How Much Does a Tattoo Cost?

The top factors for the cost of a Tattoo include artist skill and exposure, where you are getting the tattoo done, tattoo design, and size and placement of the tattoo. One of the most Ink Fanatic common questions we receive is how much a tattoo will cost? There is no short answer to this topic but the old saying, “you get what you pay for” definitely applies in the tattoo world.

Here are the top factors for the cost of a Tattoo:

Artist skill and exposure
Where you are getting the tattoo done
Tattoo design
Size and placement of the tattoo

Hopefully this article will provide insight into the price of a tattoo and give you some clear feedback on where to head next with your tattoo explorations.

How do I begin my research for tattoo prices?
When it comes to pricing it depends on where you’re getting the tattoo done, the different shades of color being used, and the complexity of the design. It can be more, or it can be less, there may be an hourly rate or the artist may individually price each tattoo that they do. In terms of the cost of a tattoo just remember, you get what you pay for. The saying is true, “good tattoos aren’t cheap and cheap tattoos aren’t good.”

The best way to find out the cost of a tattoo is to look online at studios in which you are looking for a tattoo, have a browse through artist portfolios and pick an artist you like, print off some reference material and give the shop a call asking if you can come in for a consultation about a tattoo. In the following guide we will describe how different factors affect the cost of a tattoo.

Location of parlor
If you go locally, tattoo shops (or parlors) typically have minimum amounts that they charge. It will generally be quoted by how long it will take for the artist to complete the design. So whether that little flower is on the wrist or the finger, it might cost the same. It’s a known fact that tattoo prices vary according to which part of the world the tattoo shop is located in.

For example, on the outskirts of Chicago you can’t get quality art for less than US$60. Places in the UK have a minimum that is the US equivalent of just over US$50 to about US$90. Looking at different parts of Europe, tattoo artists and shops in Paris or Amsterdam charge roughly US$200/hour.

The cost of a tattoo greatly depends on the tattoo artists location. For example, it’s much cheaper to get tattooed in Capetown than in Miami. An average cost in Capetown is around €50, whereas in Miami it’s €150 (Global Tattoo Index, 2016).
The cost of a tattoo greatly depends on the tattoo artists location. For example, it’s much cheaper to get tattooed in Capetown than in Miami. An average cost in Capetown is around €50, whereas in Miami it’s €150 (Global Tattoo Index, 2016).

Artist costs
Tattoo newbie or fully sleeved rock star, the best tattoos are the ones you’ve thought through. Once the design you want is on lockdown start searching for artists. Who does your tattoo is crucial to the final result. You want someone who’s reputable and also has skill as well as interest in the type of work you want done. It’s not necessary but certainly nice to find an artist you ‘click’ with and who also has a good report. People get tattoos at pivotal points in their lives and whoever does the work is going to hear your story behind it.