How Much Should a Headstone Really Cost?

The price of a cemetery headstone, also known as a tombstone, can vary depending on the overall design, font, artwork, and materials used. Seemingly small details, such as the color and finish of a tombstone, can make a big difference or reduce the cost.

The average price for a standard flat tombstone is about $1,000. In more detail: Upright headstones cost between $1,000 and $3,000, and you'll see this granite headstone and another for a higher price. High-quality private tombstones, as well as family tombstones and matching tombstones, can cost upwards of $10,000. Like pink granite headstones, the average price of a headstone totals about $2,000. In times of grief, the last thing you should worry about is negotiating the price of a tombstone for your loved one, but knowing the cost of a tombstone will help ensure you get a fair deal. Bonus tip: If you're the executor of a deceased loved one, dealing with their unfinished business without a way to organize the process can be overwhelming emotionally and technically. We have a post-bereavement checklist to help you make sure your loved one's family, possessions and other affairs are taken care of.

In general, stone appears to be a low-cost material. However, the stones used to build the tombstones took thousands of years to form. It is very durable and at the same time a non-renewable resource. That's what it's worth. There are two main tombstone options: granite and marble. The most common gravestone material today is granite, which comes in a variety of colors. Different colors come from far away places around the world, so the color of granite you choose will affect the price. More rocks need to be transported and taxed, which will increase the cost. However, granite is popular because it is durable and relatively inexpensive, regardless of color. The average cost of a tombstone is about $450. Marble is a more expensive option, but many prefer its more polished look. Marble tombstones also weather faster than granite tombstones. Keep in mind that you may need to invest more in maintenance to keep it looking its best. The average price of a marble tombstone ranges from $1,500 to $1,800.

Although cemetery headstones are made of sturdy materials, they still require regular maintenance. Of course, you can also perform maintenance on your loved one's tombstone yourself, check out our guide on how to clean a tombstone. But professional tombstone cleaners often have the skills to make the process easier and increase the life of the stone. Also, you may not always want to take the responsibility for grave maintenance yourself: Tombstone maintenance companies typically charge $40 to $170 for tombstone cleaning. You can even add services like planting flowers and watering the grass.