Tattoo Prices Chart

Price is always a factor when getting a tattoo and many would love to get a tattoo price estimate before they step into the shop. Estimates are a little easier to give than an exact price and, in this case, you can get an idea of what it might cost you based on other tattoos people have gotten in your area with similar tattoos.

Here are some of our most popular questions when it comes to the cost of certain tattoos.

How much does a small tattoo cost?

Many will choose to go with a tattoo that is not too big. This tattoo might have special meaning to that person, or just the first tattoo of many to come. A small tattoo (between 3 – 7 in) could range from a from something on your forearm, to a tattoo on your foot or one behind your ear. Generally, a small tattoo is going to range anywhere from $40 to $150.

How much does a medium sized tattoo cost?

A tattoo in the medium range (between 8 – 19 in) can run somewhere between $150 – $500 depending on many factors. We would consider a medium sized tattoo to be nicely placed on your bicep or on your calf.

How much do henna tattoos cost?

This style of markings goes back over 5000 years ago. One of the reasons this style of tattooing is so popular goes beyond the intricate designs but more so the expression of luck and happiness that these “tattoos” offer.

In addition to getting a henna tattoo, henna tattoos are using by Blessingways, people in battle, childbirth and weddings.Because henna designs are known for their beauty and intricacy, many opt to get these designs permanently etched into their skin.

The designs are made of delicate line work, woven together to create artwork that reflects the culture of India.Much like a mandala design, which is often included in henna tattoos, the lines interconnect and expand out, forming various symbols. Common images used in traditional designs are beaming suns, flowers and mandalas, arches and dotted patterns, peacocks and their plumage, as well as lotus flowers.

How much do tattoos cost in the Philippines?

The Philippine peso goes for around 50 to 1 USD. Getting a tattoo used to be frowned upon in the Philippines because they thought only criminals and drug abusers had them. Things have changed over the years and thanks to the progressive movement, art is another way that one can express themselves.

A fun fact about tattooing here is about the legendary Maria “Whang Od” Oggay. She is the oldest traditional tattoo artists in the Philippines. As of early 2019, she is 102 years old and is still tattooing in the traditional ways.

How much do tattoos cost in Malaysia?

The Malaysian Ringgit is 4.16 to the USD. This means your money will go a long way in Malaysia. There are actually some very talented tattoo artists in Malaysia and if you find them, you’ll be able to get a beautiful tattoo for much less than if you were going to get the same tattoo in the United States.

That said, make sure you do your research before walking into any tattoo shop in Malaysia, because there can be some health code issues you might be dealing with if you don’t take your time in finding the right artist for you.

How much do tattoos cost in the UK?

Every tattoo is different and the same can be said about getting a tattoo in the UK. Overall, your tattoo is going to cost you more money in the UK than it would in the United States. As we sit, USD is at $1.24 per £1. This means you will be paying a little bit more across the pond.

That said, there are some extremely talented artists in the UK that may not be as well-known as if they were in the United States, so if you find one of them, you might get a good deal. The average tattoo in the UK is around £150.

How much does a lion tattoo cost?

The lion is symbol of strength, royalty and power. We have seen full back piece tattoos of lions and we have seen lions that will fit on a finger. This is the biggest factor when determining the cost of a lion tattoo.

On the cheaper end of the spectrum, you might see the simple outline of The Lion King’s character, Simba that will cost around $100. On the other hand, you might see a full sized realistic backpiece of a lion that will cost at least $200 an hour and be well over $1500 when all is said and done.

How much do koi fish tattoos cost?

A Japanese koi fish is a symbol of good luck or good fortune. These fish are associated with strength of purpose and perseverance in adversity. In Buddhism, the koi fish is a symbol of courage. With all that said, it is no wonder the koi fish is such a popular choice for the tattoo enthusiast.

A nice sized koi fish tattoo over 10 inches long is going to cost around $300 and more. If you wanted to get a simple koi fish outline that is smaller than 10 inches, you might pay somewhere around $125 to $150, but if you’re looking for a quality koi tattoo with some color to it, expect to pay more.

How much does a touch up tattoo cost?

After some time, you might notice that your tattoo is losing a bit of its “pop” or luster that you loved about it at the beginning. A touch up might be just what the doctor ordered.

One of the common practices of tattoo shops is to offer free touch ups on the tattoos they have done if you have taken care of the tattoo. These are sometimes time sensitive offers. Other times, shops will give you greatly discounted rates for coming back to them for a touch up.

How much does a sternum tattoo cost?

There are different styles of sternum tattoos. The sternum runs straight down from the bottom of your neck to just under the breast area. An extremely popular style of sternum tattoo done by women is the “under-boob” tattoo.

These tattoos can be delicate and small or bold and colorful. These tattoos can take over 5 hours to complete. The price will range from $300 to around $1,200.

How much does a full back tattoo cost?

A full back tattoo has a wide range of cost, but we know it’s going to be on the higher end of the spectrum because it is the largest space on the body and will take a lot of time and ink to fill.

Full back tattoos will range in the vicinity of $1,500 to $5,500. You are talking about many hours of work and if you work with a more renowned tattoo artist, the cost could be even more. Make sure you are doing your research before you start a project like this. It is quite a commitment.

How much does a half sleeve tattoo cost?

A half sleeve tattoo allows tattoo enthusiasts to get the bigger tattoo they have been looking for while still being able to conceal it under a short sleeve work shirt or a ¾ sleeve shirt.

Half sleeves are always good ideas for those that would like a realistic scene of some sort or a tattoo that conveys a larger idea. These tattoos usually cost anywhere from $900 to $2500.

How much does a portrait tattoo cost?

A portrait tattoo is the ultimate show of homage. You are immortalizing someone or something that is extremely close to you. If you are thinking of getting a portrait tattoo, make sure you choose wisely because you want to do that person or pet some justice when you get this tattoo.

There are some bad portrait tattoos out there from artists that went outside of their lane, and for customers who did not want to save their money for the right artist. If you are going to get your own portrait tattoo, expect to pay somewhere around $200 an hour. This is the rate for a quality artist that is not going to mess up a tattoo that was made for someone incredibly special.

How much do color tattoos cost?

Many are under the impression that a color tattoo is going to cost much more than a black and grey tattoo when that is not necessarily the case. Sometimes, a simple black and grey tattoo can be very quick, and therefore, inexpensive. In the cases where a color tattoo is more expensive than a black and grey tattoo, it is because the tattoo is more detailed and takes more time.

However, there are some incredibly detailed and elaborate black and grey tattoos that can end up costing you a just as much as that beautiful color tattoo. Expect normal rates that run between $100 and $200 an hour.

How much do soundwave tattoos cost?

The soundwave tattoo can be a cool thing. The idea behind it is to have an app record you saying something, or some words someone else spoke to give you a visual soundwave of those words.

The tattoo artist can then take this image and tattoo it on the body. A soundwave tattoo does not have to be oversized or expensive. This tattoo should not take much more than an hour, so you are looking at somewhere between $75 and $150.

How much does a cover up tattoo cost?

Because of the effort and creativity that goes into covering up an old tattoo, you can expect to pay at least $150 an hour. In many cases, you will end up paying more than the tattoo you are covering up because it is going to take more ink and time than the original tattoo. In most cases, your artist will have to use more space on your body to cover up the tattoo.

How much does a chest tattoo cost?

The chest is a large canvas to tattoo on. Therefore, the cost of this tattoo could widely range in cost. In terms of pricing, you might want to refer to the sizing chart. If you are getting smaller tattoos on your chest, you are looking at somewhere around $100. However, a chest piece that covers your entire chest can go upwards of $2,000. You can easily get 10 hours of work done on your chest and the pricing is adjusted accordingly.

How much does a forearm tattoo cost?

Like many tattoos that are placed on different body parts, the size of the tattoo matters. However, if you are looking for a tattoo that is going to fill the area of your forearm, you are likely looking at a cost of $450 and up.

How much do tattoos cost in Thailand?

A tattoo in Bangkok is going to cost more than if you were to get a tattoo in Chiang Mai. There are also other that choose to get stick and poke tattoos from monks in Thailand. In many cases, the Sak Yant tattoo from a monk will cost you a donation of between 1,000 baht and 12,000 baht. This breaks down to around $30 to $350. A tattoo with a tattoo gun is going be less expensive than if you were to get a tattoo in your home country. Almost everything is cheaper in Thailand and you can expect the tattoos to be that too.

How much does a sleeve tattoo cost?

A full sleeve is much like the half sleeve; however, it will often span from the wrist/hand all the way up the shoulder. You are essentially getting double the space to work than if you were only getting a half sleeve tattoo.

The best thing about getting a full sleeve tattoo is how creative you can be with the space you have to work with. From large nature scenes, to a full sleeve of random images and ideas, this tattoo is for those that are not trying to hide anything. A full sleeve tattoo can range in price from $1,500 to $3,000.

How much does a forearm tattoo cost?

Like many tattoos that are placed on different body parts, the size of the tattoo matters. However, if you are looking for a tattoo that is going to fill the area of your forearm, you are likely looking at a cost of $450 and up.

How much do lip tattoos cost?

Most lip tattoo or inner lip tattoos are going to be small. One thing to keep in mind when you are getting your inner lip tattoo is if you are ready to pay for a temporary tattoo because the inner lip tattoo is just that: temporary. Because of the speed of healing, these tattoos will generally last anywhere from 1 to 5 years. That said, if you are still into getting an inner lip tattoo, you are looking at a cost from around $50 to $150.

How much do finger tattoos cost?

Finger tattoos seem to be all the craze these days. From wedding rings to animal portraits, fingers are the fun new canvas that many tattoo enthusiasts are using to display their art. Contrary to belief, finger tattoos can be painful, but sometimes the juice is worth the squeeze.

Finger tattoos are similar to inner lip tattoos in that they are somewhat temporary. The skin on your finger regenerates quickly. If you are going to get a finger tattoo, expect to pay between $50 and $150 depending on the complexity of the tattoo.

How much does a chest tattoo cost?

The chest is a large canvas to tattoo on. Therefore, the cost of this tattoo could widely range in cost. In terms of pricing, you might want to refer to the sizing chart. If you are getting smaller tattoos on your chest, you are looking at somewhere around $100. However, a chest piece that covers your entire chest can go upwards of $2,000. You can easily get 10 hours of work done on your chest and the pricing is adjusted accordingly.

How much does a shoulder tattoo cost?

A shoulder tattoo that is of the larger variety and covers most of your entire upper arm is going to range somewhere between $500 and $1,300. The shoulder is a popular place to get a tattoo as it can be easily hidden if you are in a business meeting but can also be shown off at the beach. It is a great choice of location because it gives the artist some nice space to work in.

How much does a calf tattoo cost?

By our estimation and consulting of established tattoo artists, you can guess that your calf tattoo will range between $250 and $600. However, if you are cover that entire calf from top to bottom, you could be looking at higher rates. The calf tattoo is a great tattoo to show off in the summer at your BBQ or to cover up at work.

How much does a wrist tattoo cost?

A wrist tattoo can be bold or delicate. If you are not afraid to let your tattoos always show, the wrist tattoo is a great location to choose. In terms of sizing, a wrist tattoo is going to be of the smaller variety and therefore, it is going to cost between $50 and $100 on average. However, as with most tattoos, the intricacy and details make price fluctuate.

How much does a tattoo cost on your ribs or side?

The ribs or side tattoo can run a high rate as it is quite a large area and if you decide to use it all, you are looking at a long session or two. However, some choose to get simple quotes on the side. All that said, if you decide to use all the space on your ribs to get your tattoo, you could be looking a price of over $1,000 easy. Not only is it pricey, it tends to be a very painful location to get a tattoo so keep that in mind. When done right, the rib tattoo is a good-looking place to have a tattoo.

How much does a hand tattoo cost?

Another location on the body that leaves nothing to question, a hand tattoo is letting everyone know that you love your tattoos and you are going to let them shine. A hand tattoo is a medium size tattoo that can take at least a couple hours to finish. Depending on who is tattooing you, the cost might range between $200 and $400.

How much does a cover up tattoo cost?

Because of the effort and creativity that goes into covering up an old tattoo, you can expect to pay at least $150 an hour. In many cases, you will end up paying more than the tattoo you are covering up because it is going to take more ink and time than the original tattoo. In most cases, your artist will have to use more space on your body to cover up the tattoo.

How much does a portrait tattoo cost?

A portrait tattoo is the ultimate show of homage. You are immortalizing someone or something that is extremely close to you. If you are thinking of getting a portrait tattoo, make sure you choose wisely because you want to do that person or pet some justice when you get this tattoo.

There are some bad portrait tattoos out there from artists that went outside of their lane, and for customers who did not want to save their money for the right artist. If you are going to get your own portrait tattoo, expect to pay somewhere around $200 an hour. This is the rate for a quality artist that is not going to mess up a tattoo that was made for someone incredibly special.

How much do color tattoos cost?

Many are under the impression that a color tattoo is going to cost much more than a black and grey tattoo when that is not necessarily the case. Sometimes, a simple black and grey tattoo can be very quick, and therefore, inexpensive. In the cases where a color tattoo is more expensive than a black and grey tattoo, it is because the tattoo is more detailed and takes more time. However, there are some incredibly detailed and elaborate black and grey tattoos that can end up costing you a just as much as that beautiful color tattoo. Expect normal rates that run between $100 and $200 an hour.

How much do soundwave tattoos cost?

The soundwave tattoo can be a cool thing. The idea behind it is to have an app record you saying something, or some words someone else spoke to give you a visual soundwave of those words. The tattoo artist can then take this image and tattoo it on the body. A soundwave tattoo does not have to be oversized or expensive. This tattoo should not take much more than an hour, so you are looking at somewhere between $75 and $150.

How much does a quote tattoo cost?

This answer should be obvious but if it is not, the price of a quote tattoo is determined by the size and length of the quote. Some people like to get small quotes that will fit on the wrist or on the inside of a finger. A tattoo of that size might run between $75 and $150. However, some like to have enormous quotes tattooed on themselves. We see a lot of this on the back or on the ribs of the tattoo customer. These tattoos can run between $200 and $400 dollars.

How much does a phoenix tattoo cost?

The phoenix tattoo represents rebirth, which makes this a great choice for those that have gone through tough times and come out the other end. This is a tattoo that will let people know that you have seen the darkness and are now reborn to be a better person. This is a fresh start tattoo and whether you are moving on to a new location or getting through a bad habit, this tattoo is the perfect option. A small phoenix tattoo can cost you up to $250. On the other hand, if you get a phoenix tattoo that covers your whole back, you might be looking at upwards of $4,000.

How much does a pin up girl tattoo cost?

Pin up girl tattoos are a symbol of femininity. These attractive and beautiful ladies are reminders to those that have them of a special person in their life. It might also remind them of specific ideals they hold. Many soldiers and sailors would get these tattoos to remind them of their spouse or partners back at home. It was something that would keep them motivated. The pin up girl tattoo is generally a medium sized tattoo and will cost between $150 and $500.

How much does a large tattoo cost?

Large tattoos might have the biggest price range because they can span from around 20 inches and up. From your arm to an entire back piece, a large tattoo can run you in the thousands if it is detailed enough and done by the right artist. A large tattoo can range from $500 to $5,000 and that is a very rough estimate. The best thing for you to do if you are thinking of getting a large tattoo is to talk to your artist and find out their hourly rate. In general, size, hourly rate and experience are going to be big factors in tattoo pricing.

There are plenty of factors that are considered when looking for an estimate on your next tattoo. We will dig into these factors,
but some examples are the complexity of the tattoo, who the artist is, if the artist is famous, how long they have been tattooing, what city is the shop in and others with that. These are all things that will be the difference between a $50 tattoo and one that costs $2,000.

In this post we are going to review the different factors that impact the price of your tattoo so you can get a better idea of what you will end up paying. Getting a tattoo price estimate is going to be all over the place if you don’t know what you’re getting but hopefully by reading some of this reasoning below, you can have a better idea of what your next tattoo will cost you.
How much does a good tattoo cost?

If you’re looking for a quality tattoo that you’re going to be happy to look at, you’re not going to want to be cheap about the process. There is a saying that “good tattoos aren’t cheap and cheap tattoos aren’t good.” Anyone that’s been around the tattoo industry would agree with this sentiment. This isn’t a money grab, but words of wisdom.

There are many factors that go into the pricing of a tattoo. We will be reviewing the many factors involved in the pricing decision. As a rough guideline, you can refer to this chart below.

Tattoo Artist
$ Hourly Rate
Full Sleeve
Apprentice or Beginner (1-3 yrs)
$80 – $120 per hour
$800 – $1000
Solo Tattoo Artist (3-5 yrs)
$120 – $150 per hour
$1200 – $1500
Established Artist (5-10 yrs)
$150 – $180 per hour
$1500 – $1800
Teaching Artist (10+ yrs)
$150 – $220 per hour
$2000+
Popular Artist
$180 +
Whatever they want

Skill, Experience and Popularity of Artist

This is probably one of the biggest factors when looking to get your new tattoo no matter the size of the tattoo you are getting. The skill set of an artist can vary a great deal from artist to artist.

On one side you’ve got your typical scratcher that works out of his mom’s house that will charge you $20 dollars for a tattoo or the guy that bought a kit off the internet for his first kit ever. On the other side of the coin you have got your tattoo artist with over 20 years of experience that will charge you $175 an hour.

Just keep in mind that you deserve a better artist than the guy that is tattooing out of his garage but you also don’t need to have an artist ink you up that has over 20 years of experience to get a good tattoo. It is all in the talent and you must feel that out and do you research.

To be clear, there are fantastic artists out there with only a few years’ experience that will give you as good a tattoo as the guy with over 20 years of experience. You do not have to have the guy that has been in the industry the longest to get a sold tattoo.

As far as price goes, remember to include a tip at the end. It is only common courtesy. In addition, if you take of your artist this time around, they will make sure to treat you great next time you come in for a follow up or addition to your current piece.

The key is to take your time and look through their body of work. You could very well get a big tattoo from a talented artist with just a few years in the industry for half the price of a guy that has been around forever but just has not progressed.

This is probably the biggest factor in looking when trying to determine how much your tattoo will cost and what size you can get for a specific price point.

Another factor to consider is the popularity and exposure of the artist you are thinking about working with. It seems to be common sense that if you are seeking out an artist that is very popular with a big waiting list, your medium sized tattoo will cost more than if you were going to get it from your friend down the street. Be ready to pay a premium price for the popular artists. In addition, if the artist you are talking to happened to get some early exposure, they might get pricey too. They might not even be the most talented artist out there, but they may have gotten a shot on a show like Ink Master or something similar. In this case, the artist can charge more strictly based on the exposure he or she got from the show.

Popularity of the Shop

Even if you choose to go to an artist that is relatively unknown, you might still be charged more if they are at a popular shop. Their shop is the name that is bringing all the customers in so if you happen to go in there, the artist might have to charge more because the shop is charging them more. This comes with the territory when you are going to a big name. In many cases, these bigger names offer better customer service, so you might be offered free touchups or some free swag.

Location of the Shop

One more factor that could impact the price of your next tattoo is the location of the studio. You must consider the overhead costs of the shop which might be getting pushed onto the artist. If they work out of a shop in downtown NYC or Los Angeles, their prices might be much steeper than the talented artist that works in the suburbs.

The point of this article is that even though you would like to know a straight answer on how much your tattoo will cost based on the size, it is almost impossible to give you that rate. Everything is on a case by case basis and it will depend on the artist you choose. Our recommendation for anyone curious of the pricing for the size of the tattoo is to do your research and take your time in doing so. There are a lot of fantastic artists out there without the big name, but they have the big skills.

Complexity of the Tattoo

The complexity of the tattoo will be the main factor into how long the tattoo will cost. Some artists work faster than other, but for the most part, if you get a big complicated tattoo, it is going to cost more money. For example, if you want a tattoo sleeve incorporating color realism, the process will take longer that someone getting a simple black tattoo. In this case, expect to pay more money.

Deals and Discounts

Every now again you can find promotional offers online or through the shop. Many tattoo shops will look to increase business with sites like Groupon. Others might send you information on discounted rates through their mailing list. You can always check with your local shops to see if they have any specials going on.

Tattoo Planning and Location

In some instances, you may be charged more for getting a tattoo in a sensitive location. These tattoos might require a more experienced tattoo artist. With experience comes cost. In many cases, you will have to find artists that are willing to work on specific locations on the body. The only way to find out is to ask.

Tattoo Detail and Sizing

This may seem obvious, but the bigger and more detailed the tattoo, the higher the price. These are things that you should keep in mind when getting your next tattoo. In addition, if an artist agrees to ink a large-scale tattoo for much less than any artist around, you should ask questions and do your research on the kind of work that artist does. These are signs that this artist might not be the one for you.

Colors Used in Tattoo

The colors used in your tattoo should not make much of a difference at all. Most inks of the same brand cost the same amount of money. The only time it may end up costing you more money is when you are trying to remove the tattoo. Some inks are harder to remove than others, and the more sessions you have, the more money you will spend.

Techniques and Materials Used

Techniques and materials used can impact the price of your next tattoo. While 99% of the cost will be influenced by the amount of time it takes to be tattooed, there are a few other things out there that can impact the price.

Black & Grey vs Color Tattoos

In most cases, you’ll end up paying more for a full color tattoo and this isn’t because the ink being used is more expensive, but because it takes more ink and more time for some of these full color tattoos. However, for a very elaborate and intricate black and grey tattoo, you will be looking at the same price. If you are using more ink, you are most likely using more time and that is where the cost adds up.

Tips to Consider Before Hiring Your Next Tattoo Artist

When looking to hire a tattoo artist these days, there are many factors you should consider before doing so. Long gone are the days of going to your local shop because it was the only option you knew about. In today’s world of tattooing, you can find great information on artists all over your state and the country. The research you do beforehand will ensure that you find an artist that will meet all your needs. Follow these tips before hiring your next artist.

– Know how the process works. Most tattoo artists and shops will schedule an in-person consultation with the artist. Here you will talk to your potential tattoo artist, give them your ideas so they can work up an idea, discuss rates and your plan of action.

– Think about your design and how much creative freedom you would like to give the artist. If given the chance, your potential tattoo artist can take an idea that you have been thinking about and turn it into a tattoo. Some people choose to go the route of stock designs or flash tattoos. However, if you give the artist a chance, they might come up with something you would have never imagined.

– Do your research. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to get tattooed when you walk into a shop, but the better idea you have, the more please you’re going to be after you get the tattoo. Many people are willing to give the tattoo artist 100% free reign on designing the tattoo they are going to get. However, others know exactly what they want when they sit down in the chair. Then you have the ranges of people that are in the middle somewhere. No matter which camp you are in, the better idea you have about what you want, the happier you will be when it is all over.

– Decide on the placement of the tattoo. Many of us will have a particularly good idea of where we want the next tattoo to be placed. However, many of us also do not have the keen eye of a tattoo artist and have a hard time imagining where the tattoo will look best. For those that are looking for a way to get a better idea, printing your piece and placing it is a great option. If you design something similar to what you like or you find something online, you can print it, cut it out, and place it on different sections of your body so you have a better idea of how it will look.

– Use online portfolios to research shops and artists. Researching tattoo artists and shops today is a lot different than it used to be. You no longer need to go into a shop to look at an artist’s portfolio to check out their work. In times like these, a tattoo artist’s work can be generally found online. If you go to the artist or shops website, you will likely find the work of the artist. You can also go on sites like Facebook and Instagram to find the work of the artist that you are thinking about working with. Take your time and do the research.

– Know your budget. This might be the first thing you should address because it could quickly disqualify many tattoo artists. If you are gone through any of this post, you will see that tattoo artists can have rates that range from $50 to $1000 an hour. That said, the saying, “you get what you pay for”, really applies here. We suggest saving your money and going with an artist that you know is reputable. After all, this tattoo is going to be seen by you every day, for the rest of your life. Make sure you do not rush into something you will regret later.

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