You really want a belly button piercing, but you are not sure yet how much you should set aside for it? The truth is that the belly button piercing price can swing a lot from one studio to the next, and a few key factors decide whether you land on the low end or the high end.
In this guide we break down everything you probably have not thought about when it comes to the cost of a navel piercing. We shine a light on what pushes prices up, and we explain why picking the cheapest piercer in town is not always the smartest choice.
Table of Contents
What Affects the Price of a Belly Button Piercing
Have you ever wondered why one piercer charges twice what another charges for the exact same procedure? Let us clear up that mystery for you. Here are some of the main reasons for the big price gap you will see from one studio to another.
The Piercer's Skill Level
If you needed brain surgery, you would notice a huge difference in skill between a surgeon at your local hospital and a surgeon at a world-class one. People flock to top-tier hospitals because of the experience of the surgeons and doctors who work there, and that level of demand lets those surgeons charge more for their work. The same is true for piercers.
If you could choose between someone who has done five belly button piercings and a piercer who has done thousands of the same procedure, which one would you pick? The answer is obvious: you would choose based on experience every time. That experience lets a piercer charge a little more, but they know exactly what they are doing, and they are usually well worth the extra cost.
The Piercing Method
The method your piercer uses also factors into the price. Piercers who use hollow needles instead of piercing guns may charge more, because their method requires a higher level of training and experience. It also gives a cleaner, better result.
Piercing guns are not as hygienic and they cause more tissue damage. You risk ending up with more scarring and pain if a gun is used. Paying a few dollars more to avoid those complications is worth it. Always go with a piercer who does the belly button piercing with a needle.
Your Piercer's Popularity
Another thing that can influence the cost is the popularity factor. Some studios have that buzz. It is the place everyone wants to go to get their navel pierced, and that kind of popularity comes at a premium price.
You have to decide whether it is worth paying more just to tell your friends you got pierced at the trendiest spot in the city. If they are true artists known for excellent work, it can be worth it. But if you are only paying for the cool factor and nothing more, you may want to rethink your decision.
It Is All About Location
As they say in real estate, location is everything, and that holds true in business too. Piercers in big cities can charge more for your belly button piercing than piercers in small towns or rural areas. Everything costs more in the city, and piercing is no different.
That said, just because it is cheaper in a small town does not mean you should drive out of your metro area to the nearest little town just to save money. You will spend a lot on gas and lose part of your free time. The upside of using piercers based in bigger cities is that they tend to be more experienced. Their client base is larger than in small towns, which means they have probably done more navel piercings.
The Metal You Choose for Your Jewelry
If you have expensive taste in jewelry, you are going to pay more when you get pierced. Some metals cost more than others, and if you want a specific piece on your belly button piercing, it will affect the final price.
At Infinite Piercing we offer belly button jewelry at the best value. You will find pieces with or without gems, with or without diamonds, in titanium, surgical steel, gold or silver. In short, there is something for every style without breaking the bank.
Watch Out for Extra Items
Some people like to walk out with a bag full of goodies to go along with their new piercing. They will obviously pay more if they end up buying extra jewelry and aftercare products.
If you are worried about spending too much up front, start with a single piece for your belly button piercing. It will be weeks, even months, before you can change it anyway. You can always buy more jewelry closer to the time you are able to swap it out, which lets you spread the cost out a little more.
Why the Cheapest Option Is Not Always Best
Nobody likes overpaying for a service. While saving money is nice, in some situations it is better to reach a little deeper into your wallet. By paying more for an experienced piercer, you can protect yourself against some of the complications that come with getting your navel pierced.
If the extra money you spend on a seasoned professional keeps you from ending up with an infected navel piercing, it is worth it, right? At the very least, you will not be paying for a doctor's visit and antibiotics. Remember that getting a piercing is about hygiene. It is not like treating yourself to a restaurant meal or new clothes.
How Much Does a Belly Button Piercing Cost?
One more thing to watch out for with a bargain piercer is that they sometimes stock cheap jewelry instead of quality pieces. Good jewelry lasts longer and holds up better. It will not feel like a great deal when you have to start buying new jewelry because the cheap belly button ring gave you an allergic reaction.
The Average Price of a Belly Button Piercing
It is hard for us to give a firm number on what you should pay for your navel piercing, because it depends on so many factors.
Overall, you should expect to pay between $40 and $70 to get your belly button pierced in the United States, with basic jewelry included. If you find a price much cheaper than that, be a little cautious. Always look into the piercer's reputation, because they may be very cheap for a reason.
Just remember, before you decide, that some deals really are too good to be true. They can often come with hidden costs, like possible complications, that you were not counting on. Trust your gut when choosing your piercer. If you get a bad feeling about someone, find another one. There is no shortage of piercers who offer this service.
Common Discounts and Deals
If you want to save money safely, without compromising the quality of the piercer you choose, you can ask about any discounts they might offer. They may have deals that are not advertised but are given when people ask for them. Here are a few discounts you might come across.
Buy One, Get One
If you have a friend who also wants their navel pierced, you may be able to buy one and get one free. It is always worth asking whether your piercer offers this deal. The worst they can do is say no.
Multiple-Piercing Discounts
Love piercings? Want to get more than just your navel done? If so, you should be able to score a nice discount. Most piercers offer multiple-piercing deals. These bundles help you get a lot done without draining your bank account.
Student Discounts
Students are usually broke. They are paying for their studies, after all, and do not have much cash to spare, but they love getting pierced. Many piercers offer a student discount, so it never hurts to bring your student ID and ask.
Where to Get a Belly Button Piercing
Prices vary widely depending on the type of studio you walk into. The table below gives you a rough idea of what to expect across the United States, so you can budget before you book.
| Type of Studio | What to Expect | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mall kiosk or beauty counter | Often uses a gun, limited navel experience | $30 to $40 |
| Local tattoo and piercing studio | Needle piercing, solid experience, good hygiene | $40 to $60 |
| High-end or reputable studio | Expert piercer, implant-grade jewelry, premium care | $60 to $90 |
Once you are pierced, the real work is aftercare. See our full guide to belly button piercing healing time so you know exactly what to expect week by week.
Conclusion
Even at a well-reviewed piercing studio, you will find that a belly button piercing is not too expensive. Because it matters so much to get it right the first time, go with the best piercer you can find, not the cheapest.
In the long run, you may save yourself extra pain and stress. You will feel more confident knowing you got a safe, hygienic navel piercing, and that peace of mind is well worth the little bit of extra money.
