How much does a headstone cost?

What you need to know, summarized:

For most families, the cost of a headstone falls somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000, including installation. Simple flat markers often begin around $200, while more elaborate memorials can reach $15,000 or beyond.
The main factors that shape the cost are the size and material of the stone, the style you choose, and how much engraving or customization you want.
Always check your cemetery’s requirements before buying. Some cemeteries limit the size, material, or style of markers you can use.
Veterans may be eligible for a free government headstone or marker.

After the casket, a headstone is often the next largest expense in a burial plan. If you’re navigating this decision while grieving, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed by the many options, prices, and the pressure to choose quickly.

Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of headstone costs in 2026 by type, material, and style. Our hope is that this helps you make a choice that feels right for your family, without added stress or unnecessary expense.

Headstone, gravestone, tombstone, grave marker—what’s the difference?

These terms are often used interchangeably, and in everyday conversation, that’s fine. But there are small distinctions worth knowing when you’re shopping. A headstone typically stands vertically at the head of a grave. A grave marker is a broader term that includes flat plaques laid horizontally on a stone base. Tombstone and gravestone are largely interchangeable with headstone.

Average headstone cost in 2026

Most families spend between $1,000 and $3,000 for a headstone, which typically includes the stone, engraving, and installation. The range is wide: a simple flat granite marker might start around $200, while a large companion monument or a highly customized memorial can reach $10,000 to $15,000 or more.

Your total headstone cost is made up of three components:

The monument itself (stone, shape, and finish)
Engraving and customization (lettering, images, epitaphs)
Installation and fees (delivery, cemetery permit, setting)

Headstone prices by style

The style you choose is often the biggest factor in the overall cost. Here’s what you might expect for each type.

Flat (grass marker): $200 to $1,000. This type lies flat with the ground and is the simplest and most affordable option. It’s sometimes called a grass marker.

Bevel: $500 to $1,500. This marker is slightly raised with a wedge shape that slopes down toward the grave. It’s a step up from flat markers.

Slant: $1,000 to $2,500. This style stands upright at an angle, making it easier to read than flat markers. It’s a common mid-range choice.

Upright (tablet): $1,000 to $3,000. This is the classic vertical headstone set on a granite base. It’s the most traditional and popular style.

Companion (double): $2,000 to $5,000. This marker is designed for two people, usually a couple, and is less expensive than buying two separate headstones.

Bench: $3,000 to $10,000. This is a functional memorial that also provides seating for visitors. It’s popular for cremation sites and places meant for reflection.

Kerbed: $5,000 to $15,000 or more. This style features a full stone border around all four sides of the grave, usually made from premium stone like marble or limestone. It’s the most elaborate standard option.

Headstone cost by material

The material you select shapes not only the price but also the durability and long-term maintenance. Here’s how the most common options compare.

Granite

Granite is the most common choice for headstones, and with good reason. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and requires very little maintenance. Granite headstones can last for generations. The stone comes in a range of colors—gray is typically the most affordable, while black, blue, and red tend to cost more. Smaller granite pieces start around $450, and a complete upright granite headstone usually falls between $1,000 and $3,000.

Marble

Marble offers a polished, elegant look that many families find meaningful, though it tends to be more expensive. Marble headstones usually cost between $1,500 and $3,500, with highly customized designs sometimes exceeding $5,000. Because marble is softer than granite, it’s easier to sculpt, but it can weather more quickly. Professional restoration may be needed after 10 to 20 years, especially in harsher climates.

Bronze

Some cemeteries require bronze markers, so it’s important to check before making a decision. Bronze plaques are typically mounted on a granite base and lie flat on the ground. They offer a distinctive, elegant appearance, but tend to be more expensive. A standard single bronze marker (24” x 12”) usually costs $2,500 to $3,500—about five times the price of a similar granite flat marker. Companion bronze markers can cost between $4,000 and $6,000.

What drives headstone costs up (and down)

Beyond style and material, there are several other factors that can shape the final price:

Size and weight. Stone is priced by the cubic inch, so even small size increases can significantly affect cost. Larger monuments also require more specialized equipment and labor to install.

Engraving and customization. Basic lettering (name and dates) is usually included or costs a small amount. However, detailed engravings, custom artwork, photo portraits, laser etchings, religious symbols, or elaborate epitaphs will increase the price. Engraving typically costs about $20 per character for the first 20 characters, and around $10 for each additional character. Photo portraits and vases usually cost about $350 each.

Finish and edge work. A polished finish typically doesn’t add cost, but detailed edge finishes (especially on domestic stone) can increase the price. The most affordable option is a natural, rustic edge.

Color. Gray granite is the most affordable. Black, blue, red, and other specialty colors cost more because they’re quarried from different (sometimes international) sources.

Installation fees. Professional installation usually costs $100 to $500, depending on the headstone’s size and the cemetery’s rules. National and military cemeteries often provide burial at no cost for eligible veterans.

Cemetery permit fees. Many cemeteries charge a separate fee for headstone placement. Ask about this upfront.

Shipping costs. If you purchase online or from a retailer in another state, shipping a heavy stone monument can add several hundred dollars. It’s helpful to include this cost when comparing options to ensure an online deal is truly more affordable.

Geographic region. Like most goods, headstones cost more in high-cost-of-living areas. Prices in cities like Los Angeles or New York tend to be higher than in smaller markets.

Where to buy a headstone

There are several ways to purchase a headstone, and the best choice depends on your time, energy, and budget.

Through the funeral home or cemetery. This is often the simplest route. They can walk you through the available options, handle installation, and coordinate with the cemetery. The trade-off is that prices are sometimes marked up. Before making a decision, it’s worth checking whether your loved one prepaid for a headstone or had burial insurance that covers this expense.

Directly from a monument maker. If you have the time and energy, working with a local monument company can sometimes offer a better price and more personalized service. The funeral home or people you trust may be able to recommend someone.

Online retailers. Online headstone sellers may have lower base prices, but it’s important to factor in shipping and the cost of hiring a local installer. Sometimes, an online deal that looks affordable can become more expensive once delivery and setup are included. Checking the total cost before making a decision can help you avoid surprises.

A gentle word of caution: be mindful of high-pressure sales tactics. If someone tries to rush your decision, discourages you from comparing prices, or refuses to work within your budget, it’s okay to step back. A trustworthy seller will give you time and provide a design mockup before anything is finalized.

Free headstones for veterans

If your loved one served in the armed forces, you can apply for a free government-issued headstone or grave marker through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This benefit is available for veterans, regardless of whether they’re buried in a national, state, or private cemetery.

Spouses and dependents are generally not eligible for a free marker—unless they’re buried in a national cemetery, a state veterans’ cemetery, or a military base cemetery.

If the veteran is buried in a national or military base cemetery, installation is typically provided at no cost.

How long does it take to get a headstone?

It typically takes between one and six months from the time you place your order to receive the headstone. The timing depends on the size and level of customization, the time of year, and the monument maker's schedule.

Many monument professionals recommend waiting several months to a year after the burial before placing a headstone. There’s no need to rush; for many families, taking time to choose a memorial that feels right can be a meaningful part of the process.

Ongoing maintenance costs

A headstone is not a one-time expense. Depending on the material and your cemetery’s requirements, there may be ongoing costs for regular cleaning, flower planting, and grass maintenance.

Cleaning: Recommended every 7 to 10 years. Professional headstone cleaning typically costs $40 to $150.

Restoration: Over time, you may need to resurface the stone, refresh the engraving, or reinstall the concrete foundation. Costs vary widely depending on the headstone’s condition, so check with local monument companies when needed.

Material matters: Granite requires very little upkeep and can withstand decades of weathering. Marble, on the other hand, tends to lose its polish and become gritty after 10 to 20 years, and may need professional restoration sooner.

Tips for managing headstone costs

Check cemetery requirements first. Before you fall in love with a particular style, confirm whether your cemetery allows it. Some have strict rules about size, material, and even color.
Get multiple quotes. Prices vary significantly between funeral homes, local monument makers, and online retailers. Compare at least two or three options.
Choose granite over marble if budget is a concern. It’s more affordable, more durable, and requires less long-term maintenance.
Consider a flat marker. If the cemetery allows it and you’re working with a tight budget, a flat granite marker is the most affordable option and still provides a dignified memorial.
Ask about payment plans. Some monument companies offer installment plans so you can spread the cost over time.
Check for pre-existing coverage. Before purchasing, find out if your loved one had burial insurance, a pre-paid funeral plan, or a veterans’ benefit that covers a headstone.
Don’t rush. There’s no deadline for placing a headstone. Taking time to research, compare, and make a thoughtful choice often leads to a better outcome, both financially and emotionally.

The bottom line

A headstone is a meaningful way to honor someone you love, but it doesn’t have to be too expensive. By understanding what affects the cost and knowing where to look, you can find a memorial that fits your family’s budget and feels right.

Whatever you choose, and however you decide to honor this important person in your life, know that a headstone does not represent your relationship or sum up their value as a human being. A headstone is merely an external representation of the love you shared—not the real thing. And the most indelible memories will live on in you.

You may be eligible for free bereavement support. Empathy can help with everything from funeral planning to estate administration, with step-by-step guidance and real-time expert support. Over 40 million people in the US & Canada get free premium access to Empathy via their life insurance provider or directly via their employer. Ask your insurance carrier, agent, or claims center if your coverage includes Empathy.