How Much Does a Tattoo Cost in 2023? (Prices)

How Much Do Tattoos Actually Cost?

When you want a tattoo, it’s hard to think about how much it will cost. You’ve heard tattoos are expensive, but how much does a tattoo cost? So, many factors are involved in determining your tattoo’s price, and it cannot be easy to pin down an exact figure. However, there are some general guidelines for pricing your next inking.

You should also know that getting tatted up isn’t cheap. Tattoos cost between $50 to $1000, depending on where and what part of your body gets done. The designs, body parts, and other factors are crucial to the price of getting a tattoo.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Tattoos

The cost of a tattoo depends on several factors, including the artist’s hourly rate and location. You’ll pay more for tattoos in most cities than in small towns. For example, an artist in New York City will charge more than they would in rural Alabama.


Tattoo artists in some parts of the country may charge less per hour because their local economy offers fewer opportunities to make money from other sources or because their training is less expensive. Thus, their costs are lower overall.

Small tattoos can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you go to a small town or rural area. For example, a simple lettering tattoo around an inch long can cost as little as $50 in some places. However, bigger tattoos are more expensive because they take longer to complete and require more supplies.

Larger tattoos or those with extreme detail can cost between $150 and $200 per hour. The more detail, the longer it takes to create the piece and the larger it is on your body. Even if you like a large tattoo design, you may have to scale it down for practical reasons.

In addition, when a tattoo is large or complicated, it will take more than one session to complete. If you don’t have enough money for multiple sessions (which can be very expensive), you may reconsider getting that intricate full-body design done in one sitting.

Location is a factor that affects the cost of tattoos. If you live in a big city or an area with a high demand for tattoo artists, you’ll likely end up paying more for your ink than someone in a small town. The same goes for the artist’s experience and reputation. If you’re looking for someone who has done hundreds (or even thousands) of tattoos before, expect to pay more than if you went to someone who is just starting.

The design and size of your tattoo will also affect the cost. Large tattoos will cost you more than small ones since they take longer to complete. More intricate designs, such as portraits or detailed pieces, will also cost more than simple ones (think tribal tattoos). Even if you’re going for a simple design, be aware that different colors can affect the price tag.


The part of your body that you want to get tatted up also affects the price of a tattoo. For example, if you want a tattoo on your back or chest, expect to pay more than if you wanted one on your wrist or ankle. That is because these areas are larger and more difficult to tattoo than smaller areas like fingers or toes.

RELATED: How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cost In The UK?

How Much Does A Finger Tattoo Cost?

If you’re looking to get a finger tattoo, the good news is they don’t cost too much. A finger tattoo will cost between $50 and $100. Depending on the design, a small tattoo can be done anywhere from one to six hours. If you want something intricate, it might take more time.

How Much Does A Chest Tattoo Cost?

Chest tattoos can be a little more expensive than other body parts, as they take up a larger area. The cost of your chest tattoo depends on the size and detail of your design. This type of tattoo can cost you between $600 to $2000, depending on how much your chest is covered.

How Much Does A Forearm Tattoo Cost?

The cost of a forearm tattoo can vary greatly depending on the size and detail of the design you choose. Bigger tattoos cost more than small ones, so if you want a large piece that covers all or most of your forearm (or any other area), be prepared to pay more.

A forearm tattoo can run anywhere from $250 to $1300. However, if you want something larger with intricate details and color work (also called “coloring”), expect to pay around $400-$600 or even more, depending on how many hours it takes to complete.

Some options may exceed $1,000 because they’re too big or complex for one person to do alone. In these cases, it’s common practice for artists who specialize in certain styles—like realism—to charge more per hour than those who don’t specialize in anything specific. Hence, as not only accommodate their higher hourly rate but also compensate them accordingly based on their skill level compared with other artists in the same field.

How Much Does A Full Back Tattoo Cost?

The average cost of a full-back tattoo depends on the artist’s experience, location, and how long it takes to complete. Most full-arm tattoos generally fall between $2,000 – $5,000, and this is over 40 hours of work. So, you must factor in the time and effort it takes to complete a full-arm tattoo.

How Much Does A Full-sleeve Tattoo Cost?

While the cost of a full-sleeve tattoo can vary wildly depending on your artist, the size and complexity of your design, and where you live, it’s pretty safe to say that you’re looking at paying anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 for a full sleeve.

You could expect to pay more if you want a large, intricate design with multiple colors. But, on the other hand, you could also expect to pay less for a simple black-and-white design with no color.

Conclusion

So, if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, it’s important to do your research. Find an artist whose work you love and trust their judgment when designing your tattoo. Once you decide on a design, get in touch with that artist so they can start planning the project with you.

This post has helped you understand how much a tattoo costs and what to expect from the process.

Scroll to Top