How Much Does an Average Funeral Cost?

Many times you'll hear people say that the average funeral costs around $6,000. However, that estimate is based on a price survey taken several years ago. Funeral prices, like everything else, have increased with inflation.

Today, the average North American traditional funeral costs between $7,000 and $10,000. This price range includes the services at the funeral home, burial in a cemetery, and the installation of a headstone. While cremation is gaining in popularity, the traditional funeral is still the most popular manner for disposing of the deceased.

Here is a reasonable "ballpark" estimate of the main funeral costs.

It's important to notes that funeral prices vary considerably between funeral homes and geographic areas of the country;

• fee for the funeral director's services: $1,500

• cost for a casket: $2,300

• embalming: $500

• cost for using the funeral home for the actual funeral service: $500

• cost of a grave site: $1,000

• cost to dig the grave: $600

• cost of a grave liner or outer burial container: $1,000

• cost of a headstone: $1,500

In this example, total costs would approximate $9,000....and that's just for the "main" items. There could be additional charges for things like placing the obituary in the newspaper and buying flowers.

If you don’t have $10,000 to stash in a money market account to cover the cost of your funeral, let's discuss final expense insurance and name a loved one as the beneficiary of the policy. 616-233-9050

If you would like to save money the next time you need to make funeral arrangements, you can search and compare local funeral home pricing at Parting.com.