How much a tattoo costs and what it depends on

09/30/2026

At our studio a tattoo costs from €60. Exactly how much mostly comes down to how long the artist will work on it, and that depends on the size, the complexity and the spot on your body. Every tattoo is priced individually, so we'll give you an exact figure once we know what you want. The consultation is free. The drawing and a touch-up, if one is needed, are already included in the price.

Why the same design costs different amounts at different studios

Two artists can quote different prices for exactly the same design. One will tattoo it faster, the other slower, because they work with a different technique. An experienced artist's hour usually costs more, but they often work faster, so the total can end up similar.

The second difference is what the price includes. Some places charge separately for the sketch, the film or the touch-up, and a price that looked low at first isn't low by the end. Before you compare, ask what exactly is included.

Some studios charge by the hour, others quote a price for the whole piece. Large pieces that take several sessions are often priced per session, because nobody can say in advance exactly how many hours the work will take.

Why even a small tattoo isn't cheap

Even for a tiny tattoo the artist uses new single-use needles, ink caps, film and gloves, and prepares a stencil. After the session all of it goes in the bin and the workstation is disinfected. At our studio, instruments that are reused are sterilised in a class B autoclave, which is regularly calibrated and certified.

These costs are the same whether the tattoo is 3 or 30 centimetres. That's why studios have a minimum price.

What makes a tattoo more expensive

Working time depends most on size, detail and colour. A bigger tattoo takes longer, but the price doesn't grow with the area alone: a simple large design can be quicker to tattoo than a small one full of tiny details and fine shading. Colour work is often slower, because each colour goes in separately and the same area has to be worked over several times.

Placement adds time too. On the ribs, the fingers and wherever the skin is thin or stretches easily, the artist has to work more slowly. Covering an old tattoo, a cover-up, takes more planning and work than tattooing clean skin. In the booking form you choose it as „Pārklāšana (Cover Up)”.

Why a cheap tattoo often ends up costing more

Cheap work usually comes from people who lack experience or are in a hurry. If a tattoo heals unevenly, the lines are crooked or the ink has blown out under the skin, you can't simply erase it. That leaves three options: fix it, cover it with a bigger and darker design, or lighten it with a laser over several sessions. Each of them usually costs more than a tattoo done properly in the first place.

Look through an artist's work, ideally healed pieces too, not just fresh photos taken straight after the session. You can see our artists' work on their pages. If your budget is limited, a smaller tattoo done properly beats a big cheap one.

How to get an exact price

The more you tell us, the more precisely we can price it. In the booking form include:

the rough size in centimetres;
the spot on your body, ideally with a photo;
whether it will be colour or black and grey;
a couple of pictures that show the style or idea.

At the consultation you'll go through the design, size and placement with the artist. For a large piece, the artist can usually tell you roughly how many sessions it will take. Before the consultation, it's also worth reading what to expect the first time.

Common questions about tattoo prices

Do I pay extra for a touch-up?

No. A touch-up, if one is needed after healing, is included in the price. Once the tattoo has healed, usually after 3-6 weeks, book a time and show it to your artist. How to look after your skin until then is covered in our article on tattoo aftercare.

Can I get it cheaper if the design is smaller and simpler?

A smaller, simpler design usually does cost less. It won't go below the minimum price, though. And don't shrink the design so much that the fine details merge over the years. At the consultation the artist will tell you how small the design can be and still look good.