How Much Does a Tattoo Cost? Top Factors That Impact A Tattoo Design Cost!

How much will my tattoo design cost? This is probably the first question customers have when they decide to get a tattoo. Although there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, we have tried our best to share the factors involved in determining the tattoo costs and costs of getting a tattoo in different countries. Remember, if you decide to get a custom tattoo design, there may be an extra cost involved for the drawing of the design. For some, this will be included in the tattoo price. So, let’s cut to the chase and dive into the content!

 

Average tattoo costs in different countries of the world

 

Here is a list of tattoo costs per hour in different countries. Check out the table to calculate the tattoo costs per hour in your respective nation. We have listed each average in the countries local currency. Keep in mind that these are averages and the price for a tattoo can vary dramatically depending on the factors we describe below this chart. 

 

Country	Average Tattoo Costs Per Hour
Argentina	1,000 - 2,000 Pesos
Australia	$100 - $200
Austria	€50 - €500
Belarus	3,000 - 4,000 Rubles
Belgium	€80 - €100
Bermuda	$95 (minimum charge)
Brazil	$40 - $50
Canada	$175 - $190
China	RMB 1,000 - RMB 3,000
Colombia	$100 - $150
Costa Rica	€30,000 - €50,000
Czech Republic	1,500 - 6,000 CZK
Denmark	130 - 150 KR
Finland	€100 - €150
France	$120 - $150
Germany	€100 - €150
Hong Kong SAR	HK $1,500 - HK $1,800
Hungary	€130 - €150
India	Rs. 500 - Rs. 700
Indonesia	$75 - $250
Japan	10,000 Yen - 15,000 Yen
Mexico	$800 - $1,500
Netherlands	€125 - €140
New Zealand	$175 - $200
Portugal	€100 - €150
Romania	250 - 300 lei
Russian Federation	8,000 - 10,000 Rubles
Singapore	$100 - $150
South Africa	R500 - R1,200
Spain	$175 - $200
Sweden	€120 - €150
Thailand	3,000 - 4,000 THB
Ukraine	€20 - €40
United Arab Emirates	AED 600 - 700
United Kingdom	£60 – £150
United States	$150 - $200

 

Six factors that determine tattoo costs in the world

 

What are the different factors that impact tattoo costs? Well, there is so much that goes into producing pitch-perfect body art. Tattoo artists know exactly what they need to deliver the best results. They take several factors into consideration and provide their clients with an approximate cost of the entire procedure. This helps customers like you get a rough idea of how much a tattoo design will cost. Let’s discuss the factors that dictate tattoo costs around the world.

 

1. Parlor location

 

Where you live or get a tattoo done affects the tattoo costs. Your location may make the tattoo more expensive. As the cost of living in a particular area goes up, so will the charges of tattoo artists. If you intend to get tattoos in a big city like Paris or London, be prepared to shell out more. Make sure you are of legal age as well since each country has different laws on how old you need to be to get a tattoo. It's something to consider before you fly abroad for your next tattoo. 

 

2. Artist’s experience

 

Reputed tattoo artists will charge more than newbies. Top-tier tattoo artists have the skill to turn any idea into a tattoo design and cater to the customers’ demands more effectively. Honing such skills takes a lot of time. Hence tattoo artists love to show their experience and grip on their tattooing skills. A sub factor within this is the artists popularity. Some tattoo designers have long wait lists due to their popularity on social media and therefore, they can charge more than people with no wait lists. Would you choose a popular artists over a less popular designer even if they had the same tattoo skills?

 

3. Tattoo size

 

The size of the tattoo is the most critical factor in determining tattoo costs. This is generally because tattoo size helps figure out the amount of time and material required for the job. The rule of thumb is that the larger the tattoo, the more expensive it will be. How can you identify if a tattoo is small or big? Well, a tattoo that is under 2 inches is considered tiny; tattoos that are 2-4 inches are considered small; medium-sized tattoos are generally 4-6 inches big; large tattoos are 6 inches or more. However, tattoo size is subjective and only a tattoo artist can help you determine the impact of size on tattoo costs.

 

4. Tattoo placement

 

Where on your body do you plan on getting inked? Location or body placement is a defining factor when it comes to determining tattoo costs. Tattooing on different parts of the body comes with different challenges. A tattoo design might cost differently if done on the wrist than doing it on the chest. Size and tattoo placement are two factors that go hand-in-hand. Some tattoo artists will charge more for tattooing delicate and unusual areas such as the head, face and well...you can guess! This is because customers are more likely to complain about the pain and require breaks. Also, let's face it. Your tattooist might not want to get up close and personal to certain areas of your body and they could end up charging a premium for this. 

 

5. Time required

 

The saying ‘Time is Money’ cannot be more literal in the tattoo industry. Ideally, the more time required to finish a tattoo, the more the procedure will cost. Let’s understand this in detail. So, calculating the time required for a tattoo requires tattoo artists to consider consultation, drawing time, and tattooing. Customers must understand that they are paying NOT just for tattooing. The research that goes behind the design costs money too! The more elaborate the design, the more time it will need, and the more the tattoo will cost. It's common for some tattoos to take multiple sessions or days so you might be given a day rate instead of an hourly rate. Unless you are in a rush to get the tattoo completed I would personally advise on letting your tattoo fully heal in between sessions because back to back days can add to the pain and chance of infection. 

 

6. Materials used

 

Lastly, tattoo artists will consider the amount of ink and other material required to finish the task. A more elaborate design will require more tattoo material than a simple one. Moreover, different tattoos demand different needles. Artists factor in all the materials that will be used in the tattoo design while providing you with an approximate cost. For example, full color tattoo sleeves will use substantially more ink volume than a black and grey design with lots of negative space. 

 

Final remarks!

Indeed, now you know the factors involved in determining tattoo costs. But that’s not it. You will have to do your due diligence and conduct adequate research before heading into a tattoo salon. We highly recommend you consult a professional tattoo artist to understand the procedure specific to your tattoo design and get an estimate. This will set you on the right path toward getting an excellent tattoo! Did you find this post helpful? Let us know on social media and don’t forget to check out other informative posts on the blog!