How Much Does a Funeral Cost?
Funeral cost can vary depending on where you live, the services you choose, and whether you select burial or cremation. Understanding these costs can help you plan ahead and determine how much you may want available for your final expenses.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), national median costs provide a helpful starting point when planning.
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Traditional
Funeral + Burial
Approximately $8,300
Includes a viewing and funeral with burial. Cemetery and certain other expenses are not included in this national median.
Funeral + Viewing
& Cremation
Approximately $6,280
Includes many traditional funeral services, with cremation rather than burial. Additional selections may increase the total cost.
Direct
Cremation
Approximately $2,750
Generally includes cremation without a viewing or traditional funeral ceremony beforehand. Memorial services and other selections may be additional.
Costs shown are national median figures based on National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) data and are provided for general informational purposes only. Actual funeral, burial, and cremation costs vary by location, provider, services, merchandise, and individual selections. (Source: National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), 2023 General Price List Study.)
What Makes Up Funeral Costs?
- Basic Services Fee — Approximately $2,495
- Covers the funeral home’s basic professional services and arrangements.
- Transfer of Remains — Approximately $395
- Transportation of the deceased to the funeral home.
- Embalming — Approximately $845
- May be selected or appropriate depending on the arrangements.
- Other Preparation — Approximately $295
- May include dressing, grooming, casketing, and other preparation.
- Viewing — Approximately $475
- Use of the funeral home’s facilities and staff for a viewing.
- Funeral Ceremony — Approximately $550
- Use of facilities and staff for the funeral service.
- Metal Burial Casket — Approximately $2,500
- The national median amount used in calculating the traditional funeral total.
- Service Vehicle — Approximately $175
- Memorial Printed Package — Approximately $195
Figures shown are national medians reported by the NFDA. Actual prices vary by funeral home, geographic area, and the goods and services selected.
Don’t Forget Cemetery and Other Expenses
The funeral home’s charges may represent only part of the total expenses your family could face.
For a burial, additional expenses may include the cemetery plot, opening and closing the grave, an outer burial container if required by the cemetery, and a headstone or monument.
Other expenses may include flowers, obituary notices, death certificates, clergy or officiant fees, additional transportation, a reception, or other memorial arrangements.
Because these expenses vary significantly, it’s important to consider more than the basic funeral cost when planning ahead.
How Can Final Expense Insurance Help?
Final Expense insurance is a type of life insurance that provides a death benefit to your beneficiary. The proceeds can be used to help with funeral, burial or cremation expenses, outstanding bills, or other financial needs. Coverage of up to $35,000 is available, subject to eligibility and policy terms.
Our agents can help you understand your available options so you can make an informed decision based on your individual needs.
How Much Should You Plan For?
There isn’t one amount that’s right for everyone.
Consider the type of arrangements you would prefer, the additional expenses your loved ones may need to handle, and any savings or existing life insurance you already have in place.
Looking at the full picture can help you determine how much you may want available for your loved ones.
Know Your Rights When Planning a Funeral
The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule provides important protections when making funeral arrangements. Funeral providers must provide certain price information and allow consumers to select individual goods and services rather than requiring the purchase of a package.
When comparing funeral arrangements, ask for an itemized General Price List and find out which expenses are included and which may be charged separately.
Planning ahead and understanding potential costs can make these decisions easier for you and your loved ones.
Taking You Where You Want to Go—Call Us Today
With the help of The Memorial Insurance Group, you can get the coverage you need and feel confident about it, too. To learn more about your options, contact us today!
One simple application. Multiple options. We’ll help you find the coverage that fits you best.
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Funeral and cremation cost figures shown on this page are based on national median cost data published by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and are provided for general informational purposes only. They are not a quote, estimate, or guarantee of the actual cost of funeral, burial, cemetery, or cremation services. Actual costs vary by geographic location, funeral home, cemetery, service provider, merchandise, services selected, and individual circumstances.
Insurance coverage is subject to eligibility, underwriting requirements, policy terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. Coverage availability, benefits, and amounts may vary. Please refer to the applicable policy and approved materials for complete details.
Source: National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), 2023 General Price List Study.