How tattoo prices work around the world
Tattoo prices jump quite a lot from place to place. And knowing how this works helps people plan their budget without guessing. Every artist has their own approach, of course, but there are recurring patterns: big cities usually have the highest hourly rates, experienced artists ask for more, and some styles — realism, Japanese work, fine line — simply take longer because the details matter.
The calculator above is built on average rates from more than 30 countries. It looks at four basic things: where you live, how big the tattoo is, the style, and the artist’s experience. These are simple factors, but together they give a realistic picture of what you might pay before you even message a tattooer.
And one small reminder. Tattooing is art. Prices can vary even inside the same neighbourhood. Artists with a strong style and long waiting lists charge more — that’s expected. Apprentices or newer studios may offer lower prices while they build their portfolio. It helps to look at the artist’s work and reputation first. Quality and safety matter more than the number on the receipt.
Average tattoo prices by country
Below is an overview of approximate hourly rates for tattoo artists worldwide.
| Country |
Currency |
Avg. hourly price |
| United States |
USD |
$120–$200
|
| United Kingdom |
GBP |
£90–£150
|
| Germany |
EUR |
€100–€160
|
| France |
EUR |
€90–€150
|
| Italy |
EUR |
€80–€140
|
| Spain |
EUR |
€70–€130
|
| Poland |
PLN |
200–350 PLN
|
| Brazil |
BRL |
R$200–R$350
|
| Japan |
JPY |
¥12,000–¥20,000
|
| South Korea |
KRW |
₩100,000–₩180,000
|
| Australia |
AUD |
A$150–A$250
|
| Mexico |
MXN |
800–1400 MXN
|
| Turkey |
TRY |
600–1000 TRY
|
| Thailand |
THB |
1500–2500 THB
|
What affects the final tattoo price?
Tattoo size and complexity
Size is the most obvious factor. Bigger pieces take more hours and often more than one session. But complexity changes things too. A realistic portrait, a full Japanese back piece or a delicate fine line design all eat up time in different ways, sometimes much more than people expect.
Tattoo style
Some styles are simply slower to execute. Realism and Japanese work usually sit at the top in terms of time and skill. Fine line looks airy and simple, but it demands a very steady hand. More classic approaches — traditional, dotwork — tend to land somewhere in the middle.
Artist’s experience
A tattooer with 10–15 years behind them, a strong portfolio and a recognizable style will ask for more than someone who’s just starting. It’s the same logic you see in design, illustration or any creative field.
Country and city
Major cities — New York, London, Berlin, Sydney, and others — have higher base rates. Demand is strong, studios are expensive, competition is tough. Smaller cities or developing regions are usually more affordable, though the quality can be just as high. Many great artists don’t work in capitals at all.
Custom vs. flash designs
Flash designs — ready-made ideas — are usually cheaper. Custom work includes sketches, calls, revisions, and the artist’s personal input. That extra time and thinking ends up in the final price, naturally.