In the aftermath of a death, the last thing you want to consider is money. However, the reality is that making a loved one's final arrangements can be extremely expensive. For example, the median cost of a casketed funeral with a viewing and a ceremony, followed by burial, was $7,848 in 2021, according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). Understanding typical funeral prices and exploring how these vary by arrangement and location can help you financially prepare for these expenses.
The Cost of Funeral Services
Updated: September 20, 2024
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Fast Facts on Funeral Costs
To help families prepare for the financial costs of honoring their loved ones, MoneyGeek highlighted essential details about the typical funeral expenses for different services and explored how they have shifted over time.
A funeral with an adult casket, viewing and ceremony costs a median of $7,848 if followed by a burial. This cost doesn't include a vault.
The median cost of an adult casketed funeral with a viewing and ceremony, followed by a cremation, is $6,970.
Honoring a loved one's memory doesn't have to be expensive. Funeral arrangements such as immediate burial or direct cremation are typically the most affordable options available.
The median cost of funeral services has increased in the last five years. Those involving burials increased by 6.6%, while those with cremations were 11.3% more expensive.
Cost of a Funeral Viewing and Ceremony Followed by Burial
Historically, burial was the preferred arrangement for a funeral. However, burial rates in the U.S. have steadily declined over the years — from 61.4% in 2005 to 38.8% in 2020. The NFDA foresees that this trend will continue until 2040.
There are several contributing factors to this trend, such as environmental and religious connections. However, the primary may be price — the median cost of a funeral followed by a burial was $7,848 as of 2021.
The price can be divided into several categories: service fees, the casket, the hearse, viewing and ceremony facilities.
Cost Breakdown for a Funeral Viewing and Ceremony Followed by Burial
Funeral Item | Median Cost |
|---|---|
Note that there are more affordable options available than those outlined in the table above. For example, immediate burial only costs $3,495 ($2,825 if you provide the container). Although it doesn't include a viewing or a ceremony, you'll still have a graveside service.
Cost of a Funeral Viewing and Ceremony Followed by Cremation
The number of cremations has steadily increased since 2005. In 2015, cremation rates in the U.S. surpassed burial rates for the first time. The trend has continued since then. The NFDA's 2022 consumer survey showed that over 40% of people prefer a cremation to a burial. However, despite not choosing a burial for a loved one, over a quarter still wanted a full funeral service. That means arranging for a viewing and a ceremony before the cremation.
The median cost of a funeral with cremation in 2021 was $6,970. Although less expensive than burials, cremation can still be costly. MoneyGeek shows the typical inclusions in this funeral service and associated funeral prices.
Cost Breakdown for a Typical Funeral Viewing and Ceremony Followed by Cremation
Funeral Item | Median Cost |
|---|---|
Only 24% of cremations in 2021 had casketed adults with a viewing. A more significant portion (41%) opted for direct cremation. It's a more affordable option, with a median cost of $2,550 ($2,455 if the family provides the container). However, there is no viewing, visitation or ceremony.
Typical Funeral Cost by State
The cost of funerals doesn't just vary due to arrangements — location also plays a role. Whether you opt for a burial or a cremation, the median funeral prices change depending on your state. The heatmap below displays the median funeral prices for each state. Areas with darker hues represent more expensive funeral costs, while those in lighter shades indicate more affordable rates.
Additional Funeral Costs
The NFDA survey also highlights several additional items that may add to the cost of funeral services. These include different casket types, urns and vaults, among others. The table below can help you determine how each might affect your overall burial expenses.
Cost of Additional Funeral Expenses
Item | Cost |
|---|---|
How Final Expense Life Insurance Can Buffer Costs
Costs for funeral services can add up quickly, and you may need to dip into your savings as you're getting everything in order. However, if your loved one invested in final expense life insurance, it can lessen the financial burden significantly.
Seniors typically benefit the most from this type of whole life insurance. Although the death benefit payout is smaller than that associated with standard life insurance policies, it's enough to help the insured's beneficiaries cover average funeral costs and other final expenses.
As with all insurance policies, several factors affect premiums. A 10-year difference in age can make a considerable difference in the rate for the same coverage amount. The visual below provides a snapshot of the possible cost of coverage, depending on your age and preferred policy limits.
Cost of Funeral Services FAQ
Contrary to what some people may expect, funeral costs can be high and overwhelming. Here are the most commonly asked questions about funeral service costs. These answers may help you if you’re experiencing the tragic loss of a loved one.
How much do funerals with burial services cost?
On average, an adult casketed funeral costs $7,848. The amount covers services such as a viewing and a ceremony before the burial.
You can also consider more cost-effective options, such as an immediate burial. You'll lose out on the viewing and ceremony but only spend around $3,500. The amount lowers further if you provide the container.
How much do funerals with cremation services cost?
Generally, cremation is less expensive than a burial. An adult casketed funeral, including viewing and a ceremony, amounts to $6,970.
Direct cremation is worth considering if you're willing to forgo the viewing and ceremony. You'll save more than $4,000, making it a frugal funeral option.
How have burial and cremation rates changed over time?
Traditionally, consumers preferred burials to cremations. However, burial rates have been declining since 2005, dropping more than 22% in 15 years.
Meanwhile, cremation rates have been rising. They officially surpassed burial rates in 2015 and have continued their upward trend.
Which states have the most expensive funeral costs?
Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota have the highest average cost for funeral services, whether for burials ($8,500) or cremations ($7,560). Comparatively, the least expensive states for funeral costs reside in the Mountain states (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming). The average cost for burials and cremations is $6,888 and $5,694, respectively. These figures refer to funeral services for casketed adults and include viewing and a ceremony in the arrangements.
Is having final expense life insurance an advantage when faced with funeral costs?
Considering the average funeral cost, final expense life insurance can help shoulder these fees. Keep in mind that the payout won’t be as substantial as a standard life insurance policy.
Is there financial assistance available to help cover funeral and burial costs?
Yes, depending on your location, income and personal circumstances, you may qualify for financial aid to pay for a funeral. The Social Security Administration offers a Lump Sum Death Payment to eligible surviving spouses or children of deceased workers. State and nonprofit agencies may also be able to provide assistance.
Related Content
These online resources explore areas such as mortality rates in the U.S. and life insurance and may help you with your future financial decisions.
- U.S. Mortality Rates by the Numbers: See trends in deaths and death rates across several dimensions, such as age, gender and ethnicity. MoneyGeek’s page also explores the leading causes of death in the U.S.
- Life Insurance Riders: Everything You Need to Know: You might have encountered the term “rider” when reading about life insurance. MoneyGeek’s page explains what it is and how you can make the most of it.
- What Types of Death Are Not Covered by Life Insurance?: A life insurance policy covers most causes of death but not all. See which ones are exceptions to the rule.
- Life Insurance Beneficiaries: How to Choose the Right Person: MoneyGeek shares steps to select a beneficiary and avoid common mistakes when naming the person who will receive your death benefits.
- How Long Does It Take to Get a Life Insurance Payout?: Losing a loved one is terrible, and a late payout can add stress to an already difficult situation. MoneyGeek shares insurance payout details, helping you prepare for possible payout delays.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
sources
- National Funeral Directors Association. "2021 NFDA General Price List Study Shows Funeral Costs Not Rising as Fast as Rate of Inflation." Accessed May 20, 2024.
- National Funeral Directors Association. "2022 NFDA Cremation & Burial Report." Accessed May 20, 2024.