How Much Does a Funeral Cost?
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, while the median cost of a funeral with cremation was $6,280.
What Goes Into the Cost of a Funeral?
The NFDA calculates the national median cost of a funeral with burial by totaling the following items (2023 figures):
| Nondeclinable basic services fee | $2,495 |
| Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home | $395 |
| Embalming | $845 |
| Other preparation of the body | $295 |
| Use of facilities/staff for viewing | $475 |
| Use of facilities/staff for funeral ceremony | $550 |
| Service car/van | $175 |
| Basic memorial printed package | $195 |
| Plus a metal casket (median totals vary) | — |
These figures do not include the cost of a cemetery plot, burial vault, monument or grave marker, or cash-advance items such as flowers and obituary notices — which can add thousands more.
How Much Does Cremation Cost?
The median cost of a funeral with cremation — including an alternative cremation casket and urn — was $6,280 in 2023. On top of the funeral home's basic services and ceremony fees, cremation typically adds:
| Cremation fee | $400 |
| Alternative cremation container | $160 |
| Urn | $295 |
Source: National Funeral Directors Association, 2023 General Price List Study. Actual costs vary by funeral home and location.
How Do Families Pay for a Funeral?
Many families pay out of savings — but with funeral costs often reaching $8,000 or more, that isn't always possible. That's why many people ages 50–80 put final expense insurance in place: coverage designed to help pay for funeral, burial, cremation and other final expenses, so loved ones aren't left with the bill.
- Coverage options up to $50,000
- Fixed premium options may be available
- Options for many health conditions
- Some plans may not require a medical exam
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