The average funeral with burial costs $8,755, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. But what does that include, what does it not include, and how much average funeral cost ?
Here’s how that average breaks down on a line-by-line basis. As you see, it covers individual costs for the transfer of the body, embalming, viewing, funeral ceremony, casket, burial, and service fees.
Cremation typically is less expensive than burial. The average funeral with cremation costs $6,260 and includes transfer of the body, embalming, viewing, funeral ceremony, cremation casket, urn, and service fees.
Not included in these averages are cemetery costs, headstone or marker, flowers, music, food, and other common elements of a funeral or memorial service. The cost of a funeral can be higher depending on specific selections made, style of casket, and other items. Funeral costs have been rising over the past decades, and it’s not uncommon for a family to spend more than $10,000 on a loved one’s memorial.
Would advance funeral planning help protect your family? Download Legacy’s free funeral planning guide to find out.
Why We Need Funerals
A funeral can be expensive, but it is a ritual with purpose. We need funerals — funerals help us accept the reality of death and give us an opportunity to grieve, connect with others, and honor our loved ones. Funerals are how we say goodbye and begin to understand and cope with the loss of a loved one.
Paying for a Funeral
It is possible to plan a meaningful funeral and stay within a manageable budget. Prepaying the funeral in advance is one way to control costs. Taking advantage of available funeral benefits can also help offset expenses. Learn more about how to pay for a funeral.
How to Shop for a Funeral Home
When planning a funeral, be a smart shopper. Compare funeral home offerings and fees to make considered choices. Ask for a general price list or GPL to help you understand the types of services offered as well as their costs. (Visit consumer.ftc.gov for more info and a funeral pricing checklist.)
Save Money by Planning in Advance
The more you can prepare ahead of time, before a loved one has died — or before your loved ones are grieving for you — the more you can customize and get the funeral you want at a fair price. And the easier it will be for your family when the time comes. Download Legacy’s free funeral planning guide to learn more.
Funeral Cost Breakdown
Here is a breakdown from the NFDA of funeral services and costs for both burial and cremation.
National Median Cost of an Adult Funeral with Viewing and Burial
Legacy
National Median Cost of an Adult Funeral with Viewing and Cremation
About the Author: Patrick O’Brien is CEO and co-founder of Executor.org, a free, comprehensive online resource that helps executors manage their responsibilities and duties in this complex role. The free tools include a helpful step-by-step interactive guide for executors and invaluable tips on everything from planning a funeral and keeping beneficiaries happy to dealing with grief and managing estate assets. Article shared from Legacy.com.
Latest posts by William Hayes (see all)
- How to Deal with Sentimental Items When Settling an Estate – January 22, 2020
- How to Avoid the Top 10 Estate Planning Errors – January 22, 2020
- Top Things To Do After the Death of a Loved One – January 14, 2020
- Clawing Back Assets After Probate - June 3, 2023
- How to Create a Business Succession Plan - June 2, 2023
- IRS Announces HSA Limits for 2024 - June 1, 2023
Office hours
Map
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this or associated pages, documents, comments, answers, emails, or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.