \u2013 although most tattoo artists will ask for parental permission if you look too young.<\/p>\n

New Zealand<\/h3>\n

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 M\u0101ori and Japanese styles \u2013 but be prepared to pay even more for those.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Australia<\/h3>\n

Like New Zealand, dollar prices are probably referring to Australian dollars rather than US dollars \u2013 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:<\/p>\n

Melbourne<\/h4>\n

Minimum charges are usually around $100, with prices for the tattoo calculated per hour rather than a flat rate. From our research, we\u2019ve found that tattoos in Melbourne seem to be a bit higher than the other Australian cities \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

You can find some real talent in Melbourne.<\/p>\n

Perth<\/h4>\n

Perth is a very remote city, so finding a cheaper tattoo shop in the next town along isn\u2019t very easy! The city has a very relaxed vibe and a gorgeous sunny climate that is the perfect place to show off some ink \u2013 so tattoos are popular here. You can find a wide range of tattoo stores at very different budgets.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve seen some quotes at $250 an hour, and others that are willing to start below $100.<\/p>\n

Sydney<\/h4>\n

Although Sydney is not Australia\u2019s capital city (Canberra is) it\u2019s typically the biggest tourist city in the country and is the place to be if you want a tattoo. The Australian Tattoo Expo<\/a> is held in Sydney and you can expect to pay quite a bit for some ink.<\/p>\n

Hourly prices are around $200 and starting prices (even for very small tattoos) begin at $100.<\/p>\n

Canada<\/h3>\n

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\u2019s no reason why you can\u2019t get a tattoo in Canada.<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

Factors That Impact Tattoo Prices<\/h2>\n
\"Factors
Credit: @daisypaladesign<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tattoo artists don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

So, if a tattoo artist tells you that they can\u2019t dip below a certain price, please respect that!<\/p>\n

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\u2019s talent. The more talented they are, the more it will cost.<\/p>\n

For example, a tattoo by Ryan Ashley Malarkey will set you back $200 minimum.<\/p>\n

Artist Expertise and Experience<\/h3>\n

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<\/a>, remember that the tattoo artist is responsible for putting a permanent piece of body art on your body.<\/p>\n

So, they better be charging you for that because chances are they will be exceptional.<\/p>\n

Of course, the easy way to tell if the tattoo artist is overcharging is to check their social media accounts and website \u2013 if the tattoos they are showing off are spectacular, you know that the high price is justified.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Tattoo Gun Prices and Start-Up Costs<\/h4>\n

We\u2019ve 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:<\/p>\n