Headstone Prices: What Every Type Costs in 2026
The average headstone costs between $1,000 and $3,000 for a standard upright granite monument including basic engraving. Flat markers start at $299, while companion headstones range from $2,000 to $5,000. Custom designs, premium ledgers, and mausoleums can exceed $10,000. Prices vary by material, size, and whether you buy direct from a manufacturer or through a funeral home, where markups of 30-50% are common.
I'm Anton Gress, and I run a granite manufacturing operation near Atlanta, Georgia. We source our stone close to Elberton - the Granite Capital of the World - and we include design, engraving, and shipping on every order at no extra charge. What follows are our actual catalog prices next to national averages, so you can compare for yourself.
This guide covers headstone and gravestone prices by type, the factors behind the cost, how families save 40-60% by buying direct, and answers to the questions we hear most often. People use a lot of different words for the same thing - headstone, gravestone, tombstone, memorial stone, grave marker - and the pricing below applies no matter what you call it.
This guide covers headstone and gravestone prices by type, the factors behind the cost, how families save 40-60% by buying direct, and answers to the questions we hear most often. People use a lot of different words for the same thing - headstone, gravestone, tombstone, memorial stone, grave marker - and the pricing below applies no matter what you call it.
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How Much Does a Headstone Cost in 2026?
That depends on what you're looking for. A basic flat grave marker starts at $299. A standard upright monument runs $1,000 to $4,000 nationally. And if you want something truly grand — a premium ledger or mausoleum — you could spend $42,000 or more.
The table below puts our actual manufacturer prices next to the national averages. The difference is real, and it's the reason we publish these numbers.
The table below puts our actual manufacturer prices next to the national averages. The difference is real, and it's the reason we publish these numbers.
| Type | National Average | Our Price |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Markers | $300–$2,000 | $299–$1,199 |
| Upright Monuments | $1,000–$4,000 | $1,699–$2,599 |
| Companion | $2,000–$5,000 | $2,799–$2,899 |
| Slant/Bevel | $500–$3,500 | — |
| Premium/Ledger | $5,000–$15,000 | $4,999–$9,999 |
| Mausoleums | $10,000+ | $24,900–$42,000 |
Our prices cover the headstone, engraving, and delivery. Cemetery installation fees are separate and paid directly to the cemetery - I break those down in detail further below. For a detailed breakdown of headstone costs, including what drives each price tier, keep reading.
Headstone Prices by Type: From $299 Flat Markers to $42,000 Mausoleums
Every memorial type serves a different need and budget. Below you'll find each category with our catalog prices alongside what you'd pay nationally - from the most affordable flat gravestones to full mausoleum structures that almost no other pricing guide covers.
Flat Grave Markers ($299-$1,199)
$299. That's what our smallest flat marker costs — a 16"x8" granite piece that lies flush with the ground. It's the most affordable type of headstone you can buy, and honestly, it's where a lot of families start when budget matters most.
The reason flat markers cost less is simple: less granite, less finishing work, one solid piece instead of a tablet-and-base setup.
Our flat markers run:
The reason flat markers cost less is simple: less granite, less finishing work, one solid piece instead of a tablet-and-base setup.
Our flat markers run:
- $299 for a small 16"x8"
- $799 for the mid-size 24"x12" (our most popular flat option)
- $1,199 for a large 36"x12"
Upright Monuments ($1,699-$2,599)
This is what most people picture when they think of a headstone for a grave — a tall engraved tablet sitting on a granite base. Two pieces, one monument. Upright gravestones remain the most popular style we sell, and for good reason: they're visible from a distance and offer the most surface area for personalization.
We price our uprights at:
We price our uprights at:
- $1,699 — Small Upright (gray or black)
- $1,999 — Single Upright in gray
- $2,199 — Single Upright in black
- $2,599 — Upright Cross (gray or black)
Companion / Double Headstones ($2,799-$2,899)
When a married couple or two family members will share a burial site, a companion headstone makes sense. It's one monument designed for two — larger block of granite, both names on the same stone.
- Companion Upright in gray: $2,799
- Companion Upright in black: $2,899
Slant & Bevel Markers ($500-$3,500)
Think of these as the middle ground. A bevel marker has a slight angle — almost flat, but not quite. A slant marker sits steeper, on a base. Bench memorials ($3,000-$10,000) also fall into this mid-range category for families who want something functional.
Bevel markers run $500 to $2,000 nationally; slant markers, $1,600 to $3,500. We don't stock these styles at the moment, but we can handle custom requests.
Bevel markers run $500 to $2,000 nationally; slant markers, $1,600 to $3,500. We don't stock these styles at the moment, but we can handle custom requests.
Special & Custom Designs ($1,899-$2,920)
Sometimes a standard shape doesn't feel right. A family might want a heart-shaped gravestone, a cremation memorial, or something entirely their own.
Our custom designs:
Our custom designs:
- Single Cremation Bevel: $1,899
- Heart-Shaped Monument in jet black: $2,920
Premium Monuments & Ledgers ($4,999-$9,999)
A ledger covers the entire grave area — it makes a statement. We pair ours with large upright monuments for families who want the full visual impact.
- Big Granite Ledger: $4,999
- Prestige Memorial Set (ledger + upright, jet black): $9,999
Mausoleums ($24,900-$42,000)
I looked at a dozen competitor pricing guides before writing this. Not one of them included mausoleum costs. So here they are.
- 2-Crypt Mausoleum: $24,900
- 4-Crypt Mausoleum: $42,000
Bronze Markers ($1,000-$3,500)
If you've visited a VA national cemetery, you've seen bronze markers - they're the standard material there. Bronze has a distinct look, and the markers are mounted on a granite base.
We offer one bronze option: $3,150 for a Bronze on Granite Flat Marker. National average: $800 to $6,000, depending on size and mounting style.
We offer one bronze option: $3,150 for a Bronze on Granite Flat Marker. National average: $800 to $6,000, depending on size and mounting style.
See all headstones and monuments in our catalog →
What Factors Affect Headstone Prices?
Four things drive the price of any gravestone or memorial stone: material, size, engraving, and finish. If you understand these, you can make smarter decisions about where your budget goes.
Material: Granite vs. Marble vs. Bronze
About 90% of headstones sold in the United States are granite. There's a reason for that - granite headstones outlast everything else and come at the best price in gray varieties.
But not all granite costs the same:
Gray granite is the baseline. Widely quarried, easy to source. Don't mistake "affordable" for "low quality," though - gray granite will last centuries, full stop.
Black granite runs 10-20% higher. The color is rarer, and achieving that mirror-like polished finish takes multiple rounds of work. Black granite headstones look striking because the engraving contrast is so sharp.
Red and blue granite carry a 40-50% premium. These stones are rare and often imported from India or Scandinavia.
Marble weathers faster than granite. It looks beautiful on day one, but over decades it needs more maintenance to keep that appearance.
Bronze is cast, not carved - a completely different price tier ($800-$6,000).
We offer gray and black at very close price points because we source both near Elberton, Georgia. That's an advantage most shops don't have.
But not all granite costs the same:
Gray granite is the baseline. Widely quarried, easy to source. Don't mistake "affordable" for "low quality," though - gray granite will last centuries, full stop.
Black granite runs 10-20% higher. The color is rarer, and achieving that mirror-like polished finish takes multiple rounds of work. Black granite headstones look striking because the engraving contrast is so sharp.
Red and blue granite carry a 40-50% premium. These stones are rare and often imported from India or Scandinavia.
Marble weathers faster than granite. It looks beautiful on day one, but over decades it needs more maintenance to keep that appearance.
Bronze is cast, not carved - a completely different price tier ($800-$6,000).
We offer gray and black at very close price points because we source both near Elberton, Georgia. That's an advantage most shops don't have.
Size and Dimensions
More stone, higher price. It's that straightforward. Our flat markers show this clearly: 16"x8" is $299, 24"x12" is $799, 36"x12" is $1,199. Size and weight scale together with cost. Companion monuments use substantially larger blocks, which is why they're priced higher than singles of the same style.
Engraving and Customization
We include basic engraving free on every order — name, dates, and a short epitaph. We use two-pass laser engraving for precision and durability. But if you want more, costs go up:
- Extra text beyond the standard inscription runs about $350 on average
- Laser-etched photographs: $300 to $1,000+, depending on detail
- Porcelain photo inserts cost $200 to $400 each
- Custom shapes (hearts, crosses, silhouettes) add a premium for the additional labor
Color and Finish
Polished granite is the most popular finish because engraving stands out clearly against the smooth surface. Getting to that mirror polish takes multiple rounds of sanding and buffing — that's labor, and labor costs money. Matte, honed, and rock-pitched edges are alternatives, each requiring different techniques. If budget matters most, grey granite in a polished finish gives you a classic look at the lowest price point.
How Much Can You Save Buying Direct?
The markup on headstones at funeral homes and monument dealers runs 30-50%. Buy direct from a manufacturer and the savings are real - 40-60% in most cases.
Let me show you a concrete comparison on a standard 24"x12" granite flat marker:
Let me show you a concrete comparison on a standard 24"x12" granite flat marker:
| Monument Dealer | Online Retailer | THGA (Direct) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24x12 Flat Marker | ~$3,500* | ~$1,099* | $799 |
| Design included | Sometimes | Varies | FREE |
| Engraving included | Sometimes | Varies | FREE |
| Shipping included | Varies | Usually | FREE |
| Warranty | Varies | Varies | 500 Years |
*Monument dealer price typically includes installation. Online retailer price includes ~$300 for installation. Our $799 covers the headstone, design, engraving, and shipping only — cemetery installation is separate.
*Important: The monument dealer price of $3,500 typically includes installation. The online retailer price includes ~$300 for installation. Our $799 covers the headstone, design, engraving, and shipping only - cemetery installation is separate (see fees section below). We're comparing the headstone portion of the cost, where the savings are clearest.
On the headstone itself, that's $2,701 less - 77% savings on the same marker. Monument dealers and funeral homes do provide an all-in-one service, and that has value. But they're not monument specialists. They buy from manufacturers like us and add their margin.
Your right to choose your provider. Consumer protection principles, supported by federal antitrust law, protect your right to purchase a headstone from any source. The FTC Funeral Rule explicitly prohibits funeral homes from charging handling fees on caskets and urns bought elsewhere, and the same principle of consumer choice extends to headstones and memorial stones in practice. If a cemetery tries to block an outside headstone, ask for a written explanation and reference FTC regulations - cemeteries do not restrict headstone purchases from independent suppliers in practice.
So why are direct manufacturers cheaper? No showroom overhead, direct quarry access, and digital-first operations. The trade-off: you arrange cemetery installation yourself. But that's a $100 to $800 fee - a fraction of the thousands you'd pay in markup.
To see what your headstone would cost, get a free quote with no obligation.
On the headstone itself, that's $2,701 less - 77% savings on the same marker. Monument dealers and funeral homes do provide an all-in-one service, and that has value. But they're not monument specialists. They buy from manufacturers like us and add their margin.
Your right to choose your provider. Consumer protection principles, supported by federal antitrust law, protect your right to purchase a headstone from any source. The FTC Funeral Rule explicitly prohibits funeral homes from charging handling fees on caskets and urns bought elsewhere, and the same principle of consumer choice extends to headstones and memorial stones in practice. If a cemetery tries to block an outside headstone, ask for a written explanation and reference FTC regulations - cemeteries do not restrict headstone purchases from independent suppliers in practice.
So why are direct manufacturers cheaper? No showroom overhead, direct quarry access, and digital-first operations. The trade-off: you arrange cemetery installation yourself. But that's a $100 to $800 fee - a fraction of the thousands you'd pay in markup.
To see what your headstone would cost, get a free quote with no obligation.
What a 24"×12" Granite Flat Marker Actually Costs
Same stone. Three very different prices.
Save $2,701
77% less than a monument dealer on the headstone itself
Free Design Free Engraving Free Shipping 500-Year Warranty
*Monument dealer and online retailer prices include installation fees. Our price covers the headstone, design, engraving, and shipping only — cemetery installation ($100–$800) is separate and paid to the cemetery.
The Hidden Cemetery and Installation Fees Nobody Tells You About
Our price covers the headstone - stone, design, engraving, shipping. But the cemetery charges its own fees, and these catch a lot of families off guard. Budget for them.
| Fee | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation/Footing | $200–$600 | Concrete footing required for upright monuments |
| Setting/Installation | $100–$800 | Cemetery crew places, levels, and anchors the stone |
| Marker Permit | $50–$300 | Cemetery approval of design and placement |
| Perpetual Care | $100–$500+ | Long-term maintenance; sometimes bundled with the plot price |
A few more to watch for:
Opening and closing fees ($200-$1,000+) apply to new burials - not always required for headstone-only placement, but ask to be sure.
Public cemeteries tend to charge less because they're nonprofits. Private cemeteries in metro areas like Los Angeles or New York? Expect 50% or more above these averages.
And if you're a veteran's family: VA national cemeteries charge nothing at all - zero for the headstone, zero for setting, zero for the foundation. Completely free.
All told, cemetery fees range from $350 to $1,700 depending on where you are and what type of headstone you're placing. Call the cemetery before you order - always. Every cemetery has its own requirements and fee schedule. For related costs, contact your local cemetery directly.
Opening and closing fees ($200-$1,000+) apply to new burials - not always required for headstone-only placement, but ask to be sure.
Public cemeteries tend to charge less because they're nonprofits. Private cemeteries in metro areas like Los Angeles or New York? Expect 50% or more above these averages.
And if you're a veteran's family: VA national cemeteries charge nothing at all - zero for the headstone, zero for setting, zero for the foundation. Completely free.
All told, cemetery fees range from $350 to $1,700 depending on where you are and what type of headstone you're placing. Call the cemetery before you order - always. Every cemetery has its own requirements and fee schedule. For related costs, contact your local cemetery directly.
Headstone Prices by State
Where you live genuinely affects what you'll pay. Labor costs, distance from granite quarries, local regulations, and competition all play a role. If you're searching for headstone prices near me, your state matters - and so does whether you buy from a local dealer or order direct.
| State | Flat Marker Range | Upright Range | vs National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $200+ | $1,000–$3,000 | Lowest in the US |
| Texas | ~$400+ | $1,500–$3,500 | Below average |
| California | $1,200+ | $5,000+ | 15–30% above avg |
| National Avg | $300–$2,000 | $1,000–$4,000 | Baseline |
Georgia and Texas have the lowest tombstone prices in the country - proximity to quarries and lower labor costs. California sits at the other end, with gravestone prices running 15-30% above national averages due to urban labor rates and tighter regulations. Other high-cost states (New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts) follow a similar pattern, though specific data is harder to pin down.
The bottom line? Georgia is the center of American granite production. That's why our prices start where they do.
The bottom line? Georgia is the center of American granite production. That's why our prices start where they do.
What an Upright Monument Costs by State
Proximity to granite quarries drives the biggest price differences.
Georgia $1,000–$3,000
Texas $1,500–$3,500
National Avg $1,000–$4,000
California $5,000+
Lowest
Below avg
Baseline
Above avg
We ship from Georgia with free delivery nationwide — so you get Georgia pricing regardless of where you live. Our upright monuments start at $1,699.
Price ranges reflect industry data for standard single upright granite monuments (2025–2026). California premium of 15–30% driven by urban labor costs and stricter regulations. States without verified data omitted.
Why Georgia Has the Lowest Headstone Prices in the US
Elberton, Georgia. A small city of under 5,000 people, but known worldwide as the Granite Capital of the World. The city sits on a quarry belt stretching 35 miles long, 6 miles wide, and 2-3 miles deep. Around 90% of the memorial granite used across the United States comes from Elberton and the surrounding area.
That concentration does something powerful for pricing. Companies near Elberton - us included - don't pay to ship raw stone across the country before we even start cutting. We walk to the quarry. The dense network of quarries and fabrication shops also means healthy competition, which keeps prices fair.
We ship nationwide with free delivery, so geography doesn't limit your access to Georgia pricing. A family in California or New York ordering from us gets the same price as someone in Atlanta. When upright monuments cost $5,000+ on the West Coast and ours start at $1,699, the math speaks for itself - even after the family pays $100-$800 for local cemetery installation.
Our proximity to Elberton is the reason we can offer granite headstones starting at $299 with design and engraving included.
That concentration does something powerful for pricing. Companies near Elberton - us included - don't pay to ship raw stone across the country before we even start cutting. We walk to the quarry. The dense network of quarries and fabrication shops also means healthy competition, which keeps prices fair.
We ship nationwide with free delivery, so geography doesn't limit your access to Georgia pricing. A family in California or New York ordering from us gets the same price as someone in Atlanta. When upright monuments cost $5,000+ on the West Coast and ours start at $1,699, the math speaks for itself - even after the family pays $100-$800 for local cemetery installation.
Our proximity to Elberton is the reason we can offer granite headstones starting at $299 with design and engraving included.
Does the VA Pay for Headstones?
Yes. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides a free headstone or marker for any eligible veteran - it doesn't matter whether they're buried in a national, state, or private cemetery.
The VA covers:
At VA national cemeteries, everything is handled at no cost. Setting, foundation, permits - all free. Zero out-of-pocket.
At private cemeteries, the VA still provides the marker for free, but the family pays for installation and any foundation the cemetery requires.
Families apply through VA Form 40-1330. Bronze flat markers are the standard VA-approved option, and veteran headstones in upright granite are available at national cemeteries.
We donate 5% of every sale to veteran memorial restoration through the National Cemetery Administration. Every service member deserves a lasting, well-maintained tribute. That's not a marketing line - it's something we genuinely care about.
The VA covers:
- A government-furnished headstone or marker (flat bronze, flat granite, or upright marble/granite)
- Shipping to the cemetery
At VA national cemeteries, everything is handled at no cost. Setting, foundation, permits - all free. Zero out-of-pocket.
At private cemeteries, the VA still provides the marker for free, but the family pays for installation and any foundation the cemetery requires.
Families apply through VA Form 40-1330. Bronze flat markers are the standard VA-approved option, and veteran headstones in upright granite are available at national cemeteries.
We donate 5% of every sale to veteran memorial restoration through the National Cemetery Administration. Every service member deserves a lasting, well-maintained tribute. That's not a marketing line - it's something we genuinely care about.
How to Get the Best Value on Your Headstone
Getting good value on a memorial doesn't mean cutting corners. It means knowing where the money goes and making choices that make sense for your family. These are the things we tell every customer:
Buy direct from a manufacturer. This alone saves 40-60% compared to funeral home prices. You're cutting out the middleman markup entirely.
Get two or three quotes. Tombstone costs and gravestone prices vary wildly between providers. The first number you see — especially from a funeral home — is rarely the best one. Shop around.
Check what's included. Design, engraving, and shipping add up fast when they're billed separately. We include all three. And check the warranty - ours covers 500 years, which I realize sounds absurd, but we mean it.
Gray granite is just as durable as black. It costs less because it's more widely available, not because it's inferior. An affordable headstone is not a lesser memorial. Full stop.
Ask about payment plans. We offer Shop Pay installments so families can spread the cost over time. If the upfront price is a barrier, financing removes it.
Don't overpay for "premium." Even our most budget-friendly granite carries a 500-year warranty. Buying an inexpensive headstone from a reputable manufacturer is a smart decision, not a compromise.
When you're ready, browse our full collection starting at $299 - or reach out and we'll help you find what fits.
Buy direct from a manufacturer. This alone saves 40-60% compared to funeral home prices. You're cutting out the middleman markup entirely.
Get two or three quotes. Tombstone costs and gravestone prices vary wildly between providers. The first number you see — especially from a funeral home — is rarely the best one. Shop around.
Check what's included. Design, engraving, and shipping add up fast when they're billed separately. We include all three. And check the warranty - ours covers 500 years, which I realize sounds absurd, but we mean it.
Gray granite is just as durable as black. It costs less because it's more widely available, not because it's inferior. An affordable headstone is not a lesser memorial. Full stop.
Ask about payment plans. We offer Shop Pay installments so families can spread the cost over time. If the upfront price is a barrier, financing removes it.
Don't overpay for "premium." Even our most budget-friendly granite carries a 500-year warranty. Buying an inexpensive headstone from a reputable manufacturer is a smart decision, not a compromise.
When you're ready, browse our full collection starting at $299 - or reach out and we'll help you find what fits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Headstone Prices
Between $1,000 and $3,000 for a standard upright granite monument with basic engraving. Flat markers start as low as $299. Premium designs and mausoleums? $10,000 to over $40,000. The final number depends on type, material, size, and how much customization you want.
Flat grave markers. We sell a 16"x8" granite marker for $299 — that's about as affordable as headstones get. A standard 24"x12" flat gravestone runs $500 to $800 from a direct manufacturer. They sit flush with the ground and look dignified. Nothing about them says "budget."
$2,000 to $5,000 nationally. Ours start at $2,799 with design, engraving, and shipping included. Double flat markers are available starting around $1,199 as well.
Yes — for any eligible veteran, in any cemetery. At VA national cemeteries, there's no cost at all. At private cemeteries, the VA provides the marker free but the family handles installation. We donate 5% of every sale to veteran memorial restoration through the NCA.
Because funeral homes buy from companies like us, then add 30-50% markup. A 24"x12" granite marker costs about $3,500 through a monument dealer (installation included) versus $799 from us (headstone, engraving, and shipping — installation separate). That's 77% savings on the headstone itself. Consumer protection principles and federal antitrust law support your right to buy from any provider you choose.
Absolutely. And it can save you 40-60% versus a funeral home. Look for providers that include design, engraving, and shipping in the price, and check the warranty. Cemeteries accept headstones from outside suppliers — they don't restrict your choice.
Basic engraving (name and dates) is often included. We include it free. Beyond that, industry average is about $350 for additional text. Laser-etched photographs run $300 to $1,000+ depending on detail. Porcelain photo inserts: $200 to $400 each.
8 to 16 weeks from design approval to delivery. We offer rush flat markers at $399 for faster turnaround. Cemetery installation is scheduled separately and depends on the cemetery's availability and weather.
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