how much do tattoos cost - Tattoo artist applying a large, intricate back tattoo on a male client in a professional tattoo studio

How much do tattoos cost in the UK?

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Average cost of a tattoo

£60 - £1,500

low

£60

median

£780

high

£1,500

Low, median and high bar chart distribuiton

Last Updated on

Angela A.

Written by Angela A.

Staff Writer

Read more about our contributor

Key Facts

  • The average tattoo cost in the UK is £60 to £1,500, but may fluctuate depending on the size and design of the piece and many other factors.

  • The wellness economy, which includes tattooing, is growing at 8.6% annually due to strong demand for similar services.

  • Tattoo studios in the UK must follow strict hygiene standards under regulations like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which increases operational costs and pricing.

Tattoos are a timeless way to express individuality, but before you book an appointment, it’s important to understand the costs involved. Whether it’s your first piece or the next addition to your collection, one question stands out: how much do tattoos cost? 

Tattoo prices in England typically range between £60 and £1,500, but premium designs or experienced artists may cost more. This guide will unpack the key factors that influence pricing to help you budget wisely and make informed decisions about your next piece of body art.

What is the average cost of a tattoo in the UK?

Tattoo size Average costs

Small (wrist, ankle, or finger tattoos)

£60 to £150

Medium (palm-sized or slightly larger)

£150 to £450

Large (full sleeve, back piece, chest coverage)

£600 to £1,500

Extra-large or custom pieces

£1,500 to £5,000

The average cost of a tattoo in the UK depends largely on size, complexity, and the artist’s expertise. 

Small tattoos, often minimalist designs or simple linework, typically cost £60 to £150. Medium tattoos, such as palm-sized pieces or slightly larger designs, range from £150 to £450

Meanwhile, larger tattoos, like full sleeves or back pieces, start at £600 and often require multiple sessions or full-day packages that can go up to £1,500 or more. Extra-large or custom pieces may cost even more, between £1,500 and £5,000.

What factors affect the costs of getting a tattoo?

The wellness economy, which includes tattooing as part of its personal care sector, has been growing at an annual rate of 8.6%. Therefore, figuring out how much does a tattoo cost is now not as easy as before. Tattoo placement on the body and even where the studio is based—like London or a smaller town—can make a noticeable difference in the estimated price. Let’s take a closer look at the key factors shaping tattoo costs today.

Studio location

how much do tattoos cost - Interior view of a modern tattoo studio with artistic decor and multiple tattoo stations ready for clientsInside a modern tattoo studio. (Source: iStock)

As mentioned above, where you get your tattoo can impact how much you’ll pay. Cities like London and Edinburgh tend to have higher tattoo prices due to living expenses, demand, and the availability of top-tier artists. Meanwhile, places like Glasgow or Birmingham tend to offer more affordable options. Here’s a breakdown of average tattoo costs across major UK locations:

Locations in the UK Average tattoo prices* Hourly rates

Central London

£100 to £5,000

£120 to £250

West London

£90 to £2,500

£120 to £250

Manchester

£60 to £1,200

£60 to £100

Birmingham

£60 to £1,500

£60 to £120

Glasgow

£50 to £1,200

£50 to £100

Liverpool

£60 to £2,000

£60 to £120

Edinburgh

£70 to £3,000

£80 to £150

Bristol

£60 to £2,000

£60 to £120

Leeds

£60 to £1,800

£60 to £110

* Considering full pricing of small to large tattoos

In areas like Central London, higher rents and a booming tattoo culture often mean premium prices. Studios in neighborhoods like Soho and Covent Garden can charge £1,500 to £5,000 for large tattoos, with hourly rates between £120 and £250. On the other hand, cities like Manchester and Birmingham have more competitive pricing, starting at £60 for small tattoos.

Smaller towns and rural areas generally offer cheaper options because of lower overhead costs. For those on a budget, a mobile tattoo artists might also be an alternative, but you also have to think about their travel costs. When working with a tattoo artist, make sure they follow proper hygiene and safety standards.

Tattoo artist’s skill level and experience

Tattoo artist’s skill level
Average hourly rates

Junior artists

£60 to £100

Mid-level artists

£100 to £150

Senior artists

£150 to £250

Celebrity or award-winning artists

£250 to £500+

An artist’s skill level and experience directly affect how much they earn. Junior artists typically have 1–2 years of experience and are often supervised by senior tattooists. They charge £60 to £100 per hour and are ideal for simple designs like linework, symbols, or basic lettering. However, they may not have the skills for complex or large-scale pieces.

Mid-level artists, with 2–5 years of experience, charge £100 to £150 per hour and are best suited for medium-sized tattoos with moderate detail. They can handle simple colour work or black-and-grey designs with basic shading.

Senior artists often have over 5 years of experience and specialise in styles like realism, Japanese, or geometric tattoos. They charge £150 to £250 per hour and are the go-to choice for large, intricate pieces like full sleeves or back tattoos.

For those seeking exclusivity, there are also celebrity or award-winning artists who charge £250 to £500+ per hour. These highly regarded professionals are perfect for unique, custom designs, such as photorealistic portraits or surrealist artwork. 

Beyond traditional machine tattooing, hand poke or stick-and-poke tattooing is also a technique people seek, especially for minimalist designs. Due to the time-intensive and manual nature of this process, hand poke can sometimes be pricier.

Size and placement of the tattoo

how much do tattoos cost - Woman relaxing while getting a detailed sleeve tattoo in a professional studioWoman receiving a sleeve tattoo in a tattoo studio. (Source: iStock)

Tattoo placement Average pricing

Wrist or fingers

£60 to £150

Sleeve tattoo

£1,500 to £5,000

Half-sleeve tattoo

£600 to £1,500

Forearm tattoo

£250 to £800

Chest tattoo

£700 to £2,500

Thigh tattoo

£600 to £2,000

Rib tattoo

£400 to £1,500

The size of your tattoo is a major factor in its cost. How much a small tattoo costs depends on how tiny the design is and if it’ll fit either your wrist or fingers. Typically, they’ll range from £60 to £150, which is often the studio’s minimum fee. Basically, exactly how much a small tattoo is depends on its simplicity and detail, but it usually falls within that same price range.

Medium-sized tattoos are more detailed and take longer to complete. For instance, a forearm tattoo’s price is £250 to £800

There are also larger designs to consider. A full sleeve tattoo costs between £1,500 to £5,000 or more. While, half-sleeve tattoo costs in the UK is £600 to £1,500, depending on the style and colours.

Placement affects pricing significantly as well. Tattoos on areas like the ribs or chest (£400 to £2,500) are more expensive due to their curvature and sensitivity. Tattoos on bony or uneven areas, such as hands, fingers, and feet, also cost more because they’re harder to work on and fade faster.

Complexity of the design

Design Average pricing

Simple tattoo art

£60 to £150

Moderately complex tattoo art

£250 to £800

Highly complex tattoo art

£1,000 to £5,000+

Custom artwork

Extra £50 to £200

Simple designs, such as minimalist line art or small geometric patterns, cost £60 to £150 and can often be completed in under an hour. Slightly complex designs, like black-and-grey portraits or medium-sized floral patterns, range from £250 to £800 and typically require 3 to 6 hours of work.

Highly detailed tattoos are at the top end, costing £1,000 to £5,000 or more. These include styles like photorealism, Japanese backpieces, or mandalas, which demand multiple sessions of 6–8 hours each. The more elaborate the design, the more it requires an artist of a higher calibre, which explains the higher cost.

Ink requirements

Type of ink Average costs

Black and grey tattoos

£60 to £150 per hour

Colour tattoos

£80 to £200 per hour

Specialised inks

Adds 5 to 30% to the cost

The type of ink used in your tattoo matters too. Black and grey tattoos, priced at £60 to £150 per hour, are more affordable because they require fewer materials and simpler shading techniques. Colour tattoos, on the other hand, cost £80 to £200 per hour due to the layering and blending needed to achieve the desired effects.

Specialised inks, like UV or glow-in-the-dark pigments, can add 20–30% to the overall price. Eco-friendly or vegan inks are also gaining popularity but typically increase costs by 5–10% due to sustainable production. If you're considering temporary options, getting a henna tattoo is a cheaper route, but take note that the application would be different.

Time required to complete the design

how much do tattoos cost - Close-up of a male tattoo artist carefully inking a black and grey design on a client's armMale tattoo artist inking a design on a client's arm. (Source: iStock)

The time it takes to complete the design is another important factor influencing how much is a tattoo, which is largely based on the other factors as well. For starters, hourly rates depend on the artist’s skill level, but more complicated or larger designs naturally take longer, so they can also increase the overall cost. 

Small tattoos might only take 30 minutes to 1 hour, costing £60 to £150, depending on the artist’s rate. These often include finger tattoos, small symbols, or initials. 

Medium tattoos typically take 2 to 4 hours and cost £150 to £450. These cover palm-sized designs, floral arrangements, or geometric patterns. 

Large tattoos, like half sleeves or full chest pieces, require 6 to 15 hours, spread across multiple sessions. These, in turn, cost £800 to £2,500.

The cost for a sleeve tattoo or back pieces is £1,500 to £5,000 as they can often take 20 to 40+ hours over several sessions. The larger surface area, intricate details, and time needed for shading, colour blending, and healing between sittings contribute to the extended timeline.

Additional considerations

Additional considerations Average costs

Aftercare products

£15 to £50

Touch-ups

£50 to £200

Cancellation fees

50% to 100% of deposit

Add-on services

Laser tattoo removal: £50 to £500 per session

Custom design work: £50 to £200

Piercing services: £30 to £80 per piercing

There are also extra costs to think about beyond the initial design. Aftercare products like full aftercare kits (£15 to £50) are essential to ensure proper healing and vibrancy of the tattoo. Touch-ups (£50 to £200) may also be needed if the tattoo fades or heals unevenly after the initial free period offered by some studios.

Cancellation policies can affect your budget, too. Studios typically require a deposit of £50 to £100, which may be forfeited if you cancel with less than 24–48 hours’ notice. Some studios allow rescheduling, but last-minute cancellations often result in losing your deposit entirely.

Studios may also provide additional services, such as ear piercings (£20 to £70). For more complex needs, like laser tattoo removal, expect to pay £50 to £500 per session based on the size and ink colour. 

How to budget when getting a tattoo in 2025

how much do tattoos cost - Woman using a calculator and smartphone to budget her finances, possibly for a tattoo, with notebooks and decor on the tableWoman budgeting for a tattoo. (Source: iStock)

Proper planning is kind of like having a tattoo cost calculator and ensures you avoid financial surprises during your tattoo journey. Here’s how to get started:

  • Research tattoo artists and studios by looking for portfolios that match your style, whether it’s realism, fine line, or traditional. 

  • Understand deposit requirements. These deposits are usually non-refundable, so include them in your upfront budget.

  • Plan for size and complexity. Take note that small tattoos cost less and large or full-day sessions will certainly be above typical tattoo prices.

  • Budget for touch-ups. These are often free within 4–8 weeks but may cost more afterward, especially for elaborate designs.

  • Save for quality and avoid compromising on an experienced artist, as poorly done tattoos can lead to expensive corrections or removal.

Tips for choosing the right tattoo artist

how much do tattoos cost - Professional tattoo artist with glasses inking a detailed forearm tattoo in a vibrant tattoo studioProfessional tattoo artist working on a forearm tattoo. (Source: iStock)

Choosing a skilled and reputable tattoo artist ensures a safe experience and a design you’ll love for years. Here’s how to find the perfect match:

  • Check their portfolio and style compatibility. Review their online gallery or Instagram to confirm they specialise in your desired style.

  • Read reviews and ask for recommendations. Search for them online and see what others have to say about their experience during the session. 

  • Prioritise safety and hygiene. Visit the studio to ensure it’s clean and professional, with sterile needles, high-quality ink, and clear aftercare instructions.

  • Book a consultation. Use this time to discuss your ideas, get a cost estimate on their tattoo pricing, and assess the artist’s communication and professionalism.

  • Verify their experience and licensing. Choose an artist with expertise in your preferred style, and ensure they have the necessary certifications and comply with health regulations.

Find a skilled tattoo artist on Airtasker

Tattoos are permanent and can be quite costly, so understanding the costs is crucial before booking your appointment. Whether you’re after a small piece or a premium design, finding the right tattoo artist is essential to ensure quality and safety. Fortunately, Airtasker can help you connect with one in a heartbeat.

Whether you’re looking for a temporary tattoo artist for special events or a professional designer for the tattoo you’ve been dreaming of, you can post your task today and get quotes from experienced artists in your area. Take the guesswork out of the process and find someone who can bring your vision to life hassle-free.

Learn more about our contributors

Angela A.

Written by Angela A.

Staff Writer

Angela Apolonio is an experienced writer with a Biology background. She writes about home tips, car upkeep, gardening hacks, and food facts, bringing a unique blend of science and practicality to her work. As a wife and a mother, she knows the value of iron-clad routines, so she's passionate about sharing what works for her with everyone else. She loves making everyday life simpler and helping readers find fresh ideas to bring more joy into their spaces.

FAQs on tattoo costs

Tattoo costs in London are about 20–30% more expensive than in Manchester, with hourly rates in Manchester at £60 to £100 and London at £80 to £150. This is due to higher studio rents and demand in London.

Small tattoos cost £90 to £150, medium designs range from £200 to £300, and large tattoos like half sleeves cost £800 to £1,500. Full sleeve tattoos start at£1,500 and can exceed £5,000, depending on the artist’s experience and the requested design.

In Glasgow, small tattoos range from £60 to £100, while medium ones cost £150 to £250. Large tattoos, such as half sleeves, are £600 to £1,200, and full sleeves range from £1,200 to £3,500. Hourly rates are between £50 and £100 as well.

Most artists charge £60 to £150 per hour for larger designs, while smaller tattoos often have flat fees starting at £60. Custom designs may cost more due to the preparation required.

The average minimum charge ranges from £50 to £80, covering sterile equipment, setup, and artist time. London’s minimums are typically £60 to £100, though, as it’s a major city.

Removing small tattoos costs £40 to £80 per session, while medium tattoos are removed for £100 to £250 per session. Large designs, on the other hand, range from £250 to £500 per session. Note that most removals require 6 to 12 sessions, depending on the tattoo’s size, ink colour, and depth.

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