Kitchen comparison
Quartz vs Granite Countertops: Cost Comparison
Quartz and granite are the two leading premium countertop materials. Prices overlap heavily, so the decision usually comes down to look and maintenance rather than cost alone. Here is the 2026 comparison.
Quartz
$50 to $120 per sq ft installed
Granite
$40 to $100 per sq ft installed
| Feature | Quartz | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per sq ft | $50 to $120 | $40 to $100 |
| Typical 40 sq ft kitchen | $2,000 to $4,800 | $1,600 to $4,000 |
| Material | Engineered stone | Natural stone |
| Sealing | Never | Yearly |
| Heat resistance | Moderate | High |
| Stain resistance | High | Moderate |
| Look | Uniform, consistent | Unique natural veining |
Quartz
- Never needs sealing
- Highly stain and scratch resistant
- Consistent, predictable patterns
- Nonporous and hygienic
- Can be damaged by high heat
- Can fade in direct sun
- Often slightly pricier
Granite
- Each slab is one of a kind
- Very heat resistant
- Natural stone appeal
- Often a bit cheaper
- Needs periodic sealing
- Can stain if unsealed
- Patterns vary slab to slab
The verdict
Choose quartz for a maintenance-free, consistent surface that never needs sealing. Choose granite if you love natural stone, want maximum heat resistance, or find a slab you love at a good price. Cost is rarely the deciding factor since the ranges overlap.
Frequently asked questions
Is quartz or granite cheaper?
Their prices overlap. Granite often starts a little lower, around $40 per square foot installed, while quartz starts around $50. High-end versions of both can exceed $100 per square foot, so the specific slab matters more than the material.
Which adds more value, quartz or granite?
Both are considered premium upgrades that appeal to buyers. Quartz is currently the most popular choice in new kitchens for its low maintenance, but a beautiful granite slab is equally desirable. Neither clearly outperforms the other at resale.