Funeral Costs and Pricing

March 22, 2023

The Average Cost of a Funeral with Viewing and Burial

Total funeral costs will vary based on the funeral home you choose as well as location. You can expect to see funeral price variations by city and state. Most importantly, funeral costs will reflect your personal choices and the final funeral arrangements you make.

According to the most recent data from the National Funeral Directors Association, the median funeral cost with viewing and burial is $7,181. It’s important to know what’s included in that amount and what isn’t.

Here’s a list of what’s included in those funeral costs:

Basic services fee: $2,000

These fees are nondeclinable as they cover the professional services and overhead charges for the funeral home.

Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home: $310

Typically, this fee is based on the transfer of the remains in a local area or specific mile radius. Additional mileage charges may apply for transfer of remains outside the defined area.

Embalming: $695

Embalming is the preserving of human remains by treating them to slow the decomposition of the body. Except in certain special cases when the deceased is not to be buried or cremated within a certain time period, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing.

Other preparation of the body: $250

These charges are for casketing, cosmetology, dressing and grooming the deceased. Additional charges may apply for body preparation and care after an autopsy.

Use of facilities/staff for viewing: $420

If you use the funeral home visitation room for a viewing or wake, there is charge for using the facility as well as staffing for the event.

Use of facilities/staff for funeral or memorial service: $495

If you use the funeral home chapel for a funeral service, there is charge for using the facility as well as staffing for the event.

Hearse: $318

The cost of transporting the deceased to the cemetery for a burial is based on a specific mile radius. Additional mileage charges may apply and there are separate charges for other vehicle usage such as limousine service.

Service car/van: $143

Basic memorial printed package: $155

This typically includes printed prayer cards and the register book.

Metal casket: $2,395

Caskets are one of the most expensive items in a funeral package. Prices vary by style and material.

What’s not included in these funeral costs: the cemetery plot or mausoleum fee, the clergy honorarium, flowers, vault or grave liner often required by the cemetery to ensure against the burial plot caving in, the opening and closing of the grave and the memorial marker or gravestone.