How to budget for a headstone
In this article, we explore how to budget for a headstone in 5 simple steps:
Step 1: Consider the expense of a headstone before planning a funeral or burial
Step 2: Understand the average headstone and tombstone prices
Step 3: Compare prices of different material options
Step 4: Consider other factors that affect the price
Step 5: Maintaining a headstone
We’ll also cover some tips on how you can save money, and answer the question: Is it cheaper to buy a headstone online or in person? Let’s get started.
Step 1: Consider the Expense of a Headstone Before Planning a Funeral or Burial
Average Funeral Cost
In 2023, the average funeral will cost about $8,000, but will vary depending on where you live and the type of service you plan. Cremation funerals can start several thousand less, and some funerals are $15,000-$20,000 or more.
Many funerals are planned on short-notice after someone passes, which is an emotionally difficult time to make important decisions. It’s no surprise that many families lose sight of a headstone budget while planning a funeral and overspend, leaving little funds left for the headstone. If the average funeral for one person is $8,000 then the average headstone for that person is $2,000. Funerals are important for grief and healing, but the costs associated with each seem disproportionate when you consider their lasting impact. The average funeral service lasts 1-2 hours, but a headstone will last for centuries. Imagine how stunning our nation’s cemeteries could be if these costs were reversed, and greater thought and resources went into the design and craft of every headstone. Our cemeteries might then be viewed as fine art museums set in nature.
One big advantage when planning a headstone is that you do not have the same time restraints of the funeral. Funerals must happen quickly - take your time when planning the headstone. This extra time can help you save a little more. Many monument makers will also allow scheduled payments over a period of time to make its affordability easier.
Cemetery Requirements
Each cemetery has different rules and regulations that will affect how you budget for a headstone. Many cemeteries have no rules which means that you can easily set your spending limit and stick to it. Some other cemeteries have strict requirements - they may require an expensive material, like bronze, to be used for all memorials and may even have a minimum size requirement.
Twelve years in this industry has shown me that many families have no idea what type of the memorial is required in their selected cemetery - many are often shocked and even feel deceived by the cemetery when they learn that their loved one’s memorial must be made of bronze - the most expensive material. In 2023, a 24” x 12” bronze marker will cost about $2,700. For comparison, a 24” x 12” grey granite marker is only $599. The cemetery you choose will affect how you need to budget for a headstone.
Some non-bronze upright cemeteries also have rules that affect the headstone budget. Some may require the addition of a granite sub-base or separate foot markers in addition to the upright headstone. Perpetual care cemeteries also charge based on the size of the monument - these costs can add up quick.
The best practice is to qualify a prospective cemetery to make sure the headstone will align with your budget before purchasing plots. Ask the cemetery staff to provide you with a written copy of the headstone requirements. You may also ask to see several headstones that are “standard” for the cemetery. This should give you a pretty good idea of what type of memorial you will need and help you establish a budget.
Permanence and Tangibility
Making sure that you have the right budget for a headstone is important. A headstone is made only once and is the one tangible thing that will outlast the rest. Failing to consider the funeral and burial expenses when budgeting may mean that you have to settle for a headstone that falls short of your wishes.
Step 2: Understand the Average Headstone and Tombstone Prices
In order to establish an accurate budget for a headstone, it’s helpful to know how much an average tombstone costs. How much you spend on a memorial will be determined by features that you choose. The headstone prices below are for standard sizes, materials, and designs. Custom headstones with a lot of personalized detail can cost a good bit more.
Single upright headstones: $1,499 - $2,999
Double upright headstones: $1,999 - $4,999
Single Grave Markers (flat): $599 - $799
Double Grave Markers (flat): $1,249 - $1,999
If you would like to learn more about prices, then check out our blog: Prices for Headstones in 2023.
Step 3: Compare the Prices of Different Material Options
Granite
Headstone granite refers to a spectrum of different colored stones quarried around the world. Granite can be the cheapest headstone material or it can be one of the most expensive - it depends on the color you choose. In the United States, grey granite from Georgia quarries is typically the least expensive material in which to build a headstone. In 2023, a single upright headstone made of grey granite will start at $1,499. The same single upright headstone made in jet black granite will start at $3,099.
Generally, common headstone granite colors follow this pricing structure, but may differ based on your location or your monument company’s source:
Georgia Grey Granite(sometimes called Georgia Blue) - $
Salisbury Pink Granite - $
Morning Rose Granite - $
Grey Vermont Granite - $$
American Black Granite- $$
Dakota Mahogany Granite - $$
India Red Granite - $$$
Jet Black Granite - $$$
Blue Pearl Granite - $$$
Marble
Marble headstones are not as common as granite headstones in most U.S. cemeteries. One reason for this is that marble is more expensive than most granites. Georgia marble is one of the most common marbles used in cemetery memorials - Its price is roughly the same as the top tier headstone granite colors. Vermont, Colorado or Carrara marbles are also options but will be more expensive than Georgia marble in most cases.
Bronze
Many people assume that flat bronze markers are inexpensive because of their simple and non-imposing style, but this could not be further from the truth. Bronze is comprised of over 80% copper, a precious metal, and is among the most expensive materials in which to craft a memorial. In 2023, the average single bronze grave marker will start at $2,699, roughly 4.5 times the starting cost of a grey granite marker the same size. A double bronze grave marker will average $3,999. Bronze cemeteries often charge an additional perpetual care fee which can add hundreds to the amount you should expect to pay.
Step 4: Consider Other Factors that Affect the Price of a Headstone
Size
Since stone is priced per cubic inch, the larger the monument, the more you pay. A large monument will also require more materials, like stencil, and time for engraving. In some cases, specialized equipment or crane rentals are needed to be able to install large monuments in difficult to reach places.
On the other hand, small headstones and markers require fewer resources to make and are easier to handle. A small budget will more than likely result in a small headstone.
Type
Each type of headstone starts at a different price point. You may be able to quickly narrow down to the best style based on your budget. For example, If the starting price of $1,499 single upright headstone is too high but you still want something larger than a flat grave marker, a $999 slant headstone may be a great option.
Finish
A standard headstone will come with a polished or velvet finish on the front and back. Choosing a rustic finish on the top, left, and right sides will be the least expensive finishing option. Seldom does the finish of the sides affect the overall headstone design, so this is a good way to trim out some cost. The top and sides of any headstone can be polished, but expect this finer finish to add several hundred dollars to the total cost.
Design
A headstone design is the template by which the monument will be made. It dictates which engraving processes must be used and the amount of time and resources that will be required. Designing a custom headstone takes time and skill, so expect to pay a little more if you want to work with an artist.
Most monument makers will have a catalog of common designs. Since these designs already exist in a computer, little additional design time is required. For those who want to maintain a conservative budget, start with a monument maker’s catalog of designs.
Each headstone design is comprised of various elements which can be incorporated in different ways. Let’s use the cross as an example. The most common and least expensive application for the cross is a simple sandblasted carving, which is the same way most lettering is applied. That same cross could also be cast in bronze and pinned to the stone which would cost more. The cross could feature ivy or other floral ornament around it and be etched by an artist. The cross could also be 3-dimensional and free-standing. Each application for the cross is a different cost.
Make sure you understand the headstone design and how each element will be crafted. If the budget is tight, consider a simple change in design. Use good judgment when changing a design to meet a smaller budget. Remember, you don’t get a second chance to design a headstone - make sure it’s what you want. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot to have a well-designed custom headstone - You only have to work with a headstone designer who understands your budget and is capable of good thought and creative solutions.
Add Ons
The two most common add-ons to any headstone are flower vases and portraits. On average, these elements will add $350 each.
Shipping and Installation
If you purchase a headstone from a local monument company, then most likely, all shipping and installation charges are included. That is definitely the case with our company - the headstone installation is included in the purchase price.
Many online tombstone makers promote free shipping, but often fail to mention that you are still responsible for installation. While a few cemeteries may offer to install a headstone purchased online for free, most cemeteries do not install monuments at all. In these cases, you are responsible for hiring a monument company capable of receiving, accepting liability and installing a different monument company’s work. The installing company can charge whatever they like which may result in you paying more overall.
Step 5: Maintaining a Headstone
Cleaning
Granite is the standard headstone material for good reason - it’s very durable and requires almost no maintenance. The only thing that most people choose to do is an occasional cleaning. How often you need to clean a headstone will depend on its location in the cemetery and how much it is exposed to organic matter and other natural elements. Headstones directly beneath trees or in heavily forested cemeteries could require cleaning every year to keep that “like new” look.
Other cemeteries may have few trees and lots of direct sun. The sun will typically prevent mildew from forming on the headstone, but grass clippings and other debris could pile up in time, especially if the cemetery does not brush off monuments after mowing.
Pro-tip: Don’t let organic matter sit on the stone for too long. Keep a small hand-held brush or broom in your car. Whenever you visit the cemetery, brush any grass or debris off the monument.
Flowers
A empty flower vase on a monument serves no purpose, so if you choose to include a vase on the headstone, be prepared to maintain it. A new flower arrangement for every holiday and occasion can add up to be $100-$200 per year. For those looking for less maintenance, we recommend allocating more of the budget to the headstone design instead of a flower vase.
Pro-tips for saving money on a headstone
Inventory Discounts
Many monument companies have excess stone at their shops and may be incentivized to discount it. This excess stone is often in great condition and just waiting for the right buyer to come along. Don’t hesitate to ask your local monument company if they have any scrap stone that they can discount.
Annual Sales
Most monument companies with a headstone display will have at least one sale per year. Headstones are a high dollar item and timing your purchase with a sale could save you hundreds.
Pick-Up Orders
Many of the smallest headstones and grave markers can be installed by anyone. Since the installation is typically included in the purchase price, ask for a discount if you pick it up and install it yourself. This option is only feasible with small grave markers and slants - a professional is required for everything else.
Is it Cheaper to Buy a Headstone Online?
In a side-by-side comparison of a few popular online tombstone maker prices and our local monument company prices, our local monument company prices are less, hands down. The results may be different in your part of the country, but there is no way to know if it’s cheaper to buy a headstone online unless you actually talk to your local monument company about their prices. You may find that the local monument company has more low-budget options or that the headstone that caught your eye on the online tombstone maker website is not even allowed in your cemetery. Don’t overlook the value of a consultation with a memorial expert.
Online tombstones will often appear less at first glance, but there are costs that you don’t see up front. The installation is never included unless the online tombstone maker pays for it out of their own pocket or the cemetery agrees to install it for free. Anyone can claim to have the cheapest headstone, so be cautious if this is a company’s only marketing pitch - it’s not true.
Every headstone that has ever been made was individually crafted. Instead of pursuing the cheapest headstone, consider something far more important - Value. Value considers quality and cost. Any reputable local monument company will be able to work with your specific budget to create the headstone that your loved one deserves.
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