How Much Does a Funeral Cost in 2026?
The short answer: The national median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is $8,300. A funeral with cremation runs about $6,280. But the real cost depends on dozens of individual choices — and the range is enormous.
Some families spend under $1,500 for a direct cremation. Others spend $15,000+ on a traditional service. The difference comes down to what services you choose, where you live, and whether you know what to ask for.
This guide breaks down every line item so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Burial vs Cremation: Cost Comparison
Itemized Funeral Cost Breakdown
Here's what makes up that median cost, based on the most recent NFDA General Price List Study:
| Service | Median Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic services fee (non-declinable) | $2,500 |
| Embalming | $850 |
| Other preparation (cosmetics, hair, dressing) | $300 |
| Viewing/visitation use of facilities | $450 |
| Funeral ceremony use of facilities | $530 |
| Transfer of remains to funeral home | $400 |
| Hearse (local) | $375 |
| Service car/van | $175 |
| Printed materials (programs, cards) | $200 |
| Subtotal (services) | $5,780 |
Then add the merchandise:
| Item | Median Cost |
|---|---|
| Metal casket | $2,500 |
| Outer burial container (vault) | $1,700 |
| Subtotal (merchandise) | $4,200 |
And the third-party costs the funeral home arranges:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Cemetery plot | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Opening/closing the grave | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Headstone/grave marker | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Death certificates (multiple copies) | $50–$200 |
| Flowers | $200–$600 |
| Obituary publication | $200–$500 |
Total realistic cost for a traditional burial: $9,000–$15,000+
Cremation Costs: The More Affordable Option
Cremation is now chosen by 63.4% of Americans (up from under 30% in 2000), and cost is a major factor. Here's what cremation options look like:
Direct Cremation: $1,000–$3,000
The most affordable option. No viewing, no service at the funeral home. The body is cremated shortly after death, and remains are returned to the family.
- Cremation fee: $250–$800
- Basic services fee: $500–$1,500
- Transfer of remains: $300–$500
- Cremation container (required, not a casket): $50–$200
Cremation with Memorial Service: $3,000–$6,000
A memorial service is held (without the body present), and the family receives the cremated remains.
Cremation with Full Service: $5,000–$8,000+
Similar to a traditional funeral — viewing, service, the full experience — followed by cremation instead of burial.
Traditional Burial
Advantages
- •Traditional ceremony many expect
- •Permanent grave site to visit
- •More time for family to gather
- •Religious/cultural traditions honored
Considerations
- •Significantly higher cost
- •Requires cemetery plot purchase
- •Takes up land/environmental impact
- •Long-term cemetery maintenance
Cremation
Advantages
- •Lower overall cost
- •More flexibility with memorial timing
- •Remains can be kept, scattered, or buried
- •Environmentally friendly option
Considerations
- •Irreversible process
- •Some religions discourage/prohibit
- •No grave site to visit (unless buried)
- •May feel less traditional to some
What Affects the Price Most?
1. Where You Live
Funeral costs vary dramatically by region. Urban areas and the Northeast tend to be highest. Rural areas and the South tend to be lowest. The same funeral can cost 40–60% more in New York City vs. rural Alabama.
2. The Casket
The casket is often the single biggest line item. Funeral home caskets range from $2,000 to $10,000+. But here's something most people don't know: you have the legal right to buy a casket from any source — online, from Costco, from a local retailer — and the funeral home cannot refuse it or charge a handling fee. This is federal law (the FTC Funeral Rule).
3. The Vault
Most cemeteries (not all) require an outer burial container. Funeral homes sell them for $1,000–$5,000+, but basic concrete vaults can be sourced for less.
4. Whether You Choose Embalming
Embalming is not required by law in most situations. It's typically only necessary if there will be a public viewing and the burial won't happen within a few days. If you choose direct burial or cremation, you can skip it entirely — saving $800+.
Watch Out for Hidden Costs
Many funeral expenses are quoted separately and can add thousands to your bill:
- Cash advance items — funeral homes often mark up third-party services like flowers, obituaries, and death certificates
- "Immediate need" pressure — some funeral homes use time pressure to discourage price shopping
- Package deals — may seem convenient but often include services you don't want or need
- Facility fees — some charge separate fees for using their parking, restrooms, or other basic facilities
- Overtime charges — weekend or holiday services can cost significantly more
Always ask for the complete itemized price list and don't be afraid to say no to add-ons.
Your Rights: The FTC Funeral Rule
You Have Legal Protections
The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule gives you important rights that can save you thousands:
- Itemized pricing is required — funeral homes must give you a written General Price List (GPL) with every item priced individually
- Phone pricing is required — you can call any funeral home and ask for prices over the phone, no name required
- Outside caskets must be accepted — funeral homes cannot refuse a casket you bought elsewhere or charge handling fees
- Embalming disclosure is required — if embalming is not required by law, they must tell you
- You can buy only what you want — no bundling, no pressure, every item is à la carte
Use this: Call 2–3 funeral homes in your area and ask for their GPL. Compare the basic services fee — it varies more than any other line item and it's non-declinable (you pay it no matter what).
How to Pay for Funeral Costs
Funerals are one of the largest unplanned expenses a family can face. Here are the most common ways people cover the cost:
Final Expense Insurance
Also called burial insurance — these are small whole life insurance policies ($5,000–$25,000) specifically designed to cover end-of-life costs. They're typically easier to qualify for than standard life insurance, with simplified or guaranteed acceptance. If you're pre-planning, this is worth looking into.
Life Insurance
If the deceased had a life insurance policy, funeral costs are typically one of the first things covered from the death benefit.
Preneed/Prepaid Plans
Many funeral homes offer prepaid plans that lock in today's prices. These can make sense, but read the fine print — ask about portability (what if you move?), what happens to the money if the funeral home closes, and whether the plan is revocable.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans Funeral Benefits
If the deceased was a veteran, significant benefits are available:
- VA burial allowance: $2,000+ for service-connected deaths, $893 for non-service-connected deaths
- National cemetery burial: Free burial plot, opening/closing, and headstone in a VA national cemetery
- Headstone/marker: Free government headstone or marker for any veteran, even if buried in a private cemetery
- Flag: Free American flag for the casket or next of kin
These benefits can save thousands. Contact the VA or ask the funeral home about veteran benefits — they're required to help with the paperwork.
Crowdfunding
GoFundMe campaigns for funeral costs have become very common. There's no shame in asking for help.
Payment Plans
Many funeral homes offer payment plans. Ask about them — but be careful about interest rates.
Free: Funeral Planning Checklist
Print-ready guide with costs, questions to ask funeral homes, and your legal rights. Everything you need to know in an easy-to-follow checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: February 2026. Pricing data sourced from the NFDA 2023 General Price List Study, the most recent available industry survey. Actual costs in your area may vary.