One myth we often hear in the monument industry is that headstones are too expensive, bordering on unaffordable for average Americans. While the cost of a headstone can vary greatly, there are many options for families with different budgets.
Generally speaking, a headstone can be as expensive as you want.
There’s a wide variety of memorial types, sizes and custom details that impact cost. Expensive is a subjective term and is dependent on a family’s budget and circumstances. A simple, basic granite headstone can start as low as $600, but averages about $1200, and is made to last forever.
For a closer look at what your memorial will likely cost, take a look at our comprehensive Memorial Cost Guide.
Headstones don’t have a standard sticker price because there are many unique steps that go into making a headstone customized just for you. The granite used to make them has to be sourced, usually from a quarry, and then cut into the desired shape, polished, personalized and transported.
Granite quality (called grade), color and craftsmanship will impact the final cost. Working with a memorial provider that has a deep-rooted relationship with granite partners safeguards your memorial from discoloring, chipping or degrading over time—ultimately extending your investment.
Once the stone arrives at Milano Monuments, designs like etchings, engravings and photos are added to personalize the stone.
Another cost to keep in mind is the fee for erecting and placing the stone at the cemetery or the person’s final resting place.
Below is a general list of the types of memorials available and the price range for each. Note: granite is the preferred stone because of its durability. Other materials, like marble, are avoided because they are too soft and porous.
Our team at Milano Monuments is happy to work with you, no matter your budget, to create a memorial that honors your loved one. We can help you choose an affordable stone (tip: ask your memorial specialist about current inventory specials available to you), then work together to design a memorial that best fits your family. If we know ahead of time that you would like to add customizations (like inscriptions or photos) at a later date, we can make sure enough space is left on the headstone for the future addition.
When it comes to creating a memorial, there is a variety of affordable ways to embellish and personalize your design. Here are a few add-ons to consider:
Interested in more information on memorial costs and design? Take a look at our complete Memorial Cost Guide where you’ll find four cost factors to consider and tips to get started with your memorial design.