- Research reveals that on average in the USA, small tattoo costs will cost $50-$100 (Source)
- According to statistics on small tattoo costs in the UK is approximate $60-$100 (Source)
- In Mumbai India, small tattoo costs will range from $50 to $200. (Source)
- In Australia, a small tattoo is typically priced at $80 (Source)
A tattoo is a marking made by inserting ink, dyes, and pigments, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. A small tattoo can be defined as a tattoo that is less than 2 inches by 2 inches in size, like a finger tattoo.
They are usually more affordable and take less time to complete than larger tattoos. If you’re thinking of getting a small tattoo, you may be wondering how much it will cost.
Cost Factors
1. The complexity of the design
When it comes to the pricing of small tattoos, the most important factor is how complex the design is. The more dots, lines, and shapes that make up a design, the more complicated it will be to ink on your skin. This makes small tattoos with simple designs like dots or lines usually less costly than those with detailed ones. It’s important to keep this in mind if you’re looking to get a small tattoo with a lot of detail, as the price may be higher than you expect.
2. The size of the tattoo
As with any type of tattoo, the size of the tattoo will play a role in how much it costs. Small tattoos are typically less expensive than larger ones, as they take less time and ink to complete. So if you’re on a tight budget, a small tattoo may be the best option for you.
3. The location of the tattoo
Another factor that can influence how much a small tattoo will cost is its location on the body. Some areas are more sensitive than others, like the ribs and knuckles, which will typically come with a higher price tag compared to other areas of the body. If you want a cheaper option, you may want to consider having your small tattoo placed on the shoulder blades or ankles.
4. The color of the ink used
Using more vibrant colors will typically make tattoos cost more since it takes more ink to achieve this effect. Those with lighter skin may also have to pay higher prices for these types of tattoos as they can be difficult to see. On the other hand, black ink tattoos are typically less costly as they don’t need multiple sessions to heal or take as long to do.
5. The experience level of the tattoo artist
Tattoo artists with more experience will usually charge more for their time and services compared to those who are less skilled. This is because they’ve been in the industry longer and know how to complete a variety of different tattoos. While this may be a little more costly, you can be sure that your tattoo will look better in the end when it’s done by a professional.
6. The popularity of the artist
If you’re looking for a specific tattoo artist, you may have to pay a higher price to get inked by them. This is because their services are in high demand, and they may not have any openings in their schedule for the near future. If you’re flexible with who completes your tattoo, you may be able to find a more affordable option.
7. The time it takes to complete the tattoo
If you’re looking to get a small tattoo, it will probably take less time to complete than a larger one. This means that it should be cheaper as well since the artist doesn’t have to charge as much for their time if they’re not working on a big piece. Most tattoos only take about an hour or two to finish, depending on the size and complexity of the design.
8. The aftercare products used
Tattoo artists will often recommend a specific set of products to use after your tattoo is finished to make sure it heals properly. These products can often be expensive and may not be necessary if you already have a first aid kit at home. If you’re not interested in purchasing these items, you may want to find a more affordable option.
9. Whether or not the tattoo is a cover-up
If your tattoo artist is covering up an older design, they may charge more if the ink from the previous tattoo is difficult to remove. This is because it requires a lot of time and effort to finish a cover-up tattoo. If you’re okay with light or simple cover-up, there should be no extra charge for this option.
10. Availability of the artist
Like any other service, the availability of the tattoo artist can affect how much you end up paying for their services. If you’re looking to get a small tattoo done in the next few days, you may have to pay a higher price since there’s a shorter window of time available. However, if you’re willing to wait a few weeks or months, you may be able to get a better deal.
11. Artist style/preference
If you have a specific design in mind for your tattoo, it’s more likely that the artist will charge you more for their time. This is because they may need to consult with you several times before they can understand what exactly you’re looking for. If you aren’t very picky about the design, then this may not be a factor that you need to consider.
12. Nature of your skin
Those with light or thin skin can be much easier to tattoo than those who have thicker, darker skin. Those tattoos are more likely to cause pain because the needles need to penetrate deep into the skin to make it look like the image is underneath the surface. This may lead to additional charges for pain management or cause your artist to charge more for their time.
Conclusion
Small tattoo prices vary depending on the artist, design, location, and other factors. Always be sure to discuss the cost of your tattoo with the artist before getting inked to avoid any surprises.

Hi, my name’s David. I started this pricing blog as a side project to help people figure out the best prices on common services. Whether you’re trying to figure out how much it costs to get scanning done at Staples or the expense to bleach short hair, more than likely I’ve blogged about it. Shoot me an email if you have any questions: david@mightyprice.com.