Average Cost of a Casket (And How to Save)

The short answer: The average casket sold by funeral homes costs $2,500, but prices range from $900 to $10,000+. However, you have the legal right to buy a casket from any source, and online retailers sell comparable caskets for $600–$3,000 — often saving families $1,000–$4,000.

The casket is typically the single largest expense in a traditional funeral, which is why funeral homes mark them up so heavily. But federal law protects your right to shop elsewhere, and knowing this can save you thousands during an already difficult time.

Here's your complete guide to casket costs and how to get the best value.

Casket Price Ranges at Funeral Homes

Funeral homes are required to show you their full range of caskets, from least expensive to most expensive. Here's what you'll typically see:

Basic/Economy Caskets: $900–$2,000

• Materials: Cloth-covered particle board, basic metals, or soft woods
• Features: Simple design, basic interior, minimal hardware
• Typical options: Cardboard (cremation only), cloth-covered composite, basic steel

Mid-Range Caskets: $2,000–$5,000

• Materials: 20-gauge steel, hardwood (oak, maple), bronze-plated
• Features: Better interior fabrics, more decorative hardware, upgraded handles
• Popular choices: Steel caskets with protective sealing, solid wood options

Premium Caskets: $5,000–$10,000+

• Materials: 18-gauge steel, mahogany, cherry, copper, bronze
• Features: High-end interior design, elaborate hardware, premium sealing
• Luxury options: Solid hardwood with hand-rubbed finishes, heavy-gauge metals

Ultra-Premium Caskets: $10,000+

• Materials: Solid bronze, premium hardwoods, exotic materials
• Features: Custom designs, precious metal accents, museum-quality craftsmanship
• Reality check: These are rarely necessary and primarily exist as profit centers

Online Casket Prices: The Alternative

Thanks to federal law, you can buy caskets from any source. Online retailers offer significant savings:

Reputable Online Casket Retailers:

• Costco: Limited selection but excellent value and reputation
• Amazon: Wide selection with verified reviews
• Walmart: Basic options with competitive pricing
• Specialty casket retailers: Often the widest selection and expertise

Your Legal Rights: The FTC Funeral Rule

Federal law gives you powerful protections when it comes to casket purchases:

You Can Buy From Anyone

The law: Funeral homes must accept any casket you provide, regardless of where you bought it. They cannot refuse it, and they cannot charge you a "handling fee" for accepting it.

They Must Tell You This

The law: Funeral homes must inform you of your right to buy a casket elsewhere. Many don't volunteer this information, but they're legally required to tell you if asked.

Price Lists Are Required

The law: Funeral homes must provide a written casket price list when you ask to see caskets. You can also request this over the phone.

No Package Deals

The law: Funeral homes cannot require you to buy a casket from them as part of a service package. Everything must be itemized and optional.

What Affects Casket Prices?

1. Material and Construction

Steel Caskets (Most Common)

• 20-gauge steel: Standard option, good protection
• 18-gauge steel: Thicker, more durable, higher cost
• Stainless steel: Premium option, excellent durability
• Sealer vs. non-sealer: Sealing gaskets add $500–$1,000 but provide minimal practical benefit

Wood Caskets

• Veneer over composite: Less expensive, still attractive
• Solid wood: More expensive but traditional craftsmanship
• Wood types by price: Pine < Oak/Maple < Cherry/Walnut < Mahogany
• Finish quality: Hand-rubbed finishes cost more than spray finishes

Metal Upgrades

• Copper: Naturally corrosion-resistant, premium pricing
• Bronze: Heaviest and most expensive, primarily for prestige
• Protective value: Minimal difference in preservation between materials

2. Interior Features

• Basic crepe interior: Standard, functional
• Velvet or satin: Mid-range upgrade
• Hand-tufted designs: Premium appearance, higher cost
• Adjustable mattress: Comfort feature that adds to price

3. Hardware and Handles

• Plastic handles: Basic, functional
• Metal-plated handles: Mid-range standard
• Solid metal handles: Premium option
• Decorative corners and accents: Aesthetic upgrades that increase cost

4. Size Requirements

• Standard size: Fits most adults
• Oversized caskets: 25–28" wide, cost $500–$1,500 more
• Extra-large caskets: 29"+ wide, significant price premium
• Custom sizing: Available but expensive

How to Save Money on Caskets

1. Shop Online First

Research prices online before visiting the funeral home. Print out options you like to compare against funeral home offerings. Even if you don't buy online, this gives you negotiating leverage.

2. Focus on 20-Gauge Steel

For metal caskets, 20-gauge steel offers excellent value. The upgrade to 18-gauge rarely justifies the extra $1,000–$2,000 cost.

3. Skip the Sealer

"Protective" sealing gaskets don't meaningfully preserve remains and add $500–$1,000 to the price. Save the money.

4. Consider Veneer Wood

Veneer caskets look nearly identical to solid wood but cost significantly less. Unless you have strong preferences for solid wood craftsmanship, veneer is excellent value.

5. Buy Direct From Manufacturer

Some casket manufacturers sell direct to consumers, cutting out both funeral home and retailer markups.

6. Time Your Purchase

If you're pre-planning, you have time to shop sales and compare options. Emergency purchases limit your ability to find deals.

Online Buying Process

If you decide to buy a casket online, here's what to expect:

Before You Order

1. Confirm delivery details with the funeral home (address, timing requirements)
2. Verify dimensions will fit through doorways and into the hearse
3. Check return policies (most online retailers don't accept returns on caskets)
4. Read reviews from other buyers

Shipping and Delivery

• Shipping time: Usually 2–5 business days via freight
• Delivery location: Can be shipped to funeral home or your residence
• Inspection: You can inspect the casket before the funeral home takes possession
• Damage protection: Reputable sellers insure shipments and replace damaged items

Working with the Funeral Home

• Give advance notice: Tell the funeral home you're providing your own casket
• Provide delivery details: When and where the casket will arrive
• Stay involved: Be present when the casket is delivered if possible

Casket Alternatives to Consider

Rental Caskets for Cremation

If you're choosing cremation but want a traditional viewing, many funeral homes offer rental caskets. The body is placed in the rental casket for viewing, then transferred to a simple cremation container.

• Cost: $800–$1,500 rental fee vs. $2,000+ purchase
• Appearance: Identical to purchasing for viewing purposes

Green/Natural Burial Options

For eco-friendly burials, consider:

• Biodegradable caskets: Wicker, bamboo, cardboard ($300–$1,500)
• Shroud burial: Natural fiber wrappings ($100–$500)
• Pine boxes: Simple, unfinished wood caskets ($400–$1,200)

Cremation Containers

For direct cremation, you only need an alternative container:

• Cardboard containers: $50–$150
• Simple wood boxes: $200–$500
• Rental casket option: For viewing before cremation

What Funeral Homes Won't Tell You

The Markup is Enormous

Funeral homes typically mark up caskets 300–500% over wholesale cost. A casket they buy for $600 might sell for $2,500–$3,000.

Online Quality is Comparable

Online caskets often come from the same manufacturers that supply funeral homes. You're getting the same product for less money.

Delivery is Straightforward

Funeral homes may suggest that outside casket delivery is complicated or problematic. In reality, it's routine, and they handle it regularly.

Sealing Doesn't Preserve

Despite marketing claims, sealing gaskets don't preserve remains. Bodies decompose naturally regardless of the casket seal.

Expensive Doesn't Mean Better Protection

A $3,000 steel casket provides essentially the same protection as a $8,000 bronze casket. You're paying for appearance and prestige, not function.

How to Pay for a Casket

Payment Options at Funeral Homes

• Cash/check: Sometimes offers a small discount
• Credit cards: Most accept major cards
• Payment plans: Available at most funeral homes
• Insurance assignment: Life insurance can sometimes be assigned directly

Online Payment Methods

• Credit cards: Standard option with buyer protection
• PayPal: Offers additional purchase protection
• Buy now, pay later: Some retailers offer installment plans
• Bank transfers: Sometimes available for large purchases

Financing Options

• Final expense insurance: Small life policies designed for funeral costs
• Personal loans: For families who need to finance the purchase
• Family contributions: Many families split major funeral expenses
• Veteran benefits: VA burial benefits can help cover casket costs

Questions to Ask When Casket Shopping

At the Funeral Home

• "Can I see your complete casket price list?"
• "What is your least expensive casket?"
• "Do you accept caskets purchased elsewhere?"
• "Is there any fee for using an outside casket?"

When Shopping Online

• "What is the total delivered price including shipping?"
• "How quickly can this be delivered to [funeral home location]?"
• "What is your damage/defect replacement policy?"
• "Do you provide detailed dimensions and weight specifications?"

Red Flags to Avoid

Pressure Tactics

• "You need this to honor your loved one properly." The casket doesn't determine how much you loved someone.
• "This is what most families choose." Choose based on your budget and preferences, not others' choices.
• "The cheaper casket won't protect properly." All caskets provide adequate protection; expensive ones are mainly about appearance.

Misleading Information

• "Online caskets are inferior quality." Many are made by the same manufacturers.
• "We can't guarantee an outside casket will arrive on time." Reputable online retailers have reliable delivery.
• "Outside caskets void our service guarantee." Federal law prohibits funeral homes from conditioning their services on casket source.

Package Deal Pressure

• "Our package price includes the casket." Ask for itemized pricing to compare the casket cost separately.
• "You save money buying everything together." Often you pay more in packages than buying items individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 18-gauge and 20-gauge steel?

18-gauge is slightly thicker (about 0.0478" vs. 0.0359"), making it stronger and more dent-resistant. However, both provide adequate protection, and the price difference ($1,000–$2,000) rarely justifies the minimal benefit.

Do expensive caskets preserve the body better?

No. While sealing caskets are marketed as "protective," they don't significantly slow decomposition. Natural decomposition occurs regardless of casket material or sealing.

Can I see the casket before delivery?

Yes. Most online retailers allow you to inspect the casket upon delivery and will replace damaged or defective items. Read the seller's inspection and return policies before ordering.

What size casket do I need?

Standard caskets accommodate most adults (up to about 6'2" and 200 lbs comfortably). Oversized options are available for larger individuals. Funeral homes can help determine the appropriate size.

Is it legal to make my own casket?

Yes, in most states. However, it must meet basic safety and construction standards, and not all funeral homes will accept homemade caskets. Check local regulations and confirm with your funeral home first.

Can I buy a used casket?

While technically possible, used caskets are rare and most funeral homes won't accept them due to health regulations and practical concerns.

Last updated: February 2026. Pricing based on industry research and retailer surveys. Actual costs may vary by location and specific product choices. Always verify current prices with sellers.