How Much Does a Funeral Cost? | What You Should Know

What Does the Average Funeral Cost?
Funeral Cost vs Cremation Cost in the USA
How Much Does A Funeral Cost in My State?
Additional Funeral Expenses to Consider in 2025
Alternative Funeral Options
How to Save on Funeral Expenses
How to Use Final Expense Benefits to Cover Funeral Costs
Conclusion
FAQ

What Does the Average Funeral Cost?

Planning for end-of-life expenses can be overwhelming, but Final Expense Benefits can help you make informed decisions and ease the financial stress that comes with planning a funeral. Whether you’re considering a traditional burial, cremation, or alternative funeral options, knowing the costs associated with each service is crucial.

Funeral Cost Breakdown

A funeral’s total cost depends on several factors, including the choice between burial and cremation, additional services, and location. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median funeral cost in the United States is $9,995. However, that price does not include cemetery fees, monument or grave marker costs, or additional funeral charges such as flowers. That means your funeral can easily cost more than $10,000 in 2025, depending on the kind of service and amenities you want.

Here’s how every funeral expense breaks down:

Service	Cost
Basic Service Fee	$2,495
Transfer of Remains to Funeral Home	$395
Embalming	$845
Other Preparation of the Body	$295
Facilities and Staff for Viewing and Ceremony	$1,025
Hearse	$375
Service Car	$175
Basic Memorial Package	$195
Burial Casket	$2,500
Vault	$1,695
Total	$9,995

Funeral prices vary by location and how elaborate you’d like your funeral service to be.

Review our free funeral expense calculator for a clear breakdown of funeral expenses based on your choices.

Funeral Cost vs Cremation Cost in the USA

When planning for end-of-life expenses, it’s important to consider the cost differences between a traditional funeral and cremation. A full-service funeral, including a casket, embalming, burial plot, and ceremony, can cost thousands of dollars, often exceeding $7,000. In contrast, cremation is generally cheaper than a traditional funeral because it eliminates costs associated with embalming, caskets, burial plots, and headstones. While both options come with various additions that can impact the final price, cremation generally provides a more budget-friendly alternative for those looking to reduce funeral expenses.

Here’s how funerals and cremations breakdown:

Funeral Cost vs Cremation Cost

Funeral prices vary by location and how elaborate you’d like your funeral service to be.

Looking into the future, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) states that traditional burials have been increasing in price at a rate of 6% every year, and they don’t show any sign of decline, as cremation has seen an increase of about 8% every year. Despite the difference between a burial and a cremation, a cremation won’t overtake the price of a traditional burial anytime soon. Vault prices, one of the more expensive aspects of a burial, continue to increase yearly.

Funeral Cost vs Cremation Cost in My State

Costs fluctuate based on real estate prices, labor fees, and state regulations.

Here’s an overview of funeral costs in select states in 2025:

Wondering what it’s going to cost you in 2025? Our funeral cost calculator reflects an estimate based on your region and the changes that we expect to see in the market. However, you should always check with an insurance agent to find out exactly how much a funeral will cost in your region.

	Traditional Funeral	Cremation
New England (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)	$8.985	$7,023
Middle Atlantic (NJ, NY, PA)	$8,573	$6,498
South Atlantic (DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, WV, VA)	$8,023	$6,103
East South Central (AL, KY, MS, TN)	$7,615	$5,858
West South Central (AR, LA, OK, TX)	$7,912	$5,890
East North Central (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI)	$8,280	$6,120
West North Central (IA, MN, KS, MO, ND, SD, NE)	$8,755	$6,713
Mountain (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, WY)	$7,390	$5,505
Pacific (AK, CA, HI, OR, WA)	$7,835	$5,812

Funeral prices vary by location and what services you would like to include.

How Much Does A Funeral Cost in My State?

The World Population Review has averaged funeral costs and end-of-life expenses by state because each state’s funeral expenses differ. They state that Hawaii has the most expensive funeral and end-of-life expenses, while Mississippi has the least.

Here’s how much each state’s funeral costs and how much final expense insurance coverage you might need in 2025:

States (A-M)	Funeral Cost Average	End of Life Cost Average	Total Cost
Alabama	$6,924	$12,376	$19,197
Alaska	$9,913	$17,720	$27,633
Arizona	$7,845	$14,023	$21,868
Arkansas	$6,800	$12,154	$18,954
California	$10,727	$19,173	$29,900
Colorado	$8,357	$14,356	$22,668
Connecticut	$9,689	$17,318	$27,007
Delaware	$8,357	$14,937	$23,294
Florida	$7,667	$13,705	$21,372
Georgia	$6,924	$12,376	$19,300
Hawaii	$15,203	$27,175	$42,378
Idaho	$7,288	$13,027	$20,314
Indiana	$7,001	$12,514	$19,516
Iowa	$7,133	$12,750	$19,833
Kansas	$6,808	$12,168	$18,976
Kentucky	$7,265	$12,985	$20,250
Louisiana	$7,234	$12,930	$20,163
Maine	$8,999	$16,086	$25,085
Maryland	$9,921	$17,733	$27,654
Massachusetts	$10,270	$18,356	$28,626
Michigan	$7,040	$12,584	$19,624
Minnesota	$7,838	$14,010	$21,847
Mississippi	$6,568	$11,739	$18,307
Missouri	$6,885	$12,307	$19,192
Montana	$7,652	$13,667	$21,329

These funeral costs are based on averages for basic services and may vary.

States (N-W)	Funeral Cost Average	End of Life Cost Average	Total Cost
Nebraksa	$7,172	$12,819	$19,991
Nevada	$8,434	$15,075	$23,509
New Hampshire	$8,380	$14,979	$23,358
New Jersey	$9,154	$16,363	$25,517
New Mexico	$6,939	$12,404	$19,343
New York	$10,355	$18,509	$28,863
North Carolina	$7,404	$13,234	$20,638
North Dakota	$7,512	$13,426	$20,941
Ohio	$7,195	$12,861	$20,055
Oklahoma	$6,722	$12,016	$18,739
Oregon	$10,424	$18,633	$29,058
Pennsylvania	$7,892	$14,106	$21,998
Rhode Island	$9,247	$16,529	$25,776
South Carolina	$7,748	$13,428	20,941
South Dakota	$6,808	$12,168	$18,976
Tennessee	$6,986	$12,487	$19,068
Texas	$7,148	$12,777	$19,926
Utah	$7,536	$13,470	$21,005
Vermont	$8,984	$16,058	$25,042
Virginia	$7,869	$14,065	$21,934
Washington	$8,620	$14,065	$24,028
West Virginia	$7,133	$12,750	$19,883
Wisconsin	$7,485	$13,331	$20,789
Wyoming	$7,389	$13,207	$20,595

These funeral costs are based on averages for basic services and may vary.

Wondering what it’s going to cost you in 2025? Our funeral cost calculator reflects an estimate based on your region and the changes that we expect to see in the market. However, you should always check with an insurance agent to find out exactly how much a funeral will cost in your region.

Additional Funeral Expenses to Consider in 2025

If you have been thinking about your funeral, you might already know what kind of flower or tombstone you want for your final resting place. Of course, these are all optional charges you don’t need, but if you want them, you will be charged an additional fee.

Here’s what you could be charged:

Cemetery Plots: $1,000 – $4,500
Grave Markers/headstones: $1,000 – $3,000
Flowers: $300 – $500 depending on the arrangement
Mausoleum: $4,000 – $8,000
Grave Liner: $500 – $1,400
Interment Fee: $300 – $1,500
Perpetual Care: Around 5-15% of the cemetery plot price
Pallbearers: $70 – $110
Obituary Notices: $200 – $500
Organists/Soloists: $125 – $200

End-of-life expenses include funeral expenses and any other debts you might have incurred before you pass. That includes any hospital bills or hospice care you incurred at the end of your life.

Funeral Home Services and Administrative Fees

Funeral homes charge service fees for handling legal paperwork (like a death certificate), securing permits, and coordinating logistics. These costs typically range from $2,000 to $3,500. Contact your local funeral home and request their general price list, and visit the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) for more information.

Some families choose to conduct a funeral at home, reducing expenses associated with a funeral home. State laws vary regarding body care and transport, so research is essential. To protect users from overpaying, the Federal Trade Comission (FTC) created a funeral rule to regulate how funeral service providers charge for funerals. It’s important to know your rights granted by the FTC Funeral Rule, but you and your loved ones can do more to control funeral prices and ensure you’re not overcharged.

Alternative Funeral Options

While a traditional burial and funeral can cost up to $10,000, there are alternative funerals that can lower the initial cost of your funeral. Some options are even free! No matter what kind of funeral you choose, Final Expense Insurance can help ease the burden or fully pay for your funeral.

Call one of our agents at (866) 786-0725 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a weekday to receive a quote.

Here are the different burial and cremation methods that could save you money on your funeral:

Green Burials

With rising funeral costs in the USA, there are plenty of sustainable options to consider when trying to save on costs. A green burial, also known as an eco-burial, offers a more environmentally conscious way to lay a loved one to rest. Examples of this include tree pod burials to water cremation services. It generally requires fewer resources and steps than a traditional burial, making it both an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.

In a green burial, the body is preserved through refrigeration instead of embalming. Rather than being placed in a traditional wood or metal casket, it is buried in a biodegradable shroud or casket that naturally decomposes over time. It also eliminates traditional funeral expenses, with some programs covering transportation and cremation costs.

Burial at Sea

A burial at sea is a process that involves blending cremated remains with a specialized concrete mixture, shaping it into a reef-like form, and positioning it underwater. This acts as an artificial coral reef, providing a habitat for marine life on the ocean floor.

The cost of a memorial reef burial will differ depending on the company and package you select. The initial cost you pay will be for the cremation and the reef memorial creation is an additional cost. A direct cremation without a service or viewing costs between $2,000 and $5,000. If you would like to have a cremation with a service and a viewing before the memorial reef is created, the cost will range from $4,000 to $7,000.

Viewing or Memorial Service

The choice to have a funeral is not mandatory; some choose to only host a viewing or memorial service at a funeral home, church, or other venue. Depending on location and services provided, viewing or memorial services cost around $500 to $2,500 in 2025.

Military Service

Veterans are entitled to a free burial and grave marker if they choose to be buried in a national cemetery. However, your family must cover any additions you want to your funeral, which can add up to around $3,000 or more. If you’re a military member, you must consider additional fees for the rifle salute ceremony, flag ceremony, a “taps” performance, and more.

Generally, the funeral home you work with will let you know how much everything will cost and coordinate the ceremonies you request. Consider getting burial insurance if you’re unprepared to pay for those services.

Call us at (866) 786-0725 or use our free quoting tool to compare policies and find the best option for you and your needs.

How to Save on Funeral Expenses

Covering funeral costs in 2025 can be challenging, but there are several options available. You might use personal savings, tap into a retirement fund, or explore government assistance programs. While these can help, they may not always provide immediate financial relief. One of the most dependable ways to cover funeral expenses upfront is by securing a solid final expense insurance policy, ensuring your loved ones aren’t left with a financial burden.

Here are some of our suggestions on how best to save on funeral costs:

Direct Burial vs. Direct Cremation

A direct burial eliminates the additional expenses and services associated with a traditional burial, such as embalming, preparation of remains, service facilities and staff, and coffins. According to Funeralocity, a direct funeral can cost an average of $5,133 which is $4,862 less than the median amount of a traditional burial. However, choosing a direct burial service means you will not have a service, and not all funeral homes will allow a direct burial.

Direct cremation is the cheapest option compared to traditional cremation methods, as it only incurs the minimum price of cremation services. On average, a direct cremation will cost around $3,585 in 2025. This is a great option for those who wish to spread the ashes at a personal location relevant to the deceased.

Federal Government Funeral Assistance

The federal government and some states offer limited funeral assistance programs. None offer enough of a payout to cover an entire funeral. Some states provide funeral assistance to low-income families, but coverage is limited. The Social Security Administration also offers a lump sum death benefit of $255. This may cover a few flower arrangements, but it comes nowhere near covering the majority of traditional burial costs.

Funeral Pre-Planning

Funeral pre-planning allows individuals to make arrangements in advance, ensuring their final wishes are honored while reducing stress for loved ones. This proactive approach can also lock in costs, preventing financial burdens. However, it may require a significant financial commitment and could have limitations such as the funeral home closing, losing out on all that was paid up front.

Before committing to a pre-planned funeral, it’s essential to review all financial details, ensure flexibility in the contract, and communicate your wishes with your family.

Donating Your Body to Science

Donating your body to science is a meaningful way to contribute to medical advancements, education, and research. This option eliminates funeral costs, supports scientific discovery, and provides a lasting legacy. However, it also comes with certain drawbacks, such as eligibility requirements and the long waiting period for the ashes.

Before choosing body donation, it’s essential to research institutions, discuss your decision with loved ones, and ensure your wishes align with available programs.

At Final Expense Benefits, we encourage anyone thinking about a whole-body donation to have a backup plan in case your body is not accepted by the institution that you choose. If you’re concerned about the financial burden that your family might incur due to your passing, we would love to help you find a final expense insurance that works for you and your financial situation.

How to Use Final Expense Benefits to Cover Funeral Costs

Final expense insurance provides flexibility in covering burial, cremation, and other end-of-life expenses. These policies help families avoid financial strain by covering funeral home services, memorials, or even unique options like green burials.

There are two main types of final expense insurance policies: Simplified Issue and Guaranteed Issue. Simplified Issue Final Expense Insurance does not require a medical exam but does include basic health questions, offering immediate coverage upon approval.

Guaranteed Issue Final Expense Insurance requires no health questions or medical exam, making it ideal for individuals with serious health conditions. However, it comes with higher premiums and typically includes a two-year waiting period before full benefits are paid. Choosing the right policy depends on your health status and financial needs.

At Final Expense Benefits, we help connect you with experienced agents to find a burial insurance policy that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. We work with top-rated carriers, including:

Prosperity Life Group

American Amicable

Mutual of Omaha

Americo

Aetna / CVS Health

Great Western

Foresters

We only work with the most trusted burial insurance companies. Here are just a few of the companies we work with and how much they will cost per month for a $10,000 policy:

Company	Male 50y/o	Female 50y/o	Male 60y/o	Female 60y/o	Male 70y/o	Female 70y/o
Aetna / Accendo (CVS Health)	$34	$27	$50	$40	$70	$56
Americo	$31	$26	$43	$35	$71	$53
Mutual of Omaha	$31	$24	$44	$33	$75	$53
Prosperity	$34	$29	$45	$35	$79	$59
Corebridge	$33	$26	$48	$36	$82	$58

Conclusion

With the average cost of a funeral continuing to rise in 2025, financial planning is crucial. Whether choosing burial or cremation, understanding expenses helps families make cost-effective decisions. At Final Expense Benefits, we help protect what matters most, your loved ones and peace of mind.

Final expense insurance is specifically designed to help pay for these increased costs and other debts you might have.

Key Takeaways for Saving on Funeral Costs in 2025

Compare funeral homes and services.
Consider direct cremation or green burial.
Pre-plan for services to save.
Explore our funeral insurance policies.

Let us help you cross off key items on your funeral planning checklist. Call us at (866) 786-0725 every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to discover the best prices on final expense insurance with the best coverage, or use our free quoting tool to start comparing policies today.

FAQ

How much is a basic funeral in 2025?

Basic service fee for a funeral, including essential services, embalming, and a simple casket, typically costs $6,000 to $8,000.

How can I get help with funeral costs?

The easiest way to get help with funeral costs is to have a final expense policy early. This will ensure your family can pay the price and any debts you might leave behind when you pass. Because Social Security pays so little toward funerals and many states don’t offer assistance, senior life insurance is usually the best solution.

What is the cheapest funeral option?

The cheapest funeral option is to donate your body to science. However, there are a lot of downsides to a full-body donation — including the ambiguous time period your loved ones would receive your remains.

How much does a coffin cost?

Caskets range from $1,200 to $10,000+, depending on material and design.

How do burial and cremation costs compare in 2025?

Burial is generally more expensive, with cremation saving $2,000–$3,000 on average.

How much is a burial plot?

Public cemeteries: $525 to $5,00; Private cemeteries: $2,000 to $5,000 (can reach $25,000+ in urban areas)

How can I ensure a Veteran receives military funeral honors?

Families can request military funeral honors through the Military Funeral Honors Directory and must provide DD Form 214 (honorable discharge document). More details are available at the VA’s Burial and Memorial Benefits.

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