How Much Does a Funeral Cost? Service and Expenses Breakdown

Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy, but giving them a funeral that celebrates how much you appreciated them during their lifetime can go a long way in helping you and your family grieve your loss.

From traditional to green, there are many types of funerals to choose from and just as many cost options. For example, the national average cost* of a traditional funeral is $8,230 with burial or $6,100 with cremation.¹ As funerals today can be costly, 59.3% of those planning them opt for cremation instead of a traditional burial.²

Planning a funeral can be a daunting prospect. Here, we look at the types of funerals and burials available and the expenses involved so you can be prepared for this difficult time.

Different Types of Funerals Explained

There are many different types of funerals for you to choose from, including burial, cremation and environmentally friendly green options.

Traditional funeral with burial

In America, a traditional funeral with burial typically involves using the services of a funeral home and burial in a casket and vault in a cemetery.³ Costs may include the purchase of a burial plot and a gravestone or marker, as well as cemetery opening and closing fees.³

Traditional funerals may also include gatherings with family and friends, such as a celebration of life or a wake.

Traditional funeral with cremation

A traditional funeral with cremation is one of the most popular options available today, with nearly 60% of people opting for this choice.² This type of funeral is similar to a traditional funeral, but the deceased is cremated after the viewing and service. Their ashes are then given to the family in an urn or other type of container.⁴

Direct burial

A direct burial is a less expensive option. It foregoes a traditional viewing or religious service and typically involves burying your loved one's body in a simple container placed in a cemetery.⁵

Direct cremation

Like direct burial, direct cremation is an option for those who wish to skip the viewing and religious (or other) services associated with a traditional funeral. It's more budget-friendly than traditional cremation because it typically only includes the cremation service, allowing the family to collect the remains.⁶

Green or eco-friendly funeral

Eco-friendly funeral options are gaining popularity. In addition to being simple and cost-effective, green funerals conserve natural resources, eliminate the hazardous chemicals of the embalming process and include burial in an environmentally friendly location.⁷ As many as 60% of people are interested in this green option.²

Burial or ashes spread at sea

Those who have a love of the ocean may want to opt for a burial at sea, either whole body burial or cremated remains. This type of funeral or burial typically takes place in water that is more than three nautical miles from shore and involves lowering the body or scattering the ashes into the sea.⁸

Alkaline hydrolysis

Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as "water cremation," is a newer method of breaking down the remains of a loved one that reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional cremation methods.⁹ Water, heat and an alkaline solution are used to turn the body into ashes, which are then returned to the family. But this option isn't legal in every U.S. state, so check with your local funeral association to see if this is an option for you.⁹

How Much Does a Funeral Cost?

When considering which type of funeral to choose, cost is a key factor to consider, as it can vary significantly.

Average cost for a traditional funeral with burial

The national average cost* of a traditional funeral with burial is $8,230, but it can range from $6,522 to $14,909.¹ Factors that may affect cost include geographic location of the burial, choice of funeral home, casket selection, cemetery fees and burial vault requirement, transportation distances, embalming and body preparation complexity, plot costs and gravestone and any additional services, such as flowers, obituaries or reception catering.¹

Here’s a look at the average costs* of a traditional funeral with burial for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.¹

Average cost for a traditional funeral with cremation

The national average cost* of a traditional funeral with cremation is $6,100, but it can range from $4,832 to $11,102.¹ Factors that may affect cost include funeral home pricing, whether the cremation casket is purchased or rented, crematory fees and any additional memorial services or celebrations of life.¹

Here’s a look at the average costs* of a traditional funeral with cremation for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.¹

Average cost for different types of funerals

As described above, there are many funeral options besides the traditional ones. Here’s a look at the national average costs* of other types of funerals.¹

How much a funeral costs can also depend on many factors, including common funeral expenses such as caskets, embalming and funeral home charges.¹

For each of these expenses, the costs can vary significantly. Casket prices, for example, have an enormous range, depending on materials, construction, features and retailer markups.¹ As another example, gravesite costs can vary based on plot type, maintenance fees and even holiday service surcharges.¹

Average costs of common funeral expenses

Here’s a look at the national average costs* of some of these expenses.¹

Does Insurance Cover Funeral Costs?

Yes, both funeral insurance and life insurance can help pay for the funeral and burial expenses after your loved one passes away. However, only funeral insurance, also known as burial insurance, dedicates the funds directly to paying for the funeral and burial.¹⁰

Life insurance funds are used at the discretion of the beneficiary, and if they need to use all of that money to cover debts, they will have nothing left to pay for their loved one's funeral.¹⁰

Being Prepared Can Help in Times of Grief

Losing a loved one and planning their funeral can be overwhelming. By knowing what to expect as you make arrangements, you can lighten some of the burden involved with your loss. Explore your options and create a plan so you can say goodbye with peace of mind.

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Author Bio

Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 19 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy and more.