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.

Find Funeral Services Across Australia

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

The cost of a simple grave marker, lawn monument or sloper

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

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

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 gravemarker, lawn monument, or sloper 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?

Cost of a headstone and base

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

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

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.

The cost of a full monument

Full monuments are the most expensive memorial option.

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

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 curbing.
  • 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.
Headstones Cost

Explore More Funeral Planning Guides

Peter

Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.