What Should I Expect to Pay for Funeral and Burial Expenses?

April 2025 | by the National Care Planning Council

A common goal among many aging seniors and their families is to put money aside for funeral and burial expenses. Most are unsure how much to save and how prepared to be in the event of a death. It is undoubtedly easier for one's family if arrangements through estate planning, funeral pre-planning, and funeral trusts are made. We encourage this. Even then, many unforeseen details and expenses can burden the deceased's family.

A common tendency among families in the days and weeks leading up to a death is neglecting to find an affordable funeral provider. Another challenge is finding ways to fund the various expenses involved with a funeral and burial. Generally, this is due to emotional stress and a simple lack of time and preparation. Often, families will use the same funeral services their relatives have used. Time constraints will force many to overlook important questions like, "Are we paying too much for this?" or "Is this best for the deceased and their survivors?"

Others who have lost a veteran or their survivor believe the Department of Veterans Affairs will cover all the costs associated with a funeral and burial. Although several allowances and benefits are available to veterans and their survivors for funeral and burial, these will not cover the entire cost. Read the Senior Veterans Service Alliance's article on VA Burial Allowances for rates and more information.

Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 6,700 people pass away in the U.S. every day. Although funeral costs can easily be upward in the tens of thousands of dollars, the average cost nationwide in the United States for a traditional funeral (including embalming and a metal casket) in 2025 is approximately $8,300[1]. If you add a vault, the cost of burial jumps to $9,995[1].

Types of Funerals

Traditional Funeral Services

Traditional funeral services usually include embalming, dressing the body, renting a funeral home, viewing, body transportation (via a hearse) to the funeral site, casket cost, and a cemetery plot or crypt. This is the most expensive funeral type because many services and additional add-ons are available.

Direct Burial

This burial is a simpler version of a traditional service. A direct burial would likely include a simple container, no viewing or visitation, and no embalming. A memorial service would still be held at the graveside if desired.

Cremation

The body is cremated after death without embalming. The remains are kept as the family desires. Costs are compounded as services are added.

General Information about Service Fes

Basic Service

The funeral provider charges basic service fees, and prices vary. These fees are required and cover services such as consultations, preparation and filing of permits, coordinating arrangements with third parties, and overhead expenses (e.g., legal, accounting, professional licenses, insurance, maintenance, and administration). According to the National Funeral Directors Association, average fees are now over $2,000[2].

Caskets

Casket styles vary from simple cardboard to metal and fine wood. Industry studies show that the average casket shopper buys one of the first three models shown, generally the middle-priced. Although there are many casket options, pine caskets are generally less expensive, and funeral homes rarely display them. An average casket will cost around $2,500[3].

Burial Vaults

Many cemeteries require caskets to be placed inside an outer container known as a grave liner or burial vault. These are rectangular boxes made of concrete, composite plastic, or metal. These vaults and liners are made to last forever and will even preserve the cemetery's lawn and grounds. A casket buried without a vault or liner will eventually deteriorate and collapse, resulting in uneven ground. This, in turn, can tilt a headstone and dirty the casket's interior. An average vault will cost around $1,695[1].

Body Removal

The pick-up and transport costs for a newly deceased body from a residence, hospital, or other location to a funeral home can be expensive. The further away the body has to be transported, the higher the costs you will incur. The price for removal can range from $125 to $500[1].

Embalming

The practice of embalming grew popular during the Civil War, when bodies had to be transported long distances back to their families. This practice involves draining a body of fluids and replacing them with chemicals to preserve the body temporarily. However, this practice is growing out of favor as people become more environmentally conscious. Embalming is not legally required, and many choose refrigeration as an alternative. However, embalming may be required if a body must be transported a long distance. Embalming fees range from $225 to $1,200[1].

Dressing, Hair & Makeup

This is different than embalming. Preparing a body for viewing and visitation by applying makeup, styling hair, and dressing the body can be a worthy expense as this is the last time many will see the deceased. The average fee for this service is $200[1].

Burial Clothing

Many families like the burial clothing to be new. Funeral homes offer special burial clothes designed especially for the occasion. The average cost for burial clothing ranges from $95 to $400[1].

Storage and Refrigeration

Funeral homes have a daily charge for storing a body, even if it is embalmed. Other homes may charge a lump sum for a set number of days. Storage fees range from $35 to $100 per day[1].

Viewing

The viewing is an opportunity for friends and loved ones to say their goodbyes, offer condolences, and see the body one last time, embalmed or not. Often, this event lasts a few hours. The viewing is usually held in a church or funeral home reception area with displays of pictures and floral arrangements. Food and beverages can also be coordinated, as many have traveled long distances to attend. Funeral home fees for viewings can range from $150 to $1,200[1].

Funeral Ceremony Staff

This charge is for coordinating and supervising the funeral arrangements and assisting with the ceremony. It can be competitive with facilities that also charge a fee. Funeral staff fees range from $500 to $800[1].

Printed Programs

Printed Programs are an excellent way for family and friends to take something from the funeral to remember the deceased by. These can be basic to full-color programs with pictures, but the price varies depending on the quality. Printed materials, such as prayer and acknowledgment cards, can also be arranged.

Guest Register

A Guest Register is a special book for attending guests to sign and/or write short condolences. The average cost for a guest register ranges from $25 to $250[1].

Flowers

Two distinctive flower arrangements are available for funerals: the casket spray and a standing easel display. Urns can also be decorated with a flower wreath or garland.

Clergy or Celebrant Fees

Clergy are ordained leaders by a religious denomination, and celebrants may or may not have any religious affiliation but may have ceremonial training on how to perform a eulogy. Some funeral homes have these people on staff.

Musician(s)

Soloists and groups charge by the hour; others may donate their time. The more professional the musician(s), the more the musician(s) will likely charge. The average fee for musicians ranges from $100 to $1,000[1].

Hearse or Funeral Coach

At the head of the funeral procession, hearses or coaches typically carry the casket and body to the cemetery. The average hearse or funeral coach fee is $300[1].

Other vehicles

Limousines, service cars, and flower cars all vary in sizes and costs. The average fee for a vehicle is $300[1].

Grave Plots

Real estate pricing varies by location and whether the plot is in a private or public cemetery. The average cost for a grave plot ranges from $400 to $10,000[1].

Grave Opening and Closing

This expense can be significant and may cost as much as the plot. Weekend and holiday rates can double or even triple. The average grave opening and closing cost ranges from $300 to $1,000[1].

Graveside Service

A graveside service is a brief ceremony at the cemetery next to the burial place. The funeral home can coordinate the delivery of the casket and the ceremony. Additional fees may be incurred for tents, chairs, flooring, decoration, etc.

Temporary Burial Marker

This marks the grave's location, pending a permanent marker or headstone. The average cost for a temporary burial marker ranges from $10 to $30[1].

Obituary

Newspaper obituaries vary in costs by the number of lines. Smaller newspapers or online publications may cost less or even be free. Death notices with few lines and no biographical information are inexpensive or free.

Urns

Cremated remains are not considered biohazard and do not require any special container. Most people choose to purchase an urn. Engraving is optional but can be a great way to personalize a loved one's remains. The average cost for an urn ranges from $80 to $2,000[1].
**Grave Markers, Mon .

Summary of all Elements of a Funeral

Element	Low Cost (USD)	High Cost (USD)
Basic Service Fees	2000	2000
Caskets	50	12000
Burial Vaults	795	14000
Body Removal	125	500
Embalming	225	1200
Dressing, Hair & Makeup	200	200
Burial Clothing	95	400
Storage and Refrigeration	35	100
Viewing	150	1200
Funeral Ceremony Staff	500	800
Printed Programs	40	100
Guest Register	25	250
Flowers	100	1000
Clergy or Celebrant Fees	50	500
Musician(s)	100	1000
Hearse or Funeral Coach	150	530
Other vehicles	75	520
Grave Plots	400	10000
Grave Opening and Closing	300	1000
Graveside Service	200	1700
Temporary Burial Marker	10	30
Obituary	0	1000
Urns	80	2000

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References

[1] How Much Does A Funeral Cost? (2025 Breakdown By State) - Choice Mutual
[2] Funeral Costs In The United States (2025): What To Expect And Plan For
[3] Average cost of a funeral in 2025 (Itemized breakdown) - finder.com