{"id":20783,"date":"2025-10-01T11:45:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T09:45:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inkorporated.nl\/how-much-does-a-tattoo-cost-everything-you-need-to-know-before-getting-inked\/"},"modified":"2026-07-28T14:18:52","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T12:18:52","slug":"how-much-does-a-tattoo-cost-everything-you-need-to-know-before-getting-inked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inkorporated.nl\/en\/how-much-does-a-tattoo-cost-everything-you-need-to-know-before-getting-inked\/","title":{"rendered":"How much does a tattoo cost? Everything you need to know before getting inked!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The moment has arrived: you\u2019ve decided you want a tattoo. Exciting! But let\u2019s be honest, a whole bunch of questions immediately pop up. And yes, \u201chow much does a tattoo cost?\u201d is usually at the top of the list. Whether you\u2019re going for a cute heart on your wrist or a bold 10 cm piece on your forearm, prices can vary quite a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we\u2019ll 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\u2019ve put everything in one place: average prices, hourly rates, popular styles, ideal placements, and smart tips, so you\u2019ll know exactly what to expect before you go under the needle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s your very first tattoo or your next sleeve adventure, this guide will make sure you\u2019re prepared and help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when the bill comes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why tattoo prices vary so much<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Size of your design<\/strong>
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Complexity and detail<\/strong>
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Artist and studio<\/strong>
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Location on your body<\/strong>
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Extras that make it more expensive<\/strong>
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Much Does a Tattoo Cost at INKORPORATED?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you search for how much does a tattoo cost<\/em>, you\u2019ll often come across prices starting around \u20ac60. You might see numbers like that floating around, but it\u2019s important to know that these aren\u2019t representative of how professional studios actually work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At INKORPORATED, everything starts with one clear baseline:
the minimum price is \u20ac90.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have a firm starting point, which means that every tattoo \u2014 no matter how small or simple \u2014 begins at this amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And there\u2019s 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\u2019re guided by an experienced artist. That whole process determines the base price. This way, the answer to how much does a tattoo cost<\/em> stays clear, fair, and tailored to your specific idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there\u2019s one special exception to the \u20ac90 minimum\u2026 and we\u2019ll get to that in a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tattoo Prices at INKORPORATED<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From our minimum rate, prices increase depending on the size and complexity of your tattoo. To give you a clear idea:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small tattoos (approx. up to 5\u201310 cm) \u2014 up to \u20ac150<\/strong>
These include words, names, small symbols, or minimalist designs like hearts. Simple in size, but still executed with precision and attention to detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medium tattoos (approx. 10\u201315 cm) \u2014 up to \u20ac350<\/strong>
Think butterflies, flowers, small realistic designs, or more detailed fine line tattoos. These take more time and detail, which is reflected in the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Large tattoos (15 cm and above) \u2014 from \u20ac500<\/strong>
Larger designs such as floral arrangements, mandalas, or full-colour tattoos fall into this category. These tattoos require more time, layering, and technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major projects (session work) \u2014 \u20ac200 per hour \/ \u20ac1200 per day<\/strong>
For sleeves, backpieces, and larger realistic or full-colour tattoos, we work with session rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to remember: we don\u2019t work with fixed \u201cone-size-fits-all\u201d prices. Every tattoo is custom. That\u2019s why at INKORPORATED, you\u2019ll always receive a personalized price estimate in advance, so you know exactly what to expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tattoos for \u20ac75: Spin the Wheel Tattoos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s one exception to our minimum rate, and honestly, it\u2019s one of the most fun options we offer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With our\u00a0Spin the Wheel<\/strong>, you can get a tattoo for just\u00a0\u20ac75<\/strong>! You spin the wheel and land on one of our pre-designed flash tattoos and that\u2019s what makes it so exciting. This way, you never know exactly which design you\u2019ll get, but one thing\u2019s for sure: it\u2019s always awesome. You get three spins, but watch out\u2026 there\u2019s no going back!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These tattoos are small, precise, and relatively quick to set. They\u2019re perfect if you\u2019re feeling spontaneous or just in the mood for a little surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to follow us on\u00a0Instagram<\/a> & TikTok<\/a><\/strong>, because that\u2019s where we announce all the latest Spin the Wheel flash actions. That way, you\u2019re always the first to know about the newest designs available \u2014 and you\u2019ll never miss the chance to grab a fun, spontaneous tattoo for only \u20ac75!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cheap Tattoos vs. Quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once again, when your search for\u00a0how much does a tattoo cost<\/em>, you\u2019ll no doubt come across cheaper options. It can be tempting to go for them, but it\u2019s important to consider what you\u2019re actually getting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A tattoo is permanent. It\u2019s 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\u2019t want to cut corners on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ll be proud of for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tattoo styles and what they cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not all tattoos are created equal, and the style you choose has a big impact on price, time investment and the end result<\/strong>. Below are the most popular styles and what you can roughly expect: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blackwork<\/strong>
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neo-traditional<\/strong>
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watercolor \/ Watercolor<\/strong>
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Realistic \/ Portrait<\/strong>
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geometric \/ Fine Line<\/strong>
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tattoo pain and price: what you need to know<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The spot on your body determines not only how expensive your tattoo is, but also how painful<\/strong> the setting can be. Generally speaking: <\/p>\n\n\n\n