Prices for funerals continue to rise in 2025, and so does one easily overlooked end-of-life expense: burial plot costs. The average burial plot in the United States costs about $2,600, but that’s just the starting point. Additional expenses, like burial services, grave liners, headstones, upkeep, and more, can quickly increase your burial plot’s cost to a much higher price.
Final Expense Benefits is here to help you understand how burial plot costs are calculated, the effect your location and desired services can have on them, and how to cover them ahead of time. As experts in burial insurance, we can show you how this affordable type of life insurance can be a simple, reliable way for seniors to cover their burial plot costs ahead of time.
To learn more about burial insurance, call us at (866) 786-0725 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or check our free online funeral cost calculator and personalized quoting tool to see how much coverage you need and how much it could cost.
Key takeaways
Average burial plot costs in the United States are about $2,600, but this is just for basic plots.
Costs vary by location, burial plot type, and if add-ons like headstones and plot maintenance are needed.
Burial plots in densely populated areas cost more than those in rural areas.
Burial insurance can be used to help cover costs for burial plots and other end-of-life expenses.
How Much Does a Burial Plot Cost?
The average cost of a burial plot in the United States is about $2,600, per Funeralocity, but pricing varies widely depending on several factors, including:
- Cemetery type (private or public)
- Location
- Type of plot
- Additional services (grave marker, plot maintenance, desired burial memorials, etc.)
However, this $2,600 average is just for basic services and doesn’t include the cost of a casket, headstone, vault, or funeral services. Total costs can range from around $5,000 to $15,000, but vary widely.
Private cemeteries are more expensive than public ones. They also offer more peace and seclusion, but that comes at a cost: up to double the price of a comparable plot in a public cemetery.
Cost by Burial Plot Type
Total burial plot costs are heavily influenced by the type of burial plot you select. Single burial plots are the most common and the cheapest, but some couples and families wish to be buried together, increasing costs. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types of burial plots and their general costs:
1
Single Burial Plot Cost
A single burial plot, or a plot by itself for one person with no reserved adjacent plot spaces, is usually the least expensive traditional cemetery plot type.
With burial services, transit, and permits included, average costs for single burial plots in public cemeteries range from around $1,000 to $5,000. Single burial plots in private cemeteries can cost significantly more, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
2
Companion Burial Plot Cost
Companion burial plots are typically offered to married couples or life-long partners. The most common companion plots are double plots with side-by-side burials. Some cemeteries provide double-depth plot options where one casket is buried atop the other.
Companion burial plot costs vary by cemetery and desired plot type, but usually start around $3,000 and range up to $10,000. Double-depth companion burial plots may cost a bit more because the burial process is more complex.
Companion plots may require a prepaid funeral agreement with your desired cemetery. These arrangements are typically very expensive and offer little buyer protection, so you may need to balance your emotional and financial needs.
Burial insurance offers an accessible, affordable way for seniors to cover their funeral costs, without the restraints of a prepaid funeral agreement. Contact Final Expense Benefits to learn more about how burial insurance can tackle your end-of-life expenses.
3
Crypt & Mausoleum Burial Plot Cost
Mausoleums are buildings that house caskets in a private setting, normally used to house a family’s remains. They can be small, private buildings for a single family’s remains, large, shared family mausoleums, or even larger public mausoleums.
Crypts are vaults inside mausoleums that hold caskets. Due to the craftsmanship and artistry involved in designing crypts and mausoleums, costs are significantly higher than those of normal burial plots.
Per Nerdwallet, average mausoleum costs vary depending on the type:
- A space in a community mausoleum costs around $2,000 to $8,000.
- Private family mausoleums can cost $20,000 and up, depending on its size and location.
- You’ll need to purchase the land in the cemetery upon which your mausoleum is constructed, increasing costs. Mausoleums can cost much more depending on size, customization, and more.
- Mausoleums may have yearly maintenance fees that can cost around $300 to $1,500. These fees vary by funeral home and the mausoleum’s size.
4
Family Burial Plot Cost
Family burial plots, or estate plots, are used to bury generations of a family together in multiple adjacent plots. They usually are sold as one large unit with space for at least six family members.
Family burial plot costs start at around $20,000; prices increase if your family wishes to be buried in a private cemetery.
5
Cremation Burial Plot Cost
Cremation plots cost significantly less than traditional cemetery plots because they skip the casket burial process. If you want your ashes to be buried, average cremation burial plot costs range from $350 to $3,000, plus the cost of your urn.
As an alternative to burial plots, cemeteries often offer columbariums, aboveground buildings with openings that house urns.
Burial Plot Cost by State
Location usually affects burial plot costs the most. Costs for cemetery plots in rural areas with plenty of space are generally lower, while those in densely populated urban areas are often pricier. Here are the general costs to expect in each state:
Average Burial Plot Costs by State
Data sourced from Funeralocity.
Examples of Burial Plot Cost Per State
Here’s what to expect in these states and regions:
| State | Median Plot Cost |
|---|---|
|
California |
$2,200
|
|
Texas |
$2,762 |
|
Florida |
$2,726
|
|
New York |
$2,505
|
|
Midwest States |
$2,846
|
Remember that states’ average costs vary; California has a lot of open, rural land with significant space for cemeteries, but urban areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles usually cost much more than the $2,200 average. Contact your desired cemetery to verify their burial plot costs.
Final Expense Benefits is here to help. Our funeral cost calculator and online quoting tool can help you understand your funeral and burial insurance costs. Contact us to learn more about your options to cover your end-of-life expenses.
Additional Burial Plot Costs
Burial plots have several additional “hidden” costs, which can add thousands to your total funeral bill. Here are some of the most common “extra” burial plot costs:
1
Headstones, Markers, and Memorial Accessories
One of the most expensive burial plot expenses is your headstone or grave marker. These personal memorials come in several types, ranging from simple, flat engraved metal markers to customized granite monuments. Costs vary by type, but here are prices you can expect for your headstone or grave marker:
- Basic headstones typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the material and design.
- Upright monuments or custom-cut stones can exceed $10,000.
- Add-ons like engravings, photographs, memorial plaques, or vase holders will raise prices, but accurate numbers depend on your cemetery and chosen artisan.
Families also often choose accessories such as benches, statues, or personalized decor to honor their loved one, all at extra costs.
2
Gravesite Maintenance and Cemetery Permits
Many cemeteries charge fees to maintain the burial plot’s appearance and safety over time, often referred to as perpetual care or maintenance fees. If they’re not included in your overall burial plot bill, cemeteries may charge these fees as:
- A one-time fee, often 5% to 15% of the burial plot cost
- Or a recurring annual charge with costs that vary by cemetery
Local governments require a burial permit to authorize the burial. Costs for burial permits are low, usually about $30. Most cemeteries and funeral homes obtain and fill out these permits for clients and include them in the final bill.
3
Vaults & Other Grave Setup Fees
Many cemeteries require a burial vault, which is a liner that protects the casket and plot from sinking over time. Per the National Funeral Directors Association, burial vaults usually cost at least $1,500. Other common burial plot service costs include:
- Graveside service setup fees (for tents, chairs, decorations, and other equipment), about $200 to $500.
- Flower arrangements for graveside services can cost at least $200.
- Transportation between the funeral home and cemetery starts at around $300, but may cost more if a hearse, police escort, or long travel time is required.
- Likewise, transportation for burial guests could add significant costs, starting at around $200, but could cost more depending on the number of guests and travel distance.
Vault and service fees can add significant extra expenses to your burial plot costs. Contact your cemetery in advance to understand all of your costs and plan accordingly. Remember that burial insurance can help cover all these costs ahead of time.
To learn more about how burial insurance can help cover all your burial expenses, call Final Expense Benefits at (866) 786-0725.
How to Lower Burial Plot Costs
Seniors have a few options to lower cemetery plot costs, but burial insurance is typically the most reliable and cost-effective.
1
Veteran Benefits
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers eligible veterans and their loved ones reimbursements for funeral plot costs. Coverage varies, and the VA may provide full reimbursement for a military funeral and burial in a public military cemetery.
VA reimbursements depend on the deceased veteran’s eligibility and more, and can offer significant help in reducing burial plot costs. However, veterans’ benefits likely won’t be enough to completely cover the cost of a funeral.
2
Green Burials & Other Non-Traditional Services
Green burials, or eco-burials, are not only environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional casket burials, they also often cost less. Tree pod burials, one of the most popular types of green burials, cost around $4,000. Green burials are useful for funeral planning on a budget because they require few extra fees beyond the cost of the burial plot and equipment.
Some non-traditional memorials like direct burial, direct cremation, donating your body to science, or burial at sea can offer significant burial plot savings.
3
Prepaid Funeral Plans
Prepaid funeral plans are agreements made with a funeral home to cover all funeral costs in advance, and usually cost around $10,000 to $25,000. Funeral homes determine this price by estimating the future cost of their services adjusted for inflation.
Most funeral homes charge administrative fees at the plan’s start and often charge yearly maintenance fees to hold your reservation. Many funeral homes offer prepaid plans with payments over time, but these plans can cost more than a burial insurance plan would.
Prepaid funeral plans are popular because they allow you to reserve companion and family burial plots ahead of time, while also offering significant control over your memorial. However, they provide little protection if the funeral home goes out of business.
Burial insurance can cover your funeral and more, while offering financial flexibility, because the tax-free benefit can be used for whatever your loved ones need. A funeral agreement can only be used at the selected funeral home for a funeral and burial. We don’t typically recommend using these plans; not only are they less flexible than burial insurance, they often cost more.
4
Pre-owned Burial Plots
If the owner of a prepaid burial plot doesn’t want their plot anymore, they can sell it. You can find a significant discount if you purchase a pre-owned burial plot, but it’s not a reliable way to reduce burial plot costs.
5
Burial Insurance
Also called final expense insurance, burial insurance is a low-cost type of whole life policy designed to help seniors cover funerals and other end-of-life expenses. A good policy can cover funeral, cremation, burial plot costs, and more.
How Does Burial Insurance Cover Burial Plot Costs?
Burial insurance covers you for life, paying a death benefit payout to designated beneficiaries when the policyholder dies. Average benefit payouts range from $5,000 to $50,000, plenty to cover a funeral and more.
Plus, payouts can be even higher: burial insurance policies accrue cash value, which can be used to purchase additional coverage or directly withdrawn. With simplified medical underwriting requirements, seniors can often qualify for low rates that are locked at the policy’s start without a medical exam, even with pre-existing health concerns.
You can receive a policy without a waiting period, even with conditions like:
Nursing home-bound seniors or those with more serious health concerns like cancer, dementia, or terminal illness may only qualify for guaranteed life insurance. These policies are more expensive than comparable non-guaranteed policies and have mandatory waiting periods before coverage starts. However, they may be the only way for seniors with major health concerns to secure quality burial insurance.
How Much Does Burial Insurance Cost?
Burial insurance isn’t just reliable; it’s affordable, with monthly rates ranging from about $30 to $150 for a $10,000 policy from our top-rated life insurance partners. However, rates rise as applicants age. To secure quality, affordable coverage, don’t wait: apply early and save.
Here are sample rates for a $10,000 burial insurance policy from our top-rated life insurance partners, calculated using a non-smoking applicant with no pre-existing health concerns:
| Company |
Male 50y/o |
Female 50y/o |
Male 60y/o |
Female 60y/o |
Male 70y/o |
Female 70y/o |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$34 |
$27 |
$50 |
$40 |
$70 |
$56 |
|
|
$31 |
$26 |
$43 |
$35 |
$71 |
$53 |
|
|
$31 |
$24 |
$44 |
$33 |
$75 |
$53 |
|
|
$34 |
$29 |
$45 |
$35 |
$79 |
$59 |
|
|
$33 |
$26 |
$48 |
$36 |
$82 |
$58 |
These figures are estimates only, based on a $10,000 burial insurance policy for a non-smoking applicant with no pre-existing conditions.
If you’re interested in a policy from these or any of our other fantastic life insurance partners, call Final Expense Benefits at (866) 786-0725 or check our free online quoting tool for a personalized pricing estimate.
Final Thoughts
Costs for burial plots average around $2,600 in the United States. However, that figure is deceptive, missing the costs of caskets, grave markers, transportation, and more. Additionally, costs vary by area, and if you live in a dense urban or suburban area, expect to pay more.
Burial insurance is a good way for seniors to cover their funeral, cremation, and burial plot costs ahead of time. Offering flexible, tax-free benefits up to $50,000 for as low as $30 per month, burial insurance is a great way to cover your family’s needs ahead of time.
As experts in burial insurance, Final Expense Benefits is here to help you find a great policy matching your budget and health needs. To learn more about your options, call us at (866) 786-0725 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or check our free online funeral cost calculator and quoting tool to see how much coverage you’ll need and how much it could cost.
FAQ
How much does a burial plot cost?
Average costs for burial plots in the United States are about $2,600, but this is just for the plot, without the casket, grave liner, and other necessary services. If you live in a pricey area or have specific funeral and memorial needs, your burial plot could cost over $10,000.
How do I purchase a burial plot?
Purchasing a burial plot involves directly contacting the desired cemetery, though pre-purchasing typically isn’t the most cost-effective way to cover burial plot costs. If you are managing a funeral for a loved one, a funeral director can help you purchase the burial plot.
What’s included in a burial plot?
When you purchase a burial plot, you’re only buying the right to be buried in that location along with some of the necessary burial services. Headstones, caskets, vaults, and memorial services are often sold separately.
Can I reserve a burial plot in advance?
You can reserve a specific burial plot in advance, but many funeral homes and cemeteries will require you sign a pre-paid funeral agreement to do so. These agreements can be costly, and a quality burial insurance policy may be a better way to cover your funeral needs.
Can I sell a burial plot?
You can sell a prepaid burial plot, but you’ll likely need to work with the cemetery to transfer ownership.
What is burial insurance?
Burial insurance is a low-cost type of whole life insurance designed to offer seniors accessible, affordable coverage. Average benefit payouts range from around $5,000 to $50,000, plenty to cover the cost of a burial plot.
How much does a funeral cost?
In 2025, average funeral costs in the U.S. are around $10,000, which is why most sample burial insurance quotes are for $10,000 policies. However, this estimate only accounts for costs for basic burial plot services, disregarding higher costs for fancy caskets or memorials. Check our free funeral cost calculator to see how much coverage you need.