Funeral Costs

The cost of a funeral can vary, with the national average median ranging from $6,800 to $8,500. To provide transparency, in 1984, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), instituted a rule that ensures families are given a written, itemized price list when visiting a funeral home. The General Price List (GPL) lists the costs for all services and merchandise provided by the funeral home along with disclosure statements designed to protect consumers.

What Does a Funeral Cost?

According to the 2021 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Member GPL Study, the median cost of a funeral is $7,848. This cost has increased 6.6% over the past five years. For families interested in a funeral service accompanying a cremation, the median cost is $6,970, an increase of 11.3% over the past five years.

According to the study, average costs include the basic arrangement fee, the transfer of remains to the funeral home, embalming and other preparation of the body, a metal casket, use of facilities and staff for viewing and funeral ceremony, use of a hearse, use of a service vehicle, and a basic memorial printed package.

Traditional Funeral Costs

When arriving at a funeral home, families must be provided the General Price List to select the services and merchandise important to them. Funeral homes charge a basic services fee regardless of the specific arrangement. If a family selects a direct cremation or direct burial, the basic services fee is often part of this cost. The basic services fee generally includes the initial services of the funeral director or other staff, securing and filing necessary permits and paperwork, the arrangement conference, and coordination with the cemetery, crematory or other third parties.

Funeral homes also provide options for merchandise including caskets or urns, transportation, and optional services and additional merchandise including flowers, catering, music, stationery, and others. The costs for all of these services may vary.

Cost of Caskets and Urns

Similar to other costs, the cost of caskets and urns can vary. The average national median cost varies based on material, size, location and other variables. Below please find current estimates.

Rental casket: $995
Metal burial casket: $2,500
Wood burial casket: $3,000
Green burial casket: $1,500
Cremation casket: $1,310
Alternative cremation container: $150
Vault: $1,572
Urn: $295

* www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ftc-funeral-rule

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