Countertops are one of the biggest line items in a kitchen remodel, so the price question comes up fast. Is quartz cheaper than granite? The honest answer is that it depends on the specific slab, because both materials span a wide price range and overlap heavily in the middle. In many cases the installed cost is similar, but the cheapest options and the most expensive options differ between the two. This guide breaks down the real costs and the long-term value so you can decide.
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The Short Answer
Quartz and granite cost roughly the same for most mid-range projects. Entry-level granite can be cheaper than entry-level quartz, while high-end designer quartz and rare exotic granite both climb to premium prices. So neither is universally cheaper. The better question is which one offers the best value for the look, durability, and maintenance you want.
Price Per Square Foot
Here is how the two generally compare on materials before installation.
- Granite: Commonly runs about $40 to $100 per square foot installed, with budget slabs lower and rare colors and patterns reaching well above that.
- Quartz: Commonly runs about $50 to $120 per square foot installed, with basic colors near the low end and designer patterns at the top.
The overlap is the key takeaway. A basic granite can undercut a basic quartz, but a premium quartz and a premium granite end up in similar territory. Your final number depends far more on the specific slab and your kitchen’s complexity than on the material category alone.
What Drives the Price
Several factors swing the cost up or down for both materials.
- Slab grade and rarity: Common colors cost less, while rare patterns and exotic stones cost more.
- Thickness: Thicker slabs cost more than standard thicknesses.
- Edge profiles: Basic eased edges are cheapest, while ogee and mitered waterfall edges add labor.
- Cutouts and layout: Sinks, cooktops, and complex shapes increase fabrication time.
- Region and installer: Local labor rates and demand affect the total.
Durability Compared
Both materials are hard and long-lasting, but they behave differently. Granite is a natural stone that is very heat resistant, so hot pans cause less concern, though it is porous and needs periodic sealing to resist stains. Quartz is engineered from natural quartz and resin, making it nonporous, so it never needs sealing and resists stains and bacteria well. However, the resin in quartz can be damaged by high heat, so trivets are a must.
Neither is bulletproof. Both can chip at edges, and both can crack under heavy impact. For most kitchens, either will last for decades with reasonable care.
Long-Term Cost and Maintenance
Upfront price is only part of the picture. Granite’s need for periodic sealing, often once a year, adds a small ongoing cost and a bit of effort. Quartz’s nonporous surface means no sealing, lower maintenance, and easier daily cleaning, which can tip the long-term value in its favor for busy households.
If you value a hands-off surface, quartz may justify a slightly higher initial price. If you love the unique look of natural stone and do not mind sealing, granite delivers great value.
Appearance and Resale
Granite offers one-of-a-kind natural patterns, since no two slabs are identical. Quartz offers consistent, predictable patterns and a wider range of solid colors and engineered looks, including marble-look designs without marble’s fragility. Both are considered premium, desirable surfaces by buyers, so either supports strong resale appeal in a kitchen.
Which One Should You Choose
Since price is often a wash, base your decision on what each material does best. Choose granite if you love unique, natural patterns, want maximum heat resistance for a serious cooking kitchen, and do not mind sealing it once a year. No two granite slabs are alike, so you get a truly one-of-a-kind surface.
Choose quartz if you want a consistent, predictable look, the lowest possible maintenance, and a nonporous surface that never needs sealing. Quartz also offers marble-look designs without marble’s fragility, which appeals to homeowners who want that elegant veined appearance. Just remember to protect quartz from direct high heat with trivets.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
The headline price per square foot rarely tells the full story. Several add-ons can swing your final bill significantly, so ask about them up front when comparing quotes.
- Tear-out and disposal: Removing old counters often costs extra.
- Sink and faucet cutouts: Each opening adds fabrication labor.
- Edge upgrades: Fancy profiles like ogee or mitered edges raise the price.
- Backsplash and waterfall ends: These extend material and labor costs.
- Delivery and template fees: Some shops charge separately for these steps.
How to Get the Best Price
To control cost on either material, choose a common color, stick with standard thickness, and pick a simpler edge profile. Ask fabricators about remnant slabs for small projects like bathroom vanities, which can save significantly. Always get multiple written quotes, since installation labor varies widely by shop and region.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives to Both
If both quartz and granite stretch your budget, several other surfaces deliver good looks for less. Laminate countertops are by far the cheapest, often a fraction of the price, and modern designs convincingly mimic stone, though they are less durable and cannot take heat. Solid surface materials offer a seamless, repairable option at a mid-range price.
Butcher block brings warmth and is budget-friendly, but it needs regular oiling and is not ideal near water. Tile counters are inexpensive and DIY-friendly, though grout lines require upkeep. None of these match the durability and resale appeal of quartz or granite, but they let you achieve an attractive kitchen when stone is out of reach, or pair an affordable surface in a laundry room with stone in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
So, is quartz cheaper than granite? Not as a rule. The two overlap heavily, with budget granite often beating budget quartz and premium versions of both landing in similar price ranges. Choose granite for natural beauty and heat resistance if you do not mind sealing, or quartz for a low-maintenance, nonporous surface. Compare specific slabs and quotes, and decide on total value rather than a blanket assumption about which is cheaper.
