Is Quartz Cheaper Than Granite: A Simple Comparison

I remember feeling stuck between quartz and granite as well. They’re both popular choices, but the cost differences can get confusing fast.

You might be wondering: Is quartz cheaper than granite? The short answer is yes, usually, but not always. While quartz often costs less upfront, there’s more to it than just the sticker price.

In this guide, I’ll break down what really affects your total cost, from purchase and installation to long-term maintenance.

You’ll see when granite might actually save you money and when quartz could be the smarter investment.

By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which option fits your needs and your budget best.

Quartz vs. Granite: Cost Overview

When comparing quartz and granite costs, the price gap isn’t as clear-cut as many think.

What makes the cost vary? Both materials come from international sources, so import fees and shipping costs play a big role in their final price.

The basic versions of granite might be more budget-friendly than entry-level quartz options. However, as you move toward premium choices, the tables often turn.

The final bill depends on several key factors: the color you choose, how thick you want your countertop, which brand you select, and any special edge styles you might want.

Some rare granite colors from distant quarries can push prices much higher than standard quartz.

The small price difference makes other factors like looks, upkeep needs, and long-term value more important when making your choice.

Is Quartz Cheaper Than Granite Per Square Foot?

Understanding the full cost picture when planning your kitchen update can help you make a good choice between quartz and granite.

The numbers show some key differences that might affect your budget plans.

Price Range After Installation

• Quartz: $65–$140 per square foot
• Granite: $80–$175 per square foot

The price you’ll pay varies based on the quality and brand you choose. Basic quartz starts at a lower entry point than granite, making it a good option for tight budgets.

At the higher end, specialty granite with unusual patterns or colors can cost more than premium quartz.

Material vs. Installation

Your total cost breaks down into several parts beyond just the stone itself:

The raw material makes up about 60-70% of your total cost. For quartz, you’re paying for engineered stone made from natural quartz mixed with resins. With granite, you’re buying a solid natural stone slab cut from the earth.

Labor typically accounts for 20-30% of the final price. Setting up either material requires skilled workers who can properly measure, cut, and fit your countertops.

Edging adds to your bill based on how fancy you go. Simple straight edges cost less, while detailed edges with curves or layers can add $10-$30 per linear foot to your project.

Cutouts for sinks, stoves, or outlets usually cost $50-$200 each, depending on how many you need and how complex they are.

Other factors that might change your final price include:

• Transportation costs if you live far from suppliers
• Extra support work if your cabinets need strengthening
• Removal fees for old countertops
• Any special treatments or finishes you want applied

Both materials offer good value over time, lasting many years with proper care, which helps offset the initial cost difference.

What Affects the Final Price?

The price tag of new countertops isn’t as simple as it first seems. Quartz and granite costs change based on many details of your project.

Knowing these factors helps you plan your budget more accurately.

Factors to Consider

Brand and style: The name behind your countertop makes a big difference in what you’ll pay. Well-known brands like Caesarstone or MSI, which offer quartz, often charge more than lesser-known options.

With granite, the pattern and color affect price significantly; rare colors or stones with unique patterns cost much more than common varieties. Darker granites with tight, consistent patterns typically fall on the higher end of the price scale.

Countertop size and cutouts: The total area you need to cover is a main cost driver. Larger kitchens with more counter space mean more material and higher costs.

Each cutout needed for sinks, stoves, or outlets adds to the labor time and complexity. Corner pieces that must be joined seamlessly also increase the work involved and the final price.

Thickness of the slab: Standard countertops come in 2cm or 3cm thickness, with the thicker option costing 15-20% more.

Thicker slabs look more substantial and often last longer, but they add weight that sometimes requires extra cabinet support, another hidden cost to watch for.

Edging and finish: Simple straight edges cost less than fancy options like bullnose, beveled, or ogee edges.

For granite, the finish you choose, polished, honed, or leathered, affects both price and maintenance needs. Polished finishes show stains more easily but cost less than specialty finishes.

Tariffs or import fees: Since both materials often come from outside the US, changing trade policies can suddenly affect prices.

Tariffs on Chinese quartz, for example, have pushed some brands to move production to other countries. These external factors can shift prices by 10-25% from year to year.

The final bill also includes less obvious costs like delivery fees, old countertop removal, and sink installation. Getting a detailed quote that covers all these aspects helps avoid surprise costs when your project is underway.

Maintenance and Long-Term Worth

I’ve found that once you look past the price tag, the real differences between quartz and granite start to show. If you’re weighing your options, it’s worth knowing how each one performs, feels, and holds up over time.

Ongoing Upkeep

Granite needs regular sealing every 1-2 years to prevent stains and liquid absorption. The process isn’t complex, but it does require consistent attention and some cost for sealing products.

Quartz takes the win for low-maintenance needs. Its non-porous surface never needs sealing, making it ideal for busy households. Simple soap and water cleaning keeps it looking fresh for years.

Durability and Repairs

These materials age differently over 5-10 years. Granite handles heat wonderfully but can chip or crack from impacts, especially at the edges. Repairs often need professional help, adding to long-term costs.

Thanks to its resin content, quartz resists chips and stains better. It’s less likely to need repairs, though it doesn’t handle extreme heat as well as granite. When damage does occur, fixes are typically less complex since the material is uniform throughout.

Quartz vs. Granite: Resale Value

Both materials can boost your home’s worth, but their impact differs based on several factors that might influence your decision.

Real Estate Appeal

Quality countertops do attract buyers and add value to homes. Granite has traditionally been highlighted in real estate listings as a premium feature. Quartz has gained similar status in recent years, with both materials maintaining their value well over time.

The modest price difference between them means both represent similar investments from a pure value standpoint, with quartz typically costing slightly less initially.

What Buyers Prefer

Location and style heavily influence buyer preferences. Urban and coastal markets often favor quartz’s clean, uniform appearance, while more traditional markets still value granite’s natural uniqueness.

Design context matters too; contemporary homes pair well with quartz, while traditional spaces often benefit from granite’s natural variations.

Regardless of the material, condition is key. Well-maintained countertops of either type will attract buyers more than worn surfaces. The best choice ultimately depends on your local market trends and your home’s overall style.

When Quartz Costs More than Granite

While quartz is often seen as the more budget-friendly option, there are situations where it can cost more than granite.

Designer Brands or Rare Colors

High-end quartz from premium manufacturers can significantly exceed standard granite prices. As people note, “More expensive quartz can be 2x the price of more affordable granite.”

Brand-name quartz products from companies like Caesarstone and MSI offer exclusive colors and patterns that command premium prices.

These specialized options require unique manufacturing processes that increase costs, while common granite varieties remain reasonably priced.

Added Features

Custom elements dramatically affect final pricing for both materials. Waterfall edges (where the material continues down the cabinet side), complex shapes, and integrated backsplashes all require additional material and skilled labor.

Each custom cut, edge treatment, and special installation technique adds to the bottom line. Since these features require the same work regardless of material, they can push quartz projects into a higher price bracket than many homeowners expect.

When collecting quotes, make sure you understand exactly which features are included to ensure you’re making accurate comparisons between your granite and quartz options.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your ideal choice depends on what matters most to you in a countertop. Here’s a straightforward comparison to help with your decision:

Go with Quartz if…	Choose Granite if…
You want easy care with minimal maintenance	You appreciate natural stone with unique patterns
You prefer uniform, consistent patterns	You want one-of-a-kind mineral formations
You’re working with a modest budget	You need excellent heat resistance for cooking
You want high stain resistance without sealing	You don’t mind yearly sealing maintenance
You prefer a wide range of color options	You value the natural look of earth-formed stone
You need excellent chip and crack resistance	You want the classic appeal of natural stone

Final Thoughts

I used to wonder the same thing you might be asking now: Is quartz cheaper than granite? In many cases, it starts out that way, but the better choice depends on what matters most to you.

Think about your day-to-day life. If you cook often and set hot pans on the counter, granite might be more practical. But if you want something low-maintenance that doesn’t need sealing, quartz is easier to live with.

While quartz often has a lower upfront cost, the long-term difference is small once you spread it over the years of use. In the end, trust what fits your lifestyle and space.

Want more help with home decisions? Check out other blogs on the website for simple tips to make your space truly yours.