What is the average cost of a headstone?
Updated September 2026 with prices from our online store.
A headstone is a lasting tribute to a loved one, symbolizing their life and legacy. At Gaulden Monuments, we understand that selecting the right headstone is a deeply personal process. In our online store, most headstones cost between $725 and $4,300, and many are under $1,500. A flat grass-level marker starts at $725, a slant marker at $1,384 and an upright headstone at $1,625. Delivery to the cemetery is free, and installation is free in the central Carolinas. Prices vary with size, granite color and design. Whether you are looking for a simple flat marker or an elaborate upright monument, Gaulden Monuments provides expert guidance and quality craftsmanship.
Headstone prices by type
These are the prices listed in our online store in September 2026. Each row links to that section of the store, where every product shows its size, granite and price.
| Type | Starts at | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Flat grave markers(grass level) | $725 | Lies flush with the ground. The most budget-friendly option. |
| Infant memorials | $1,218 | Smaller uprights and hearts for a child. |
| Bevel markers | $1,229 | Raised slightly above the ground with a gently sloped face. |
| Slant markers | $1,384 | Sits upright with a slanted face. |
| Heart monuments | $1,399 | Heart-shaped uprights, from infant sizes to carved designs. |
| Upright headstones | $1,625 | The traditional vertical headstone. A companion upright for two names starts at $2,489. |
| Bronze grave markers | $2,199 | Cast bronze, including a veterans style. |
| Memorial benches | $2,249 | Granite benches, including cremation benches with space inside for urns. |
| Columbariums | $4,199 | Niche units for cremation urns. Larger units are quoted by phone. |
| Pet memorials | $145 | Small granite markers for a pet. |
Working to a budget? Our budget monuments under $1,500 collect every stone at that price in one place.
What changes the price of a headstone
Several factors influence the cost of a headstone. Understanding these elements can help you make informed decisions during an emotional time:
- Size and weight: Larger headstones require more material and labor. A single upright in our store is $1,625; a companion upright for two names is $2,489.
- Granite color: Blue Ridge Gray is the lowest-priced granite in our store. The same single slant marker is $1,384 in Blue Ridge Gray, $2,157 in Morning Rose and $2,359 in Jet Black.
- Material: Granite is durable and affordable, while marble and bronze offer a different look at a higher price.
- Design complexity: Custom shapes, carvings, porcelain photos and vases add to the price.
- Delivery and installation: Delivery to any cemetery in the 48 contiguous states is free, and installation is free in the central Carolinas, including Charlotte, Asheville, Winston-Salem, Statesville and Columbia. Delivery to a home address costs extra. Some cemeteries charge their own fees, so ask your cemetery.
Customization options
Personalizing a headstone allows families to create a unique memorial. Consider these options:
- Engraving quotes, scripture, song lyrics or personal messages. For ideas, see our guide to headstone inscriptions.
- Custom etchings, such as religious symbols, emblems or detailed portraits.
- Choosing a granite color, from Blue Ridge Gray to Jet Black and Morning Rose.
- Adding a porcelain photo or a flower vase.
Why choose Gaulden Monuments?
Gaulden Monuments has served families since 1961. Families choose us for:
- Expert craftsmanship: We combine traditional skills with modern technology to create durable, elegant memorials.
- Free delivery to the cemetery: We deliver free to any cemetery in the 48 contiguous states, and install free in the central Carolinas.
- Custom solutions: From simple markers to elaborate monuments, we tailor every design to your preferences. Within 5 days of ordering you will receive your final design to approve.
- Prices you can see: Every stone in our online store shows its price before you order.
Visit a showroom
Want to see granite colors in person before you order? Visit one of our showrooms: Charlotte, Rock Hill, Gastonia, Monroe, Salisbury, Marion, Winnsboro and Florence. You can also call us at (803) 327-2760.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a headstone cost?
In our online store, most headstones cost between $725 and $4,300. A flat grass-level marker starts at $725, a slant marker at $1,384 and an upright headstone at $1,625.
What is the cheapest type of headstone?
A flat grass-level marker. Ours start at $725 in Blue Ridge Gray granite.
How much does an upright headstone cost?
Upright headstones in our store range from $1,625 for a single upright to $4,280. A companion upright for two names starts at $2,489.
Is delivery included?
Delivery to any cemetery in the 48 contiguous states is free. Installation is free in the central Carolinas. Delivery to a home address costs extra.
Why does granite color change the price?
Each granite carries its own price. The same single slant marker is $1,384 in Blue Ridge Gray, $2,157 in Morning Rose and $2,359 in Jet Black.
Preserving legacy with Gaulden Monuments
A headstone is more than a marker. It is a tribute to the love and memories shared with your loved one. At Gaulden Monuments, we are honored to help families create meaningful memorials that stand the test of time. Contact us to discuss your needs, learn more about our family, or explore our online store for inspiration.
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