— The guide
How Much Does a Piercing Cost? Prices by Placement (2026)
Typical piercing prices by placement, from earlobe to industrial, what's included, and why the jewellery changes the bill.
"How much does a piercing cost?" It mostly comes down to three things: the placement, the jewellery that goes in, and the studio. Here are the typical price ranges, what they include, and how to avoid paying for jewellery you'll have to replace. Wondering whether a cheaper gun piercing is worth it? Read our guide piercing gun vs needle.
Piercing prices by placement
These are typical ranges seen in European studios, piercing and starter jewellery included. They vary by city, studio and above all the quality of the jewellery. Prices in the UK and US are broadly similar in pounds or dollars, though many US studios charge the piercing fee and the jewellery separately.
| Placement | Typical price | Starter jewellery |
|---|---|---|
| Earlobe | €30 – 50 | Stud or labret |
| Helix | €40 – 60 | Flat-back labret |
| Tragus | €40 – 60 | Labret |
| Conch | €45 – 70 | Labret |
| Daith | €50 – 70 | Ring or clicker |
| Rook | €50 – 70 | Curved barbell |
| Industrial | €60 – 90 | Long barbell |
| Nostril | €40 – 60 | Stud or labret |
| Septum | €50 – 70 | Horseshoe or clicker |
| Navel | €45 – 70 | Belly bar |
| Tongue | €45 – 65 | Straight barbell |
| Lip (labret) | €40 – 60 | Labret |
| Nipple | €50 – 80 per side | Straight barbell |
The earlobe is the cheapest and quickest. The further you go into dense cartilage or technical spots (industrial, daith, nipple), the more precision the piercing needs, and the higher the price.
What changes the price
- The jewellery. Often the biggest difference. Implant-grade ASTM F136 (G23) titanium or solid gold costs more than basic steel, but it heals better and you won't have to replace it because of a reaction.
- The placement. Cartilage, a double piercing (industrial) or a sensitive area means more time and more technique.
- The studio and the city. A well-known studio in a big city charges more than one in a small town.
- Aftercare follow-up. Some studios include a check-up or the shorter bar once swelling goes down (the "downsize"); others charge for it.
Piercing gun or needle?
In a jewellery shop, a lobe piercing with a gun is often around €20–35. It's cheaper, but a gun crushes the tissue instead of passing cleanly through it, and the stud is rarely implant-grade metal. Avoid it on cartilage (helix, tragus, conch…): a professional piercer with a needle is the right option, even if the price gap is real.
What jewellery costs after healing
Once your piercing has healed, you can change the jewellery yourself. Expect roughly €15–40 for a quality titanium piece, more for solid gold. Keep the same gauge and a suitable length: our gauge and size guide helps you choose. For the how-to, see how to change or remove a piercing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a belly button piercing cost?
Usually €45–70 in a studio, starter bar included. It goes up if you choose solid gold straight away.
How much does a nose piercing cost?
Around €40–60 for a nostril and €50–70 for a septum, starter jewellery included.
How much does a helix piercing cost?
Most often €40–60 with a needle and a flat-back labret. Avoid a gun on cartilage.
Is the jewellery included in the price?
In most studios, yes: the price covers the piercing and the first piece of jewellery. Always check the material. If implant-grade titanium is offered as an upgrade, it's usually the one worth taking.
— Shop this guide
A good piercing is a piercer you trust, a placement you love and jewellery your skin tolerates. The price follows, and it's an investment that lasts.
