Looking to get inked? Find out how much is an average tattoo right here.The average price for a tattoo between $50 and $100. The exact cost depends on the size, complexity, and location of the tattoo. Read on for more information!
Things to Think About Before Getting a Tattoo
You may already be aware of this, but it's still a good idea to list the factors you should consider before selecting whether or not to get a tattoo. A tattoo is a significant financial and physical commitment, so desiring it isn't enough.
Here are a few factors to consider before getting a tattoo to aid in your decision-making.
Permanence
Tattoos last a lifetime. Whether you like it or not, it becomes a part of you once you get a tattoo. There are methods to get rid of it, but they are costly, intrusive, and uncomfortable.
Even worse, there is no assurance that your tattoo will vanish after undergoing those therapies. Some people's only result was a painful scar.
So, if you're unsure of your ability to commit to a permanent tattoo, consider getting a temporary tattoo or henna tattoo to experience what it's like to have one for a few days. You may start thinking about other options if, in the end, you still don't want it.
Pain
You then need to consider the discomfort. A tattoo will hurt, at the very least. However, your ability to tolerate discomfort, where the tattoo is placed, and the tattoo artist all play a role.
You can request that your tattoo artist use numbing tattoo lotions if you are sensitive to discomfort or cannot tolerate it because it will considerably lessen the discomfort from your tattoo and numb your skin for two to five hours.
Pain tolerance levels
As the ink is placed on your skin, needles pierce your skin throughout the tattooing procedure. For at least 45 minutes, try to imagine feeling this. It doesn't sound reassuring. Because there is more pricking than normal, it hurts especially bad if your pattern is intricate.
The Location Of The Tattoo
Additionally, the discomfort of your tattoo will depend on where it is placed. The more "bonier" the region is, the more painful the tattoo will be, tattoo artists will tell you. Therefore, getting a tattoo on your arm is often less painful than getting one on your collarbone.
Tattoo Artists
Finally, the level of discomfort will depend on the tattoo artist's skill and dexterity. Let's face it, some artists have such innate design and inking talent that it seems like their hands were created for it.
However, some people naturally have large hands (although this does not mean they are not skilled). This implies that heavy-handed artists often make the procedure more difficult. This is just the way things are; it's not on purpose.
Health
When deciding to get a tattoo, it is wise to speak with a physician. The most crucial factor to consider is whether getting a tattoo will result in skin allergies.
Even though food allergies are distinct from ink allergies, you still need your doctor's consent, even if you claim to be allergic to shellfish.
Additionally, it's a good idea to be tested for ink sensitivities to anticipate how your skin will respond to the ink when you go to the tattoo shop. When you can, avoid being shocked when rashes and itching appear.
The Reason Why You’re Getting One
The reason you're getting a tattoo is something else to consider. Are you interested in one since it's in demand right now? Or do you want it as a way to honor someone or something in your memory?
Your motivation for getting a tattoo may inspire you to choose a piece that speaks to you. Additionally, it will enable you to become accustomed to the idea of it being long-term.
Budget
You don't need to consider this specific element if you have no financial difficulties. But if you're worried about the price of the tattoo, you should consider how much money you're prepared to spend on one.
No one answer can tell you how much a tattoo will cost; instead, the cost will depend on several factors (you can read more about the elements below). So if you ever decide to get a tattoo, you best save up some money.
Timing
You are conscious of the importance of time, even more so in the case of tattoos. You can't simply decide that you want a tattoo right now. Since a tattoo is permanent, you can regret getting one if you speed the process.
Therefore, you should allow yourself enough time to mentally and financially prepare for getting a tattoo.
Factors Affecting Your Tattoo Cost
Although many tattoo parlors may have adopted hourly rates or set charges, remember that not all tattoo ideas are created equal. Several elements affect how much you'll pay, some of which are more important than others.
Here is how to tattoo parlors calculate the price of a tattoo for each customer.
Artist Experience
You will always pay for the skill level if you want your tattoo done by your neighbor's babysitter's amazing cousin, who has such excellent references. When tattooing clients in his garage, a man with jail experience can't charge much, but he also can't work for anything.
In tattoo parlors, you pay for the experience as well. Due to this, various artists working in the same shop frequently charge varying prices, sometimes even for identical tattoo designs.
Some work on many designs and have preferences and strong suits, but experience allows them to charge more.
This is only one of a select few elements that affect tattoo costs in all tattoo parlors, not just those you see on television. The finest tattoo will never be inexpensive, in all honesty.
Here, "best" refers to anything that entirely meets your needs, is ensured to endure, and does not fade after a few weeks or days of sunbathing.
Intricacy and Design
The difficulty is affected by various elements, including design, color scheme, size, location, and tools.
Given that the tattoo artist is already familiar with the design and is aware of how much time and ink would be required, it seems natural that a tattoo from the shop's catalog will cost less than a bespoke piece.
Custom jobs are pretty unique. Drawing them and calculating their cost and profit take time. You will have to pay extra as a result. It's possible that some tattoo parlors even have set prices for common "custom" client requests, but you shouldn't count on it.
Used Colors
Tattoos in black and white are often affordable. Everything changes, though, if you ask the artist to use watercolors. Consider receiving a quotation for a $50 black tattoo. If you need colors, that may cost you up to five times as much.
Size
Even at a reputable tattoo studio, finger or wrist tattoos might not cost more than $50. Due to the tiny size and minimal ink usage, bespoke work is rarely subject to an additional fee. It may wind up costing anything between $4,000 and $5,000 if you decide to cover your entire back.
Large tattoo designs take a long time to complete, requiring more ink. They are as difficult for the tattoo artist as for the customer. Long sessions wear the artist out, which makes it possible that they won't be motivated to work on someone else after you.
The difficulty of huge tattoo designs is increased further. You may start to twitch, shiver, or move at the worst possible time because you could lose patience or shrink away from the discomfort.
The likelihood of damaging your tattoo is extremely significant since you wouldn't always know when to let the artist know you need a break. As a result, you pay for the skilled hand that is stable and foresees impending events.
Body Position
Your tattoo's intricacy is partially determined by where it is placed. Because of their small size, ankle tattoos can seem like they should be inexpensive.
Well, neither the customer nor the tattoo artist enjoys getting their ankles tattooed. In particular, the region needs extra caution when dealing with sensitive consumers.
Hard-to-reach areas, painful locations, or body portions that are difficult to draw a straight line on will always cost more to have tattooed.
Shop's Location
The location of the tattoo parlor can significantly impact the cost. T tattoo parlors in smaller towns or rural locations will be less expensive. A tattoo can cost ten times more in a large city with a high cost of living than it would in a rural location.
Even while that sounds harsh, greed is not the only factor. It seems evident that tattoo shops in highly populated locations, where rental rates are higher, will charge more to get inked. Tattoo shops need to cover rent and expenditures.
Equipment
If you've visited many tattoo parlors, you know the difference between subpar and superior tools. Nobody is now expecting you to distinguish between different tattoo equipment and ink brands. The level of upkeep should be something you can see.
You're probably at an excellent shop run by experts if everything is still gleaming, the lighting is bright, there are no dusty regions, the walls appear clean, etc.
Every time you enter one of such establishments, you can count on their rates to keep with the store's appearance and condition. If it appears nice, it costs more than the nearby tattoo shop with a more unassuming front.
How Much Will Tattoo Cost?
How Much Is A Tattoo Sleeve?
A full-sleeve tattoo is about as dedicated as you can go to getting inked. It extends from the wrist to the shoulder and features patterns and color (if you choose). It usually takes several sessions and much patience.
These can cost you anything from $2000 to $4000 for an outline-only version to as much as $6000 for a full-color version because it can take the artist up to two whole days to complete, either in long sessions or several shorter ones.
How Much Do Full Back Tattoos Cost?
This tattoo will normally span your entire back, from the base of your neck to your waist, and is priced similarly to a full sleeve. If you want something intricate, colorful, and detailed, the outlining may run you between $250 to $5,000, and adding color could add another $100 to $200.
You're looking at a total of between 40 and 55 hours of labor , so bear that in mind when calculating expenditures.
Think about moving slowly and piecemeal to make this a little more cost-effective.
How Much Would A Forearm Tattoo Cost?
A forearm tattoo will cost you between $250 to $1300 depending on size, design, and color. It is less expensive and half as long as a full sleeve. Full color will always cost more than plain outlines or writing, falling on the cheaper end of the price spectrum.
How Much Is A Chest Tattoo?
These may range in price from $600-$2,000 depending on color, size, shading, and, of course, the artist's degree of competence. Depending on your design, they can take between 6 and 10 hours to complete.
Cost Of A Wrist Tattoo
If you get basic designs like letters, phrases, symbols, or even a compass rose, wrist tattoos typically cost between $50 and $150.
Finger
Not yet prepared to commit to a huge or colorful tattoo but thinking about getting one? Then a finger tattoo can be the perfect choice for you. These can cost as little as $50 to $100 for a basic outline design.
However, if you want anything with fine detail or sharp lines, be prepared to pay up to $500. It mainly depends on the tattoo's design, the artist, and the location of the tattoo shop.
Hip/Thigh
For a regular-size hip or thigh tattoo (approximately 1 foot in length), you'll pay $500 for an outline-only design or between $150 and $2,000 for a full-color one.
Shoulder Tattoo
Standard shoulder caps, or the area around the circumference of your shoulder, start at roughly $800 or $850 and go up from there. This is one of the most common places for tattoos.
Ankle
Depending on your chosen features, the price range for a basic ankle tattoo is $50–250.
Lip/Face
Of course, there is also the option of getting cosmetic tattoos if that is more your style. Depending on the artist, prices for freckles, lip liner, and eyeliner range from $500 to $3000.
Whole body
There's always the entire body if you want to strongly and completely commit to the world of tattoos. This might set you back $100,000 or more from head to toe. (With or without a few thousand)
How Much Do Sternum Tattoos Cost
A well-done under-breast tattoo can take up to 6 hours to finish in this highly delicate location, so you can anticipate paying between $500 and $1,000 for one. Small sternum tattoos on women are often known as "under-breast tattoos."
They may be huge enough to cover the sternum, the lower cleavage, and half of the ribs.
How Much Does A Calf Tattoo Cost?
For a one-sided, solid-color design, you can anticipate the average calf tattoo to cost between $350 and $500. A colorful calf sleeve tattoo might easily cost twice or treble that amount.
Cost of Areola Tattoo
Costs for areola repigmentation range from $200 to $800. This operation is frequently the final step in breast reconstruction surgery to cover scars or enhance nipples.
Cost Of Small Tattoos
You'll probably pay the shop's minimum, whether it's $50 or $150, for a minimal tribute to tattoo artistry, something straightforward like a permanent wedding band, a little heart or cross, or another meaningful symbol.
No matter what kind of tattoo you choose, being ready before your appointment and most definitely before the procedure itself might be the difference between falling in love with your new ink and experiencing buyers' regret.
Color Tattoo Vs Black and Grey Cost
Generally speaking, a full-color tattoo can be up to twice as expensive as one in black and grey. However, the quantity of ink used is more important to consider when determining price than the ink color.
Depending on the time and ink required, a complex black-and-gray tattoo with lots of shading and colored-in areas can cost the same as a color tattoo.
Cost Of Tattoo Coverup
Due to the extra-creative design work required for tattoo cover-ups, expect to spend at least $125 per hour.
The cost of a tattoo cover-up will often be the same as the price of the tattoo you're trying to cover up, if not more because they typically require a lot more filling in of outlines with big blocks of solid color.
Cost of Tattoo Touch-Up
You might wish to touch up your tattoo a month or two after receiving it. If you take good care of your new tattoo and it has healed well, it is normal practice for certain tattoo studios to do complimentary touch-ups.
If the tattoo is older than a year or was done by someone else, the touch-up work will usually be charged at their regular hourly rate, depending on how long it takes.
Examples Of Tattoos And Their Prices
A thorough list of popular tattoos is provided below, along with their prices, so you can know what to prepare for. Remember that all of the information on this list is an estimate.
Every tattoo artist has pricing strategies that consider factors like their degree of ability, the demand, and the cost of living where they are.
Cost Of A Script Or Serenity Prayer Tattoo
The cost of the Serenity Prayer tattoo ranges from $100 to $300 or more, depending on whether it covers your complete side or half of your back.
It's challenging to say the prayer in limited space since it consists of three sentence clauses. "God, grant me the insight to discern the difference," the prayer says. "The bravery to change the things I can, and the serenity to accept the things I cannot."
How Much Does Portrait Tattoos Cost
If you want to acquire portrait tattoos that are as realistic as possible, it's essential to pay at least $200 per hour while comparing pricing. Only competent tattoo artists can execute portrait work with the level of attention to detail required.
Cost Of Tribal Tattoos
Prices for tribal tattoos range from $50 for a finger-sized, solid-color symbol to $300 or more for a palm-sized design. The Maori, Celtic clans, Aztecs, and other indigenous civilizations of island nations are the primary sources of inspiration for tribal tattoo designs.
3D Tattoo Costs
Because only a skilled tattoo artist can adequately complete them, 3D tattoo charges often range from $200 per hour or more. Extra effort is needed to create the 3D illusion, and the design must be lightly shaded in the proper places to stand out.
Price Of A Watercolor Tattoo
The average cost of a watercolor tattoo is $400 for an artwork roughly 4 inches across. Although this tattooing doesn't call for more expensive ink, it can take more time and shading to get the desired distinctive look of mimicking brush strokes.
Cost Of A Dreamcatcher Tattoo
The most popular dreamcatcher tattoo costs between $200 and $250 for a design that is around 3.5 inches for the top spherical portion and an additional 3.5 inches for the feathers and parts falling.
How Much Does A Semicolon Tattoo Cost
It will cost around $50 to get a black, thumbnail-sized semicolon tattoo on your wrist. If the shop's minimum rate is more significant, you could have to pay extra.
Cost Of A Hair Tattoo
If it's a type of scalp micro-pigmentation, a hair tattoo can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $4,000 in total. Expect to pay $200 an hour or more for a basic hairline or a scalp tattoo, which may cost up to twice as much as normal tattoos.
This is so that the artist may work more slowly and carefully because these sections are susceptible and have rounded surfaces. Additionally, they must maintain their needles at a shallower depth.
Through this procedure, bald regions appear to have hair. For optimal results, wear a buzz cut. However, due to the tiny, triple-cluster needles used in scalp micro-pigmentation, this process is better performed by hair-loss experts rather than conventional tattoo artists.
They need to be inserted considerably more shallowly. Plus, using specific inks that aren't used in tattoo parlors makes it simpler to simulate hair.
Soundwave tattoo
The current price range for a soundwave tattoo is< strong> $30 to $40 for the original design plus a variable charge of $100 to $200 for the tattoo artist who is a member of the sound wave tattoo network.
To maintain your tattoo design registered on their network for usage with the app, you may occasionally pay an extra $10 yearly subscription cost.
SoundViz and Skin Motion are two firms that at least have applications and produce designs for sound wave tattoos. Your unique audio sample will play each time you use the camera on your phone to scan an image of your tattoo.
How Much Would A Quote Tattoo Cost
You may cost roughly $90 if you want it in black ink solely because shorter sentences often take less than an hour.
Cost Of Freckle Tattoos
Since freckle tattoos are quick, easy, and natural-looking, they typically fit under the $50 to $90 minimum price range for shop services. Unless the store is scarce or you need some unique details to work with it, you wouldn't spend extra.
Blackout Tattoo
Blackout tattooing has an hourly rate of $150 to $300. This is because this design's large, strong blocks of color that provide the dramatic blackout effect require a lot more ink to print.
Forearm Tattoo With A Forest And Trees
If you want to add many colors and get the trendy forest forearm tattoo frequently seen on guys, expect to pay $500 or more.
Costs Of Lion Tattoos
A realistic lion tattoo image can take 1 to 2 hours to execute and can range in price from $150 to $400. Depending on the size of your arm and the picture, a full sleeve lion tattoo might cost approximately $200 an hour and take up to 8 hours to complete.
Cost Of Heart Tattoo
If you have a tiny, one-color, thin-lined heart tattoo on your wrist that is about the size of a fingerprint, it will cost you roughly $50.
Price Of A Cross Tattoo
The price of a small- to the medium-sized cross tattoo can range from $80 to $150 if it has a simple design and is just done in one color.
How Much Does A Rose Tattoo Cost?
It can take up to 6 hours to produce a huge rose tattoo in the color that is roughly the size of your palm, and it will cost you around $600.
If you're on a tight budget, choose a more straightforward design with just an outline that is 2 inches in diameter or less; this will take less than an hour and cost you around $100.
Cost of KOI fish tattoo
A koi fish tattoo will cost between $100 and $150 for an up to 8-inch-long, black ink, outline-only design. However, most consumers like designs for larger, more colorful koi fish that cost $250 or more.
Polish Eagle Tattoo
A famous coat of arms design, the Polish eagle tattoo costs between $75 and $250.
Ironman Tattoo
The majority of Ironman tattoos to commemorate your major triathlon are straightforward patterns done just in red and black, costing between $75 and $150.
Cost Of A Solid Black Armband Tattoo
It costs between $100 and $350 to have a solid-black armband tattoo that is straight around the arm, depending on how thick you want them to be.
Advice For Negotiating The Best Tattoo Price
How do you negotiate a lower price for your tattoo now that you know the factors that go into its creation? Here are some suggestions for getting a better deal.
Ask friends and relatives for referrals
Asking for referrals from close friends and relatives should be your first step. You never know who knows who, and in a tattoo shop, you could even be able to receive a buddy discount.
It's usually better to check within your network first since you could be eligible for a discount that will enable you to reduce the cost of your anticipated tattoo significantly.
Additionally, if a friend of yours can bring someone to the tattoo parlor they previously visited, there can be a referral discount.
Seek out artists that are interested in gaining experience
It's unnecessary to exclude aspiring tattoo artists just because you want to have work of the highest caliber. There are tattoo artists, both professional and inexperienced, who offer discounts to potential customers.
You will benefit from lower tattoo costs, and the tattoo artist will get more clients.
Get a third-tip provider who charges a set fee
Tattoo artists often charge an hourly rate. However, you should prepare for a lengthier than anticipated tattoo session if your design is intricate and one-of-a-kind.
An extended tattoo session will cost extra money, especially if you don't know how long the appointment will last. To find a tattoo artist that provides fixed pricing to minimize unforeseen extra expenditures.
Work in quantity
Why not only get one tattoo if you intend to have several? You could get a significant discount if you get numerous tattoos done at once and at the exact location.
You might ask some of your friends who already have tattoos if you don't intend to acquire more than one. The tattoo parlor could give you a group discount if you bring friends who are getting tattoos there.
Bargain
You can haggle the pricing with the tattoo artist to save a little money on your tattoo. As was previously said, if you're thinking about getting a straightforward tattoo, you may haggle over the cost.
Even if it's large, you may haggle over the price, mainly if it's only an outline of someone or something.
Save money
No matter how hard you bargain, there's a good possibility that the cost of the tattoo will remain high. When you decide you want a tattoo, you should begin saving money for it.
This is why getting a tattoo before giving it some thought is not a good idea. Obtaining a ballpark figure for the cost of your design will be helpful so you can set a budget.
Locating Your Ideal Tattoo Artist
Therefore, you are fully prepared to barter and search for tattoo parlors and artists who can provide you with the best deal. But don't forget to balance the three factors of cost, atmosphere, and quality.
These factors are just as significant as the cost since a tattoo of low quality may both be uncomfortable and unattractive. Here are some things to remember while searching for a tattoo artist or studio within your price range.
Find Out About Suggestions
You should look around for reputable tattoo studios and artists rather than relying solely on friend discounts from tattoo parlors. Most individuals visit tattoo parlors that a friend or acquaintance has suggested because they have a more thorough understanding of the tattoo artist and the parlor.
A friend's referral can help you find a genuine review, as opposed to specific web evaluations that are written to highlight a particular tattoo parlor.
Go to the tattoo parlor
It's time to visit the tattoo parlors after you have a few recommendations. You may check out the tattoo shop in person by going there prior.
Some would argue that this isn't significant since you aren't there for the atmosphere. Consider it this way: you will be there for at least an hour, getting poked with a needle the entire time, and the facility isn't clean.
The entire experience is ruined. Therefore, it is best to visit the location to determine whether the tattoo parlor is somewhere you would feel at ease receiving your tattoo.
Request their catalog
Ask for the tattoo artists' catalog when you are in the tattoo shop if they have one. Most artists have one because they use it to display their creations and demonstrate their skills.
Be sure to keep an eye out for similar designs to decide if you prefer their art or output. Look for designs in the catalog with characteristics similar to your design so that you may inquire about the pricing range for such designs.
Consult with someone about the tattoo you want
Spend some time interacting with the tattoo artist if they are there. Your objective is to learn the price they will charge for your design or idea and to get ideas for the final product's appearance (because there are tattoos that look better on paper but look different on the skin).
Inquire about your intended tattoo design and placement while speaking with a tattoo artist. Inquire about its effectiveness and cost with them. Ask them how they arrived at that figure when they provided it.
This can help you determine if they charge an hourly cost or a flat fee. The better for you if it's the latter.
FAQs
How Much Do Tattoos of Words or Names Cost?
Since name tattoos often take less than an hour to create, their average cost is in the $75 to $100 range. The price may go up if you fill in the name with several colors or the design is complex.
How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost?
Depending on the size of the tattoo that has to be erased, laser tattoo removal treatments can cost anywhere from $200 and $500. Remember that some artwork takes repeated removal procedures so that those prices may rise fast.
How Much Does A Uv Tattoo Cost?
Once again, cost varies tremendously depending on the particular tattoo you have in mind and the time it will take to finish it. Still, Cook says that as a general rule, if he's using UV ink, he'd charge roughly $50 to $100 more for a pretty regular $200 tattoo.
Conclusion
That's all about what a tattoo cost. Remember, you're paying for the artist's time, skill and experience, so it's essential to shop around and find the right person for the job. Restorbio hope you found this helpful article, and let us know if you have any questions in the comment section below.
