Which is cheaper, quartz or granite?

Granite is often cheaper at the entry level, but quartz and granite have overlapping price ranges. A standard quartz countertop can cost less than premium granite, while an attractive entry-level granite may cost considerably less than designer quartz.

For homeowners in Utah, the most useful comparison is the total installed price, not simply the material price per square foot.

Material Typical installed planning range
Budget granite $40–$65/SF
Budget quartz $50–$70/SF
Midrange granite $65–$90/SF
Midrange quartz $65–$100/SF
Premium granite $90–$150+/SF
Premium quartz $100–$150+/SF

These are broad national budgeting estimates, not verified Utah-specific contractor quotes. Actual costs depend on slab selection, fabrication, cutouts, edges, and installation.

For a 40-square-foot kitchen, a $55/SF granite installation would cost approximately $2,200, while an $80/SF quartz installation would cost $3,200—a $1,000 difference. But equally priced materials can reverse that comparison.

Which is the better value?
Granite may be the better buy when budget is the priority, especially if a fabricator has popular colors available at promotional prices. Quartz may offer better convenience because it generally doesn't need sealing and provides more consistent patterns.

National cost guides confirm that both materials span a wide price range, with granite often listed around $50–$150+ and quartz around $50–$200 per square foot installed.