HOW MUCH DOES A TATTOO COST AT YOUR STUDIO?
How much does a tattoo cost? This is a question we get asked frequently, and it’s not an easy one to answer. The cost of a tattoo depends on several factors, including the artist’s experience, the studio’s minimum price, the size of the tattoo, the level of detail in the design, the choice of colors, and the placement on the body.
To give you an accurate answer to the question how much does a tattoo cost, we need three things:
- Do you have any reference images of what you have in mind?
Reference images give us a clear understanding of what you want and help us determine which of our artists is best suited to execute your design. - How big do you envision the tattoo to be?
The larger the design, the more time it takes to tattoo. By knowing the size of the tattoo, we can provide a better estimate of how long it will take and, in turn, a more accurate price. - Where on your body would you like to place the tattoo?
The placement on your body also plays a significant role in determining the price. Some areas are more challenging to tattoo and may require additional time and skill, which can affect the cost.
"HOW MUCH DOES A TATTOO COST" OVER THE PHONE
As you can understand, it’s quite challenging to determine the price of a tattoo, and it becomes especially difficult over the phone. We often ask customers to describe what they want as accurately as possible, but nine times out of ten, what is initially referred to as "just something simple" turns out to be much more complex.
So, how much does a tattoo cost? A tattoo requires time – before, during, and after the process. This is why we usually ask for a reference image, something concrete we can look at, rather than relying on a description we have to interpret ourselves.
Reference images help us better understand the customer’s vision and provide a more accurate basis for assessing the scope of the work and estimating the price. This allows us to offer a more precise and realistic estimate of how much the tattoo will cost.
Send us some images here, and we’ll be able to give you a quick response.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM PRICE?
The minimum price for a tattoo is the lowest amount a tattoo artist or studio will charge to perform a tattoo. This price is usually set to cover the basic costs of the procedure, such as materials, hygiene, time, and other factors. The minimum price can vary significantly from studio to studio and from artist to artist.
In Oslo, we can see that minimum prices vary significantly, ranging from 1000 to 3000 NOK, depending on the studio and the tattoo artist.
Many people focus on finding the lowest minimum price, but it’s important to understand that this price doesn’t necessarily reflect the actual cost of your tattoo. How much does a tattoo really cost? It can quickly become more expensive than expected, depending on the design and other factors. That’s why it’s wise not to focus too much on the minimum price but instead discuss your design and get a realistic estimate based on what you want.
We understand that price can be an important factor for many, but we’ve often seen that those who chose a studio with a lower minimum price ended up paying more than those who opted for a studio with a higher minimum price.
So, the most important thing is to get a concrete estimate for the specific design and size you want, rather than basing your decision solely on the minimum price.
HOW MUCH DOES A TATTOO COST WITH AN APPRENTICE?
How much does a tattoo cost with an apprentice? Choosing an apprentice can be a cost-effective option if the design you want falls within their skills and competence. Apprentices typically start with simpler designs, such as line-based tattoos, and can also handle basic text with simple fonts. If you’re unsure whether we currently have apprentices who are tattooing, feel free to ask us anytime!
Many people might feel hesitant about choosing an apprentice, but at our studio, no apprentice is allowed to tattoo on real skin until they have demonstrated sufficient skills and competence. They undergo extensive training and practice under close supervision. Our apprentices are in a learning phase and receive thorough guidance and monitoring from experienced tattoo artists. This gives them the opportunity to grow and gain the experience they need to succeed.
The prices for apprentices can vary, but it’s common to see starting prices around 500 NOK for those who are brand new to tattooing on skin. Many apprentices begin with lower prices as they build their experience and clientele. As they gain more expertise and establish themselves in the industry, their prices will naturally increase.

FIXED PRICE OR HOURLY RATE
Tattoo artists often offer a fixed price for tattoos based on factors such as design, detail, size, and placement on the body. This provides you with a clearer idea of the costs upfront, making it easier to decide on the process.
The fixed price accounts for the workload and gives the customer a predictable financial overview, making it easier to plan and set up a budget for tattoo costs.
However, there is no definitive rule, and for larger projects, some tattoo artists may choose to use an hourly rate instead. This is because it can be difficult to predict how many hours will be needed to complete a more intricate design.
By discussing fixed pricing or hourly rates with your tattoo artist, you can gain a better understanding of the costs and what you can expect to pay.
Hourly rates in Oslo can vary from 1000 to 2000 NOK, but we have also seen tattoo artists with rates exceeding 3000 NOK per hour.
How much does a sleeve really cost?
The price of a tattoo can vary depending on factors such as size, design, placement, and the tattoo artist's experience. We offer both fixed pricing and hourly rates, depending on the scope of the project. To get a more accurate price estimate, we encourage you to reach out to us. Feel free to send us reference images and describe what you want, so we can provide you with a more detailed price based on your preferences.
