What will your tattoo actually cost?
Pick the size, detail and artist level and get a realistic range — with every line of the estimate explained, including the sessions it will take and the tip. No email required, no fake single number.
e.g. a single flower, small animal
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this estimate?
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It is a realistic range, not a quote — real prices depend on the specific artist and design. The model uses 2026 norms: shop minimums around $80–150, hourly rates from roughly $70 for newer artists to $350+ for in-demand specialists, colour adding around 30% more chair time, and a 15–25% tip. Treat it as a budgeting anchor and get an actual quote at a consultation.
Why does a tiny tattoo still cost $100 or more?
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Because most of the cost is setup, not size. Every tattoo needs a fresh sterile station, new needles, ink, and the artist’s time before and after — the same whether the design takes ten minutes or an hour. That fixed cost is the shop minimum, and it is the floor any tattoo can cost.
Is the deposit extra on top of this?
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No. The deposit — typically $50–100 — is deducted from the final price, so it is the first instalment rather than a fee. You only lose it by cancelling late or not showing up.
Should I pick a cheaper artist to save money?
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Be careful: rock-bottom pricing usually reflects inexperience or corners cut, and a badly done tattoo costs far more to fix or remove than doing it well once. Better levers are choosing flash over custom, simplifying the design, or saving a little longer for the artist whose healed work you love.