“Tattoo or Burrito?” – Choosing Between Ink and Other Life Decisions
- sara phillips
- Mar 15
- 2 min read
At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we hear it all the time: “I really want a tattoo, but…” and the “but” usually comes down to money, how to choose between ink and other life decision. Sure, tattoos are an investment—but so are all the other little things we spend on every week. So, what happens when you compare getting a tattoo to some of life’s other indulgences? Let’s break it down with a smile.

The Burrito Test
A great burrito in Lombard costs around $12. A custom tattoo in Lombard, IL might cost a few hundred. That sounds like a big jump—until you realize how many burritos you eat in a year. Spoiler: your tattoo lasts forever, the burrito lasts 20 minutes (if you’re lucky).
Coffee vs. Ink
Daily coffee run: $7. Multiply that by 5 days a week, and you’re spending over $1,800 a year on caffeine. That’s easily a large neo-traditional tattoo or fine line tattoo from our shop. We’re not saying give up your latte… but maybe skip a few and put that toward art you’ll wear for life.
The Weekend Out vs. The Walk-In
Dinner, drinks, and an Uber home? Around $150. That’s the same cost as a small walk-in tattoo in Lombard, IL. One gives you a hangover, the other gives you a permanent conversation starter. We’ll let you decide which is the better investment.
Streaming Services vs. Skin Art
Between Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, and every other subscription, you might be spending $60+ a month. That’s $720 a year. That could go toward your dream American traditional tattoo or something colorful and bold you’ll never have to “unsubscribe” from.
Why Tattoos Win
Here’s the truth: tattoos aren’t cheap, but they are priceless. They’re personal, permanent, and packed with meaning. At our inclusive tattoo studio, we see tattoos as more than an expense—they’re a form of self-expression, empowerment, and art you carry forever.
Final Thoughts
So, burrito or tattoo? Coffee or tattoo? Streaming or tattoo? Life is all about choices, but if you’re looking for something that lasts longer than a meal or a monthly bill, we know where to put your money.
Ready to make the switch from short-term splurges to long-term art? Visit Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, your LGBTQ+ friendly tattoo shop for walk-in tattoos in Lombard, IL and unforgettable custom pieces.