The moment has arrived: you’ve decided you want a tattoo. Exciting! But let’s be honest, a whole bunch of questions immediately pop up. And yes, “how much does a tattoo cost?” is usually at the top of the list. Whether you’re going for a cute heart on your wrist or a bold 10 cm piece on your forearm, prices can vary quite a bit.
So, how much does a tattoo actually cost? The short answer: it depends.
The honest answer: at INKORPORATED, you always know exactly what to expect.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what a tattoo costs, what influences the price, and what you can expect when you book with us. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve put everything in one place: average prices, hourly rates, popular styles, ideal placements, and smart tips, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before you go under the needle.
Whether it’s your very first tattoo or your next sleeve adventure, this guide will make sure you’re prepared and help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when the bill comes.
Why tattoo prices vary so much
Not every tattoo costs the same, and that makes complete sense. There are a few factors at play that affect your wallet. Let’s take a moment to list them:
1. Size of your design
Sounds logical, right? The bigger your tattoo, the deeper you have to dig into your pockets. A small 2-inch symbol costs a fraction of a 10-inch work of art on your forearm. For a larger tattoo, you pay not only more ink, but also extra hours from the artist – after all, time is money.
2. Complexity and detail
Sometimes a tattoo looks simple, but appearances can be deceiving. Fine line designs, realistic portraits, watercolor effects or geometric patterns require precision and concentration. That means more time, and therefore a higher price. A large, detailed design can easily take several sessions.
3. Artist and studio
A top artist in a reputable studio simply costs more. Not because they want to rip you off, but because their experience, craftsmanship and attention to detail are worth their weight in gold. Yes, cheap can be tempting, but trust us: you often get exactly what you pay for – and sometimes even less. Cheap tattoos can be done faster, with less attention to detail and hygiene. Safety and health are key: an experienced artist always works with sterile materials and the right techniques, so you get a tattoo you are proud of… and without any hassle afterwards.
4. Location on your body
Where you get your tattoo also matters. Some spots are easier to tattoo, such as the wrist or upper arm. Trickier spots such as ribs, hands or feet often cost more because it is harder to put tight lines and perfect details, which therefore takes longer.
5. Extras that make it more expensive
Color, shading, 3D effects or watercolor techniques? Yes, that costs extra time and money. Want a tattoo that really stands out and draws all the attention? Then be prepared for a slightly higher price tag.
How Much Does a Tattoo Cost at INKORPORATED?
When you search for how much does a tattoo cost, you’ll often come across prices starting around €60. You might see numbers like that floating around, but it’s important to know that these aren’t representative of how professional studios actually work.
At INKORPORATED, everything starts with one clear baseline:
the minimum price is €90.
We have a firm starting point, which means that every tattoo — no matter how small or simple — begins at this amount.
And there’s a reason for that. Even the tiniest tattoo takes time: preparation is required, the design needs to be carefully tailored to you, everything must be sterile and safe, and you’re guided by an experienced artist. That whole process determines the base price. This way, the answer to how much does a tattoo cost stays clear, fair, and tailored to your specific idea.
But there’s one special exception to the €90 minimum… and we’ll get to that in a moment.
Tattoo Prices at INKORPORATED
From our minimum rate, prices increase depending on the size and complexity of your tattoo. To give you a clear idea:
Small tattoos (approx. up to 5–10 cm) — up to €150
These include words, names, small symbols, or minimalist designs like hearts. Simple in size, but still executed with precision and attention to detail.
Medium tattoos (approx. 10–15 cm) — up to €350
Think butterflies, flowers, small realistic designs, or more detailed fine line tattoos. These take more time and detail, which is reflected in the price.
Large tattoos (15 cm and above) — from €500
Larger designs such as floral arrangements, mandalas, or full-colour tattoos fall into this category. These tattoos require more time, layering, and technique.
Major projects (session work) — €200 per hour / €1200 per day
For sleeves, backpieces, and larger realistic or full-colour tattoos, we work with session rates.
It’s important to remember: we don’t work with fixed “one-size-fits-all” prices. Every tattoo is custom. That’s why at INKORPORATED, you’ll always receive a personalized price estimate in advance, so you know exactly what to expect.
Tattoos for €75: Spin the Wheel Tattoos
There’s one exception to our minimum rate, and honestly, it’s one of the most fun options we offer!
With our Spin the Wheel, you can get a tattoo for just €75! You spin the wheel and land on one of our pre-designed flash tattoos and that’s what makes it so exciting. This way, you never know exactly which design you’ll get, but one thing’s for sure: it’s always awesome. You get three spins, but watch out… there’s no going back!
These tattoos are small, precise, and relatively quick to set. They’re perfect if you’re feeling spontaneous or just in the mood for a little surprise.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram & TikTok, because that’s where we announce all the latest Spin the Wheel flash actions. That way, you’re always the first to know about the newest designs available — and you’ll never miss the chance to grab a fun, spontaneous tattoo for only €75!
Cheap Tattoos vs. Quality
Once again, when your search for how much does a tattoo cost, you’ll no doubt come across cheaper options. It can be tempting to go for them, but it’s important to consider what you’re actually getting.
A tattoo is permanent. It’s something you carry with you for the rest of your life. Cheaper tattoos often mean compromises on experience, hygiene, or materials and those are exactly the things you don’t want to cut corners on.
At INKORPORATED, we deliberately choose not to compete on price, but to focus on quality. You pay for craftsmanship, a safe and hygienic process and a result you’ll be proud of for years to come.
Tattoo styles and what they cost
Not all tattoos are created equal, and the style you choose has a big impact on price, time investment and the end result. Below are the most popular styles and what you can roughly expect:
Blackwork
Sleek, timeless and often a little kinder to your wallet. Blackwork tattoos are usually black and white and can range from minimalist lines to large geometric patterns. They are perfect if you like a clean, graphic design that will always stand out. Because they don’t require much color or shading, they are quicker to set and therefore often cheaper than colorful designs.
Neo-traditional
This style stands out for its vibrant colors, clear lines and rich details. Think flowers, animals or iconic symbols with a modern twist. Neo-traditional tattoos are medium to large and require more time, which drives up the price. Shading, gradients and fine details make them complex, but the result is spectacular and visually powerful.
Watercolor / Watercolor
Want a tattoo that looks like paint splashed across your skin? Watercolor tattoos are beautiful, dreamy and often abstract. They require a lot of precision and time because of the color gradients and delicate blending, making them pricier than standard blackwork or fine line designs. Perfect for flowers, creative patterns or a unique piece of art that stands out.
Realistic / Portrait
Realistic tattoos and portraits are the epitome of precision and craftsmanship. They often cost the most because every line, shadow and detail must be carefully set. This style is ideal if you want to immortalize a loved one, pet or icon on your skin. Prepare for multiple sessions, hours of work and a price tag that comes with craftsmanship.
Geometric / Fine Line
Elegance in its purest form. Fine line tattoos are subtle, often black and white and perfect for lines, dots or delicate shapes. They are usually more affordable than large colorful designs, but require precision and an experienced artist to keep the fine lines sleek and even. Geometric patterns and minimalist designs are also included and are popular for their timeless appeal.
Tattoo pain and price: what you need to know
The spot on your body determines not only how expensive your tattoo is, but also how painful the setting can be. Generally speaking:
- Little pain: upper arm, forearm, thigh
- Medium: wrist, ankle, shoulder
- More pain: ribs, hands, feet, collarbone
Pro tip: a sore spot may mean the tattoo will take longer, which may increase your price slightly. So plan your tattoo smartly and consult with your artist.
Additional tips for being smart with your budget
- Choose a smaller design first: As a first tattoo, a small or medium design is ideal. That way you get experience with aftercare, pain and the process without spending a lot of money right away.
- Discuss the price up front: Ask if the studio charges by the hour or by design. That way you avoid surprises.
- Plan multiple sessions: Large or detailed tattoos can be divided into sessions. This keeps the budget manageable and allows you to recover quietly in between.
- Pay attention to aftercare: Well-cared-for tattoos retain their color and quality longer, making the most of your investment.
- Choose a style that suits you: Subtle fine line tattoos are often cheaper and quicker to complete, while realistic portraits take time and money.
Conclusion – What does a tattoo cost?
Tattoo pricing isn’t an exact science. It depends on size, style, placement, the artist’s experience, and complexity. Small tattoos start at €90, a medium 10 cm design usually costs between €150–€350, and larger or more detailed designs, like sleeves or realistic portraits, can go higher.
The most important thing? A tattoo is an investment in craftsmanship, style, and yourself. With this guide, you know exactly what to consider, so you can step into the studio prepared and walk away with a tattoo you truly love.
And if you want to make sure your tattoo is in the best hands, come to INKORPORATED where experience, style and personal attention come together.
FAQ: Tattoo costs
Q: How much does a small heart tattoo cost?
A: €90–€150, depending on size and placement.
Q: How much does a wrist tattoo cost?
A: On average €90–€150.
Q: What size tattoo can I get for €90?
A: Usually a small symbol like a star or heart, but also names and letters.
Q: How much does a 10 cm tattoo cost?
A: On average €150–€350, depending on detail and placement.
Q: What is the hourly rate for a tattoo?
A: €200 per hour for session work and larger tattoos.
Q: How much does a fine line tattoo cost?
A: €90–€150, depending on size and complexity.
Q: How much does a forearm tattoo cost?
A: €150–€500+, depending on size and level of detail.
