Headstone prices

How much does a headstone cost? This is one of our most frequently asked questions. If you’re selecting or designing a tombstone for a loved one, it’s only natural that you’ll want to know how much it costs, and whether it fits within your budget.

During your research, you will probably have seen that headstones come in a range of shapes, styles and sizes. And so it follows that headstone prices fall within a pretty broad range. While the cheapest headstone is usually a simple grave marker without much additional embellishment, a triple full monument – complete with customised headstone and various accessories – lies at the other end of the pricing scale.

While each monumental mason will set their own gravestone prices, the following provides a good guide as to the average price of a headstone.

Cost of a simple grave marker, lawn monument or sloper

Grave markers, lawn monuments and slopers are usually the cheapest headstone options.

Starting price

The cost of a grave marker, lawn monument or sloper often starts at $750 – $1,000.

What’s included in the price of a basic grave marker?

Generally, a monumental stonemason’s quoted price will include:

• The relevant headstone.
• Installation by the monumental mason at the cemetery.
• A certain number of engraved letters (with additional lettering charged at an extra cost).

What will affect the headstone price?

• Adding a base underneath the grave marker – the thicker the base, the more expensive it will be.
• Colour of the stone – while grey is often the cheapest coloured stone, colours such as red and black can cost more.
• Requesting additional lettering beyond what is included in the quoted price.
• Requesting a non-standard type of engraving.
• Adding a bronze or other plaque onto the marker.
• Adding accessories; for example, a vase.

What other costs are there?

• Cemetery permit fees.

Cost of a headstone and base

When it comes to pricing a monument, a headstone and base lies in the middle of the range.

Starting price

The cost of a headstone and base usually starts at $2,000 – $3,000.

What’s included in the price of a headstone?

Generally, a monumental stonemason’s quoted price will include:

• The relevant headstone and base.
• Installation by the monumental mason at the cemetery.
• A certain number of engraved letters (with additional lettering charged at an extra cost).

What will affect the headstone price?

• Size – the larger the headstone, the more it is likely to cost.
• Type of stone – headstones can be made of sandstone, limestone, marble, concrete, slate, bronze and – most commonly – granite. Granite also has varying quality. The best quality granite is the most durable but also the priciest.
• Colour of the stone – while grey is often the cheapest coloured stone, colours such as red and black can cost more.
• Shape of the headstone – for example, tear-shaped, heart-shaped, etc.
• Requesting additional lettering beyond what is included in the quoted price.
• Requesting a non-standard type of engraving.
• Adding accessories; for example, a candle holder or photo frame.

What other costs are there?

• Cemetery permit fees.

Cost of a full monument

Full monuments are the most expensive memorial option.

Starting price

The cost of a full monument usually starts at $3,000 – $5,000.

What’s included in the price of a full monument?

Generally, a monumental stonemason’s quoted price will include:

• The relevant monument.
• Installation by the monumental mason at the cemetery.
• A certain number of engraved letters (with additional lettering charged at an extra cost).

What will affect the full monument price?

• Size – double and triple full monuments are more expensive than single full monuments.
• Type of stone.
• Colour of the stone.
• Shape and design of the headstone and kerbing.
• Covering of the full monument – for example, ledger slab or granite chips.
• Requesting additional lettering beyond what is included in the quoted price.
• Requesting a non-standard type of engraving.
• Adding accessories; for example, a glass cabinet.

What other costs are there?

• Cemetery permit fees.

Buy a headstone online

You can shop for a gravestone in our online headstone store. Our headstone catalogue features a wide range of headstones and monuments with options to customise any feature you wish. Browse tombstones from the comfort of your home, and select your chosen design without sales pressure. View Gathered Here’s headstone catalogue.

Alternatively, if you’ve decided on the design and style of a headstone or monument, and would like to know how much that headstone will cost, just request a quote, and we’ll send you 3 price quotes from local monumental masons. It’s quick, easy, and there’s no obligation for you to purchase. Request your quotes now.

We hope you’ve found this Guide to Headstone Costs useful. For more information about buying a memorial, visit our Headstones, Monuments and Memorials FAQs and our Complete Guide to Headstones and Monuments Terms and Meanings.

If you have any questions about our headstone and monument quote service, or our monumental mason comparison service, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at support@gatheredhere.com.au or start a live chat by clicking the floating message box in the bottom right corner of your screen.