How Much Does a Funeral Cost? A Breakdown of Expenses

Underwritten by United of Omaha Insurance Company

07.28.2026

Average funeral costs in the U.S.

The average funeral cost has been increasing since the 1960s. Today, you can expect median costs of $9,995 for burial services and around $6,300 for cremating your loved ones.¹ These prices include only the basic costs and do not factor in additional services like an obituary, reception, decorations or other services and touches you may want for yourself or your loved one. Costs of funeral services may also vary by state, depending on where the funeral is held.

Funeral cost breakdown

Typically, a basic burial service may cost more than a cremation. Prices for other services involved in a funeral may vary with every funeral home and the services they offer.

Consulting with a funeral provider of your choice may help you better understand their pricing structure. Some costs that you might encounter when shopping for funeral services include:

Transfer of your deceased loved one
Basic service fees
Embalming
Cremation
Death certificate
Visitation or viewing
Memorial
Funeral ceremony
Cemetery costs
Urn
Other costs such as decorations, reception, obituary and other services.

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Factors that may affect funeral costs

Several factors may affect the cost of a funeral, starting with choosing between burial and cremation. Even in that decision, there are quite a few things to consider apart from the average cost of a funeral.

Cremation:

You could choose to cremate with a service and reception, or you could go for a direct cremation without any ceremony or viewing. As a note, the latter is more cost-effective. Depending on your choice, things like the cost of an urn and the type of service can also affect the overall price.
Burial:

This includes purchasing a burial plot, a vault, depending on the need for one, embalming, the type of casket you want, memorial and reception services.
The location:

Prices vary with each state and locality. Those in an urban setting might pay more than those in a rural area.
Other costs:

Additional costs like issuing a death certificate, opening and closing a grave, grave stones, obituaries, cemetery fees and others may add to the cost depending on your choices.

Median national cost of an adult funeral with viewing and burial

You might be wondering why funerals cost so much, and what goes into making the final bill. Let's take a better look at those expenses with a breakdown of the funeral costs of a viewing with burial, as provided by the National Funeral Directors Association.¹

Service

Average Cost

Nondeclineable basic services fee

$2,495

Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home

$395

Embalming

$845

Other preparation

$295

Use of facilities/staff for viewing

$475

Use of facilities/staff for funeral ceremony

$550

Hearse

$375

Service car or van

$175

Printed materials

$195

Subtotal without casket and vault

$5,800

Metal burial casket

$2,500

Vault

$1,695

Total with vault and casket

$9,995

Median national cost of an adult funeral with viewing and burial

Service

Average Cost

Nondeclineable basic services fee

$2,495

Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home

$395

Embalming

$845

Other preparation

$295

Use of facilities/staff for viewing

$475

Use of facilities/staff for funeral ceremony

$550

Service car or van

$175

Printed materials

$195

Cremation fee

$400

Subtotal without cremation casket and urn

$5,825

Alternative cremation container

$160

Urn

$295

Total with cremation casket and urn

$6,280

Cremation vs. burial: Cost comparison

The costs of burial or cremation can vary drastically. Traditionally, a cremation costs less than a burial since there are fewer factors to consider. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the expenses that might be involved.

Cremation Service

Average Cost

Viewing: If there's a viewing, a casket will be required. Without viewing (direct cremation): No casket required.

$2,500

If there's a viewing, embalming is required. For a direct cremation, embalming isn't required.

$845

Urn

$295

Transfer of remains to funeral home

$395

No plot required

Burial

Average Cost

A casket is required with or without viewing.

$2,500

Embalming is required.

$845

Vault

$1,695

Transfer of remains to funeral home

$395

Average burial plot

$350 to $5,000

Cremation without services

Also known as direct cremation, cremation without services involves cremating the remains of your loved one immediately after they pass away. There's no viewing or memorial service involved. The cost of cremation without services on average is $2,185.²

Additional costs like a cremation permit fees, death certificate or an urn might add to the overall cost, and your costs may also vary depending on your location. Generally, urban areas with a competitive landscape of service providers might cost more than those in rural areas with fewer options.

What's not typically included in funeral pricing

There are quite a few things to consider when shopping for funeral services, what is included and what is not included in the cost. Some services that might not be included in a basic funeral package include:

Death certificate
Obituary
Cemetery costs, including the plot, opening and closing the grave
Transport for family and friends
Decorations like flowers
Embalming (unless specified in your plan)
Headstone
Vaults
Clothing for your deceased loved one

Review the details provided by the funeral home and ask questions to help you or your loved ones avoid surprises later.

Funeral planning: Tips to save on expenses

Making funeral arrangements could become a costly affair. With some strategic planning and smart choices, you could save some money on the final bill.

1

Cremating instead of burying.
A cremation costs less than a burial. A direct cremation may cost even less. This eliminates the need for additional expenses like buying a burial plot, a vault, or even a casket (if there isn't a viewing).
2

Host the memorial at home or at your community church or hall.
These options usually cost less than renting out commercial spaces.
3

Consider pre-paying for the funeral services to lock in rates.
This could save you from paying a higher price closer to the date of burial.
4

Green burials.
You could consider this newer option where the body is 'returned to the earth' or buried in a more natural way. This eliminates the need for services like embalming or burial vaults to promote biodegradation and natural decomposition. The caskets used are usually cheaper as they use untreated wood or wicker.
5

Choose a simple and effective casket or urn.
Purchase on your own rather than one provided by your funeral home at a premium price. You could find better deals and options.
6

Donate the remains for medical research.
It might help save on most of the funeral costs.
7

Shop around for the best deal ahead of time.
Prices vary with most service providers, so take your time to find the right fit.

Final expenses for your loved one

Planning a funeral for a loved one could be quite stressful, especially while grieving their loss. But there are options that may help cover their final expenses and provide some peace of mind at the time of need. A whole life insurance policy can provide a comprehensive, flexible coverage that could help with the funeral expenses for your loved one.

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