Granite Headstone Prices

Granite headstone prices will vary depending on the type of granite and style of headstone you choose. As a general rule, domestic gray granite headstone prices are the most affordable. Imported colors like black, blue, and red are among the most expensive granite headstone prices. A premium granite color can sometimes double the price of the headstone. In 2023, basic granite headstone prices will range from $599 to $5,999. Custom headstone prices can range much higher. 


How much does a single granite headstone cost?

In 2023, a standard 24” x 12” single grave marker will cost $599 to $799. A standard single upright headstone will cost between $1,499 to $2,999. A single grave marker is the most common style of memorial for one person. A single upright headstone is the next most common. Custom single upright headstones will be more expensive than a standard gravestone.


How much does a double granite headstone cost?

A double upright headstone is the most common and traditional style of memorial for two people. In 2023, a standard double upright headstone will cost between $1,999 to $4,999. A standard double grave marker will cost between $1,249 to $1,999. Custom double upright headstones and grave markers will range higher.


How much does a granite grave ledger cost?

A grave ledger is a large stone slab that covers most of a grave. In 2023, standard single grave ledger prices will range between $3,249 to $5,999. Generally, the more lettering and information on a ledger, the higher the cost of engraving. Just like other types of gravestones, custom grave ledgers can be highly detailed and very expensive.

*For all of the prices listed above, gray granite is the low end and premium color granites are the high end. 


What affects headstone prices near me?

It’s no surprise that headstone prices near me will differ from prices near you. Each monument maker sources granite from different quarries, and each quarry has different costs. Some big monument companies, like Brown Memorials, purchase large volumes of granite and receive special discounts from quarries. Since our prices are direct-from-quarry, these savings are passed on to our clients. 

Additionally, monument companies are spread out across the country but quarries are localized to specific regions. A monument company 200 miles from a quarry will pay lower shipping costs than a company 1,000 miles from a quarry.  Once again, these savings are passed on to clients.

For a full list of other factors that affect headstone prices near me and you, check out our blog: How to Budget for a Headstone


What is a reasonable price for a headstone?

A reasonable price for a headstone will depend on the type of headstone you choose and your budget. If you want a standard gray granite gravestone, then the prices listed below are reasonable averages:

  • A reasonable price for a gray granite single upright headstone is $1,750.

  • A reasonable price for a gray granite double upright headstone is $3,350.

If you want a standard premium color granite gravestone, then the prices listed below are reasonable averages:

  • A reasonable price for a premium color single upright headstone is $3,550.

  • A reasonable price for a premium color double upright headstone is $6,000.

Premium granite colors include:

  • Dakota Mahogany 

  • India Red 

  • Jet Black  

  • Blue Pearl 

I encourage families to establish a budget based on their wishes for the gravestone. If you want a custom headstone, expect to pay a little more than the averages listed above. 


What is the cheapest material for a headstone?

Gray granite from an American quarry is typically the cheapest material for a headstone. Imported granite prices have become very competitive in recent years. In some cases, depending on your region and the headstone design, an imported granite may actually be the cheapest material. 

As a general rule, American labor costs are much higher than those of overseas quarries. If you want a headstone with ornate sculpture that requires the time and skill of an artisan then an imported granite may be the cheapest material. If you want a simple, standard headstone with a basic engraving then domestic gray granite is most likely the cheapest material. 


How much does it cost to put a picture on a headstone?

On average, it will cost $350 to put a picture on a headstone.  A $350 memorial picture will be in color and made of porcelain unless the family chooses otherwise. Memorial portraits etched directly into black granite may run a little higher.


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Bran Oswalt

Bran is the fifth generation owner and lead designer at Brown Memorials in Florence, South Carolina. In 2011, he began practicing memorial design and serving families. His innovative designs quickly gained national acclaim, and he has since gone on to become one of the nation’s leading cemetery memorial designers.

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Florence Veterans Park