The Average Cost of a Traditional Funeral

The total cost of a funeral depends heavily on location, the type of service chosen, and personal preference. On average, a traditional burial with a viewing and funeral service runs a little over $7,500. Here’s a breakdown of what typically makes up that total:

• Funeral director’s basic services: around $2,086
• Transfer of the deceased to the funeral home: around $368
• Embalming: around $755
• Preparation of the body: around $260
• Viewing: around $462
• Funeral service: around $545
• Hearse: around $350
• Utility vehicle or flower car: around $190
• Casket: around $2,500

What’s Not Included

Beyond these core costs, several other expenses depend on personal preference or cultural tradition:

• Obituary notices: roughly $200 to $500
• Flower arrangements: roughly $300 to $500
• Memorial print packages: roughly $150 to $200
• Musicians: cost varies
• Cemetery costs: roughly $4,000 to $6,000

These figures represent typical ranges, but actual costs can vary quite a bit depending on the specific choices made, whether you’re planning for a loved one now or pre-planning your own arrangements in advance.

Ways to Help Cover the Cost

It’s worth talking with a funeral director about payment options and financing plans that can help spread out the cost. Funeral professionals can also walk you through how life insurance or dedicated funeral insurance policies can be used to pay for services, and can point you toward financial or social assistance programs available to families who need extra support.