How Much Does A Headstone Cost? (The TRUTH & How To Save)

Headstones 101: Types & Materials

While considering the expenses for a memorial, many families also evaluate the body cremation cost to manage their overall budget for a loved one’s final arrangements.

A headstone is a monument or plaque that marks the location of a gravesite.

It nearly always shows the deceased’s name, birth date, and death date.  Some family members may add a short phrase to honor the memory of the deceased (this is called an epitaph).

The following are commonly used words that mean the same thing:

• Headstone
• Tombstone
• Gravestone

Upright Headstone (Marble)

Marble has been used for a long time as it is the best material for sculpture and carving.  While marble is the most expensive option, many prefer marble headstones due to their polished appearance.

Since marble is porous, it requires more upkeep and will weather over time, ultimately taking on the white-ish appearance commonly associated with a headstone for graves. So, how much are headstones made of marble?

The average marble headstone cost is $2,000 to $3,000.

Upright Headstone (Granite)

Granite is a durable stone that can last hundreds, if not thousands, of years.  While technically, some granites are more difficult to scratch than others, granite stones will essentially last forever.

As a result, upright headstones made of granite should appear and feel the same today as they will in 100,000 years or longer.

The average cost of a granite headstone is $1,200 to $1,800.

Flat Grave Markers

The cheapest headstone you can buy is a horizontal flat marker (instead of vertical, upright grave markers).

A flat marker tends to be more affordable because they are easy to install, and you, therefore, avoid additional costs, such as installation fees.

The average cost of flat headstones is $300 to $500.

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