Both countertops are considered luxury or great countertops in terms of materials. Either will be a step up from laminate or cheaper countertops. Which is better for your particular situation depends on what is most important to you. In terms of appearance, quartz has a wider range of possible styles and looks than granite typically does. A quality quartz countertop is made up of crushed quartz and resin, so the ability to manufacture it into manifold styles is much easier.
Granite is mined and then shipped to wherever it is needed, so the limitation is simply what’s available in the ground. Some people who are trying to be as environmentally conscious as possible will try to find salvage or nearby quartz to prevent the emissions related to shipping it across the world. That, or just buy a quartz countertop. In terms of durability and ease of maintenance, quartz, and granite are both relatively low.
Quartz has the edge in maintenance, as its non-porous nature means you don’t have to reseal it yearly (like you do with granite). Both can be wiped down with a little soapy water and retain their pristine look for years. You’ll want to avoid harsh cleaning agents as those can damage the countertops over time.
The main other difference between the two here is that granite can take much higher heat than quartz. While quartz can take up to around 300 degrees Fahrenheit without damage, you’ll want to use trivets or hot pads for your dishes right off the stove or out of the oven. Granite, on the other hand, can withstand that kind of heat without any damage. Both are hard enough to cut upon, but it’s generally a bad practice to cut directly on the countertops–it’s hard on the knives.
In terms of cost and resale value, it depends. Cost is always dependent on innovations, availability, and area. That’s why it’s always worth getting a quote on both granite and quartz. Generally, quartz is more expensive than granite up front. Both will increase the resale value of the home (oftentimes by quite a bit). But, you’ll want to see what’s the more popular countertop style in your area and the price range of homes to be sure you’re choosing the higher resale value. It may even be worth asking your real estate agent for their input if this is your highest concern regarding countertops.
