Headstone Costs: A Clear Guide for Families

You will see a wide range of prices for memorials, and it is helpful to know what is behind those numbers. It usually comes down to three main things: the size and type of the stone, the granite itself, and the complexity of the design.

Not all granite is the same. Just like any natural resource, some types are more common than others, and that affects the price.

Classic Gray granite is the most common and widely available, which makes it the most budget-friendly choice. It is a beautiful, timeless option. More distinct colors, like a deep Jet Black or unique reds and blues, often come from specific quarries in different parts of the world. Their rarity and the cost of transporting them mean they will have a higher price tag.

This is where your personal touches come in, and it also plays a part in the final cost. The amount of detail in the engraving determines how much time and skill is needed.

• A simple design with just a name and dates is the most straightforward.
• Adding more text, like a long epitaph or a poem, will increase the cost.
• Engraving symbols or images also adds to the price, with very detailed artwork costing more than a simple symbol.
• Laser-etched photographs require a highly skilled artist and specialized equipment to get a lifelike result, so this is typically one of the more significant personalization costs.

We want to give you a real sense of what to expect. Here is how our pricing generally breaks down, based on the options in our collection.

• Flat Grave Markers (Our Most Affordable Option)

These memorials offer a simple and dignified tribute. Our flat granite markers start at around $299. This price includes the stone itself, the basic engraving, and delivery.

• Upright Headstones (The Traditional Choice)

For a classic, upright monument, the price range is wider. These typically start around $1,999 for a standard size in gray granite and go up from there depending on the size, color, and design you choose.

• Companion & Custom Monuments (For Shared Tributes)

These are often unique projects designed just for your family. Because they are tailored to your specific vision, the price can vary quite a bit. A good starting point to budget for a companion monument would be around $2,700.

We believe in being completely upfront. Our price covers the monument itself. But there is another key part of the process that involves the cemetery, and it comes with its own costs.

This is the most common point of confusion, so let us make it simple. The cemetery itself will charge you a separate fee for installing the headstone. This is not a fee from us. This fee covers the work their grounds crew does to pour a concrete foundation and securely set the stone in place. Think of it like their labor and materials cost. You will pay this fee directly to them.

But one cost you will not have to worry about is delivery. At Traditional Headstones, the price you see for a memorial includes free shipping directly to any cemetery in Georgia. There are no surprise delivery charges from us. It is our way of making the process a little bit simpler.

Our company was started because one of our founders went through a personal loss and was shocked by the high prices at a funeral home. We knew there had to be a better way.

Funeral homes provide a valuable, all-in-one service during a difficult time. But they are often not specialists in monuments. They typically work with a provider like us and then add a significant markup to the price. By coming directly to a headstone specialist, you are avoiding that extra layer of cost. We focus on just one thing: crafting beautiful, high-quality memorials at a fair and honest price. It is our entire mission.

• Is the price on your website the final price I will pay you?

Yes. The price you see for the monument, including the personalizations you choose, is the final price you will pay us. The only other major cost to budget for is the separate installation fee from the cemetery.

• Do you offer payment plans or financing?

We understand that this is a significant expense. Please contact us directly to discuss payment options. We want to work with you to find a solution that fits your budget.

• Does a more expensive headstone mean it will last longer?

Not necessarily. All the granite we use is high-quality and chosen for its durability. The price differences you see are based on the granite's color and rarity, and the complexity of the design, not its ability to stand the test of time. A gray granite stone will last just as long as a rare blue one.

• Are there any "hidden fees" I should know about?

No. Absolutely not. We believe that is the worst kind of surprise. We will give you a detailed quote that lists every cost clearly before you make any commitment. Transparency is our promise.

A memorial’s true worth is not in its price tag. It is in the love and the stories it represents. We strongly believe that every family deserves to have a beautiful, dignified tribute for their loved one, regardless of their budget. Our mission is to make that possible.

We believe in full transparency. If you would like a detailed, no-obligation quote for your specific ideas, please contact us. We are here to answer your questions and help you find a beautiful option that honors your loved one and respects your budget.