Understanding Funeral Costs
The cost of a funeral can be one of the most significant expenses a family faces, yet it is rarely discussed openly. Understanding what you are paying for, what your rights are, and where you have options can help you make informed decisions during a difficult time. This guide breaks down typical funeral costs, explains the federal protections that exist, and offers practical ways to manage expenses.
Average Funeral Costs in the United States
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is approximately $7,800 to $8,300, not including cemetery costs, monument, or flowers. A funeral with cremation instead of burial typically costs $6,000 to $7,000. These are national median figures — actual costs vary significantly by region, with urban areas and the Northeast tending to be higher.
When you include the cemetery plot, grave liner or vault, monument, flowers, and an obituary in a newspaper, the total cost of a traditional burial can exceed $12,000 to $15,000.
Itemized Cost Breakdown
Here is a typical breakdown of individual funeral costs. These figures are approximate national medians and can vary widely by provider and location:
| Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Basic services fee (non-declinable) | $2,000 – $2,500 |
| Embalming | $750 – $900 |
| Other preparation (cosmetics, dressing) | $250 – $400 |
| Viewing/visitation use of facilities | $400 – $500 |
| Funeral ceremony use of facilities | $500 – $700 |
| Hearse (transfer to cemetery) | $300 – $400 |
| Service car or van | $150 – $200 |
| Casket | $2,000 – $5,000+ |
| Cremation fee (if applicable) | $300 – $800 |
| Urn (if cremation) | $100 – $500+ |
| Vault or grave liner | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Cemetery plot | $1,000 – $4,000+ |
| Opening and closing the grave | $600 – $1,500 |
| Headstone or monument | $1,000 – $3,000+ |
These ranges are approximate. Request an itemized General Price List from any funeral home you are considering — they are legally required to provide one.
Itemized vs. Package Pricing
Itemized Pricing
You select and pay for only the services you want. This gives you the most control and can result in significant savings if you decline services you do not need (such as embalming for a direct cremation). Federal law requires funeral homes to offer itemized pricing.
Package Pricing
Many funeral homes offer pre-bundled packages (such as a “traditional funeral” package or a “simple cremation” package). Packages can offer convenience and sometimes a modest discount, but always compare the package price to the sum of the itemized components to make sure you are getting a fair deal.
The FTC Funeral Rule — Your Federal Rights
The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule, enacted in 1984, protects consumers when purchasing funeral goods and services. Every funeral home in the United States must comply with this rule. Here is what it guarantees:
General Price List (GPL)
Funeral homes must provide you with an itemized General Price List at the beginning of any in-person discussion about funeral arrangements. If you call or inquire by phone, they must give you pricing information over the phone. You have the right to keep this list.
Right to choose individual items
You have the right to select only the goods and services you want. With certain exceptions, the funeral home may not require you to purchase a package or bundle items you do not need. The only fee a funeral home may require is the basic services fee, which covers their overhead.
No embalming requirement
Embalming is almost never required by law. The funeral home must inform you of this and may not charge for embalming without your permission. Direct cremation and immediate burial do not require embalming.
Right to use a third-party casket or urn
You may purchase a casket or urn from any source — including online retailers — and the funeral home must accept it without charging a handling fee. This can save thousands of dollars on the casket alone.
Written price disclosures for caskets and outer burial containers
The funeral home must provide a separate casket price list and an outer burial container price list before showing you the merchandise.
If you believe a funeral home has violated the Funeral Rule, you can file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357.
Ways to Reduce Funeral Costs
- •Compare prices. Request the General Price List from multiple funeral homes. Prices for the same services can vary by several thousand dollars within the same city. Browse funeral homes near you to start comparing.
- •Consider direct cremation or immediate burial. These options skip the viewing, visitation, and formal ceremony at the funeral home, which can reduce costs by 50% or more. You can still hold a separate memorial service at a church, park, or family home at little or no cost.
- •Purchase the casket or urn separately. Online casket retailers and wholesale clubs often sell caskets at a fraction of the funeral home's price. The funeral home is required to accept it without a surcharge.
- •Decline unnecessary services. If you are choosing cremation, embalming is not required. If you are having a private family gathering, you may not need the funeral home's facilities. Review the itemized list carefully and only pay for what you truly need.
- •Explore veterans benefits. If the deceased was a veteran, the VA may cover some burial costs and provide a free headstone. See our veterans burial benefits guide.
- •Ask about assistance programs. Some counties and states offer indigent burial assistance. Nonprofit organizations and churches may also help with funeral expenses for families in need.
- •Consider green or natural burial. Green burials use biodegradable caskets or shrouds and skip embalming, vaults, and elaborate headstones. They are often less expensive and increasingly available across the country.
Payment Options
Funeral costs are typically due before or at the time of service. Here are common payment methods:
Life insurance assignment
Many funeral homes will accept an assignment of a life insurance policy as payment. The funeral home files the claim and receives payment directly from the insurer. This can take 30 to 60 days, but the funeral home typically proceeds with services in the meantime.
Payment plans
Some funeral homes offer interest-free or low-interest payment plans. Ask about terms, minimum payments, and any fees before entering an agreement.
Crowdfunding
Online fundraising platforms have become a common way to help cover funeral expenses. Friends and community members can contribute toward the cost, often raising thousands of dollars in a matter of days.
Pre-paid funeral plans
If the deceased had a pre-paid funeral plan, the costs may already be partially or fully covered. Contact the funeral home named in the plan to activate it. See our pre-planning guide for more information.
Social Security lump-sum death benefit
The SSA provides a one-time $255 payment to eligible survivors. While modest, every bit helps. See our Social Security after death guide for details on eligibility.
No family should feel pressured into spending more than they can afford on a funeral. A meaningful service does not require the most expensive casket or the largest floral arrangement. What matters most is honoring your loved one in a way that feels true to who they were. Take your time, ask questions, and remember that you have rights as a consumer.
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