Last Updated on: May 20, 2024
Reviewed by Kyle Wilson
Funeral costs in the United States of America are rising daily. You may have to pay around $9,420 for the typical funeral, which includes the burial service, visitation, and vault. On the other hand, cremation comes with a $6,970 medical expense that covers the viewing and funeral.
Therefore, if someone does burial in an emergency, a funeral may cost too much , and whenever the body is buried right away without funeral service it’s known as direct burial. While the average cost of a direct cremation is $2,183, the average cost of a direct burial may be around $2,597.
As mentioned already these types of expenses depend on state, insurance service provider and services we avail. Here, you may get a fast estimate of the price of cremation and burial in several US states.
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The typical funeral expenditures, including the cost of a vault, come to around $10,000, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. But at about $6,970, cremation is less expensive.
Here is an estimate of several states of America for burial and cremation costs. We also try to cover the costs of direct burial and direct cremation. Let’s have a look!
| State | Burial Cost | Cremation Cost | Direct Burial | Direct Cremation |
| Alaska | $7,225 | $6,028 | $3,104 | $1,935 |
| California | $7,225 | $6,028 | $3,441 | $1,582 |
| Arkansas | $7,334 | $6,405 | $3,264 | $1,671 |
| Arizona | $6,888 | $5,694 | $3,203 | $1,430 |
| Alabama | $7,271 | $6,314 | $3,838 | $2,016 |
| Connecticut | $7,881 | $7,069 | $4,815 | $3,150 |
| Colorado | $6,888 | $5,694 | $3,637 | $1,683 |
| Delaware | $7,800 | $7,070 | $4,452 | $2,616 |
| District Of Columbia | $7,881 | $7,069 | $4,641 | $2,149 |
| Florida | $7,800 | $7,070 | $3,994 | $1,683 |
| Georgia | $$7,800 | $7,070 | $3,931 | $1,918 |
| Hawaii | $7,225 | $6,028 | $3,400 | $1,547 |
| Illinois | $7,868 | $6,953 | $4,095 | $2,551 |
| Idaho | $6,888 | $5,694 | $3,407 | $1,700 |
| Indiana | $7,868 | $6,953 | $4,003 | $2,284 |
| Iowa | $8,500 | $7,560 | $4,611 | $2,992 |
| Kentucky | $7,271 | $6,314 | $3,595 | $2,022 |
| Kansas | $8,500 | $7,560 | $4,152 | $2,525 |
| Louisiana | $7,334 | $6,405 | $3,979 | $2,283 |
| Maine | $7,881 | $7,069 | $4,237 | $2,347 |
| Maryland | $7,800 | $7,070 | $4,395 | $2,426 |
| Michigan | $7,868 | $6,953 | $3,782 | $2,245 |
| Minnesota | $8,500 | $7,560 | $4,655 | $2,914 |
| Massachusetts | $7,881 | $7,069 | $4,330 | $2,696 |
| Missouri | $8,500 | $7,560 | $3,792 | $1,845 |
| Mississippi | $7,271 | $6,314 | $3,801 | $1,986 |
| Montana | $6,888 | $5,694 | $3,898 | $2,478 |
| Neveda | $6,888 | $5,694 | $3,772 | $1,428 |
| Nebraska | $8,500 | $7,560 | $4,274 | $2,969 |
| New Jersey | $8,093 | $7,463 | $4,181 | $2,505 |
| New Hampshire | $7,881 | $7,069 | $4,123 | $2,176 |
| New York | $8,093 | $7,463 | $3,803 | $2,391 |
| New Mexico | $6,888 | $5,694 | $3,553 | $1,940 |
| North Carolina | $7,800 | $7,070 | $3,585 | $1,914 |
| North Dakota | $8,500 | $7,560 | $4,258 | $3,183 |
| Oklahoma | $7,334 | $6,405 | $3,681 | $2,141 |
| Ohio | $7,868 | $6,953 | $3,729 | $2,045 |
| Oregon | $7,225 | $6,028 | $3,188 | $1,264 |
| Pennsylvania | $8,093 | $7,463 | $4,076 | $2,456 |
| Rhode Island | $7,881 | $7,069 | $4,039 | $2,615 |
| South Dakota | $8,500 | $7,560 | $3,964 | $2,826 |
| South Carolina | $7,800 | $7,070 | $3,711 | $1,937 |
| Texas | $7,334 | $6,405 | $3,988 | $2,108 |
| Tennessee | $7,271 | $6,314 | $3,570 | $1,933 |
| Utah | $6,888 | $5,694 | $3,455 | $1,625 |
| Virginia | $7,800 | $7,070 | $3,895 | $2,457 |
| Vermont | $7,881 | $7,069 | $3,823 | $2,295 |
| Washington | $7,225 | $6,028 | $3,342 | $1,460 |
| Wisconsin | $7,868 | $6,953 | $4,328 | $2,862 |
| West Virginia | $7,800 | $7,070 | $3,706 | $2,257 |
| Wyoming | $6,888 | $5,694 | $3,854 | $2,533 |
Various services are considered in the overall cost of the funeral. Here are some of the most common ones:
Based on one’s preferences, you may also have to count these expenses to the final cost:
1- Cemetery Plots ($3,581): The cremation plot’s cost may vary as it depends on the region or state of the country. Along with this, the price also depends on the specifics of the cemetery, its location, and the size of a burial plot.
2- Grave Markers and Headstones ($2,000): An affordable expectation for a headstone may cost about $500 to $3,000. However, plain, flat grave markers typically cost hundreds of dollars instead of thousands.
3- Flowers ($70): Typically, it may cost you about $50 to $80. In addition, special arrangements can cost you various hundred dollars.
Cremation services may cost you less on average as compared to burial, and the difference isn’t much between them. A study by the NFDA estimates a median cost of $7,848 for a funeral with viewing and burial services and $6,970 for viewing and cremation.
Moreover, some states demand to include a burial vault to protect the casket making burial services more expensive.
The cost of a viewing or memorial service increases the costs of both burial and cremation. On the other hand, if someone chooses direct burial or direct cremation, that doesn’t include any event or memorial service, he has to spend much less. For instance, a direct cremation may cost you about $2,500.
Getting a life insurance plan for funeral expenses is the best way to ensure that your family will not be left with hefty bills. In this way, you can arrange your funeral and give your loved ones financial protection in an already tough time.
Funeral expenses are costly, but aside from them, there are some other costs related to death that you have to consider. Otherwise, all of these expenses are to be managed by your loved ones after your death. In that way, your family will be left with bills from end-of-life care. Moreover, they also have to pay daily life bills and expenses that you may have covered for them.
Read More: (Final Expense Insurance)
Having life insurance like funeral or burial insurance for your final expenses would be beneficial as it will pay a lump sum amount to the aligned beneficiaries. This amount can be used however your family members want to. However, the turnaround time to get the death benefit is pretty short, as sometimes within a week of filing a claim, the beneficiary gets the amount.
With the right coverage of the insurance plan, your family can use the payout to finance your funeral and final expenses. If you opt for enough coverage, the death benefit would also cover some other expenses like medical bills, debts, or daily routine expenses.
Funeral expenses can often come as an unexpected burden during a difficult time. However, with careful planning and consideration, it’s possible to reduce these costs without compromising the dignity and respect of your loved one. In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies to help alleviate the financial strain associated with funerals.
Planning ahead can significantly lower funeral costs and ease the burden on your family members. Here are some pre-planning options to consider:
Many funeral homes offer prepaid funeral plans, allowing you to pay for your funeral services in advance at today’s prices. By locking in the cost, you can avoid inflation and potentially save thousands of dollars in the long run.
Funeral insurance, also known as burial insurance or final expense insurance, is specifically designed to cover funeral expenses. These policies typically have lower premiums and are easier to qualify for compared to traditional life insurance.
Donating your body to medical research is a noble option that not only reduces funeral costs but also contributes to scientific advancements. Research organizations often cover the cost of transporting the body and may provide a free cremation or burial after the study is complete.
Traditional burials can be expensive due to the cost of caskets, embalming, and cemetery plots. Consider these alternative options to reduce funeral costs:
Cremation is generally more affordable than a traditional burial. You can opt for a direct cremation without a funeral service, or choose a simple memorial service followed by cremation. Additionally, cremated remains can be kept in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or divided among family members, eliminating the need for a burial plot.
Natural or green burials are environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional burials. They involve burying the body without embalming or using biodegradable caskets or shrouds. Natural burial grounds often have lower fees compared to conventional cemeteries, making them a cost-effective option.
Home funerals, where the deceased is cared for and prepared for burial or cremation at home by family members, can significantly reduce expenses. Families can purchase a simple casket or build one themselves, eliminating the need for expensive funeral home services.
Don’t hesitate to shop around and compare prices from different funeral homes and service providers. Here’s how you can save by comparison shopping:
Many funeral homes offer pre-packaged funeral plans, but these may include services you don’t need. Ask for an itemised price list and customise the funeral arrangements to fit your budget.
You can purchase caskets, urns, and other funeral products from online retailers at a fraction of the cost charged by funeral homes. Make sure to check the quality and return policy before making a purchase.
Mostly Govts Subsidise or help through organisation in whole funeral process for the low income families you can ask you nearby area head or govt department about these services,
Low income families reduce funeral costs by searching for different offers by the government. You can reduce funeral costs without sacrificing the dignity and respect of your loved one’s final farewell. Planning ahead and being proactive can alleviate financial stress during a challen funeral ging time, allowing you to focus on honouring the memory of your loved one.
Senior Writer & Licensed Life Insurance Agent
Iqra is a dynamic and insightful senior writer with a passion for life insurance and financial planning. With over 8 years of hands-on experience in the insurance industry, Iqra has earned a reputation for delivering clear, actionable advice that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their financial future. At Burial Senior Insurance, she not only excels as a licensed insurance agent but also as a trusted guide who has successfully advised over +1500 clients, helping them navigate the often complex world of life insurance and annuities. Her articles have been featured in top-tier financial publications, making her a respected voice in the industry.
Burial Senior Insurance provides information and services related to burial insurance for senior citizens, including policy options and end-of-life support services.
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