The costs associated with losing a loved one can quickly add up. Between funeral services, burial plots, caskets, and other fees, the bill from a traditional funeral home is typically in the thousands of dollars (at a minmum). For many families, these expenses come as an unexpected burden at an already difficult time.
Typical Funeral Home Costs
The average cost of a funeral with viewing and burial reached nearly $8,000 in 2019 according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). The median cost was slightly lower at just under $7,500. Even a modest funeral with minimal viewing can easily top $5,000 once all fees are factored in.
The specific costs from a funeral home generally include:
- Basic services fee – This covers overhead and staff time for arrangements. Typically $2,000-$3,000.
- Removal/transportation of remains – Moving the deceased from place of death to funeral home. $300-$800
- Embalming and body preparation – $500-$1000.
- Visitation room rental – $400-$800.
- Funeral ceremony – If held at funeral home, $500-$1000.
Funeral Home Costs Over Time
Over the past several years, the average cost of a funeral has been steadily rising. Here is a look at median funeral home costs from 2019-2023:
- 2019 – $7,640
- 2020 – $7,848
- 2021 – $8,118
- 2022 – $8,407
- 2023 – $8,755 (Projected)
From 2019 to 2023, the median funeral home cost has risen approximately 15% or nearly $1200. Some of the key reasons costs are increasing include higher operation costs for funeral homes, increased burial plot expenses, and additional fees from third-party vendors.
Ways to Reduce Funeral Home Costs
For families looking to cut funeral costs, the single biggest area to save is avoiding embalming and viewing of the body, which typically adds $2,000-$4,000. These services simply take time from a mortician, or other specialized provider. Cutting these options out saves on paying for their time and the services required by the funeral home to make these events happen for you.
Other options include:
- Direct cremation – $2,000-$3,000
- Immediate burial – $4,000-$7,000
- Graveside service only – Eliminates funeral home fees
- Cremation followed by memorial service at low-cost venue
- Online memorial site instead of funeral service
While funeral homes remain expensive, there are ways to limit costs while still holding a meaningful service. But families should discuss options in advance to avoid overpaying when grieving.
Casket Costs
One of the biggest expenses from a funeral home is the casket or coffin. Most caskets range from $2,000 on the low end for a simple cloth-covered wood box to over $10,000 for high-end metal caskets.
The average casket price is around $3,000. Funeral homes markup caskets significantly, usually doubling the wholesale prices. Going with a lower cost casket or purchasing directly from a wholesaler can yield major savings.
Burial Costs
The cost of burying a loved one will depend on the burial plot and opening/closing fees. A standard adult grave plot typically runs $1,000-$2,000 while the opening fee is around $1,000.
Some cemeteries charge several thousand dollars for premium plots and additional opening/closing services. The cemetery will also charge fees for any headstone or marker installation. Altogether a basic burial often totals $4,000-$7,000.
Cremation Costs
For those that choose cremation, the typical fee at a funeral home is $1,000-$3,000. This includes transportation of remains, the cremation itself, processing the ashes, and an urn. Additional charges may apply for expedited cremation services.
Cremation is generally the most cost effective funeral service option. But funeral homes still markup the price significantly compared to direct cremation providers.
Some Insurance Policies Will Pay For Funeral Costs
Life insurance policies that have a death benefit can provide funds to pay for funeral expenses, either covering the costs partially or in full. After a claim is submitted, the deceased’s next of kin or beneficiary will receive the payout from the life insurance company.
This money can then go towards any funeral home charges or other final expenses including the service, burial or cremation, casket or urn purchase, cemetery plot fees, flowers, etc.
Certain policies may also have provisions specifically to help with funeral costs. Some life insurance plans allow for an accelerated death benefit which enables a portion of the death benefit to be paid out prior to passing if diagnosed with a terminal illness; this money could be utilized to pre-pay funeral arrangements if desired. Additionally, policies may have funeral expense riders that provide extra funds in the range of $5,000-$20,000 strictly for covering funeral services.
This can ensure funds are available for final expenses.
Common Questions About Funeral Home Expenses
Planning a funeral can be confusing, especially when it comes to costs. Families are often faced with so many expenses and fees that it’s hard to determine what the most affordable options are. To help make sense of funeral home pricing, here we answer some of the most common questions that arise for people arranging services for a loved one.
Looking at casket prices, cremation versus burial, and what goes into the least expensive type of funeral can give you a better understanding of the range of costs involved. Having this background will hopefully simplify some of the difficult decisions around funeral expenditures.
How much is a death certificate?
The cost for death certificate copies varies by state, typically ranging from $10-$25 per certified copy. Funeral homes will obtain multiple copies of a death certificate on behalf of the deceased’s next of kin, charging a small fee for this service.
What is the most expensive part of a funeral?
The casket is typically the most expensive part of a funeral. Caskets from funeral homes range from $2,000 for simple cloth-covered wood to over $10,000 for high-end metal caskets. The average casket costs around $3,000 – easily the priciest funeral home charge.
How much does the most basic funeral cost?
The most basic funeral services with direct cremation and no viewing or ceremony cost between $2,000-$3,000 on average. This covers transportation, cremation fees, and basic services from the funeral home. For families looking to cut costs, direct cremation is the most affordable option.
What is the cheapest funeral option?
The cheapest funeral option is cremation without a service. Also known as direct cremation, this averages $2,000-$3,000. It includes transportation of the deceased to the crematorium and cremation charges. For families on a tight budget, direct cremation allows for an affordable, dignified farewell.