If you like to cook and entertain, the look and feel of the countertops will be important. I'd choose what you want regardless of paying more, and save elsewhere on items that can be changed more easily later.

And test any slab labelled quartzite. A glass tile won't scratch it. Marble is easily scratched.

How long do you plan to be in the house? What does that work out to for what you really like on a monthly basis. My quartzite was much more expensive than any other materials I could have had. I have no regrets about it as it makes me happy every time I walk into my kitchen.

Cpartist- thank you! We are 55 and plan on this being our last move unless for some reason we don’t like condo living. Which quartzite did you choose?

Fascination quartzite.

I was initially wanting to do porcelain slabs because of the ease of maintenance. However, porcelain slabs cost a lot more because it is harder to fabricate and make them thick enough to look like countertops. They were my most expensive option. You can save if you don't do the mitered edge that makes them look thinner. The issue I have heard about porcelain is that it can chip on the edges and around the sink. Once they are chipped, there is not fix for them. I just didn't want to worry about that. I am going to go with quartzite instead. This is the next most expensive option, but still a few thousand less than porcelain. For me, quartz cost less than quartzite, and the granite I looked at was the least expensive option. I think the cabinets and the countertops are the thing that people first notice in the kitchen. Get what you want - save on something else that isn't as noticeable.