Free planning guide

What a funeral costs, and how families pay

A plain-English guide to planning ahead, so your family isn't left guessing.

By Shaunta Cain, licensed insurance agent · Updated October 2026

Download the free guide (PDF)

What a funeral usually costs

These are the national middle (median) prices from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). Half of funerals cost more, half cost less.

Source: NFDA, 2023 national median costs. Prices vary a lot by state, city and funeral home.

What is usually not in those numbers

The prices above are the funeral home's part. Families often pay these separately:

• Cemetery plot, and opening and closing the grave
• Headstone or grave marker
• Flowers, obituary notice, death certificates, and a meal or gathering after the service
• Travel for family coming from out of town

Add in final bills, like medical bills, a car note or credit cards, and the total a family faces can be much higher.

Your rights when you shop for a funeral

Under the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule, funeral homes must give you a written, itemized price list when you ask about arrangements in person, and tell you prices over the phone if you ask. You can choose only the items you want, and you can buy a casket or urn somewhere else.

How families pay for a funeral

Savings

Money set aside ahead of time. Works well if it's enough, and if family can reach it quickly.

Family splits it

Very common. Can be hard on relatives' budgets, and can strain relationships at a hard time.

Credit cards or loans

Fast, but adds interest and debt for the people left behind.

Online fundraising

Can help, but the amount raised is never certain.

Pre-paid funeral plan

Arranged and paid with a funeral home in advance. Ask what happens if you move or the funeral home changes owners.

Final expense life insurance

A smaller life insurance policy meant for these costs. The money goes to the person you choose, who can use it for the funeral, bills, or anything else. Learn about final expense insurance.

Five steps to plan ahead

1. Write down your wishes: burial or cremation, the kind of service, music, readings, and who should be told.
2. Get a price list from one or two funeral homes near you, so you know your real number.
3. Decide how it will be paid, using the options above.
4. Tell one person you trust where your plan and papers are kept.
5. Look at it again every few years, or after a move or a big life change.

Your planning checklist

• Burial or cremation
• Funeral home I prefer
• Type of service (church, graveside, memorial, private)
• Who should be called first
• Where my important papers are
• How the costs will be covered
• Who I've shared this plan with

Cost figures: National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), 2023 median costs. Funeral Rule: U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Coverage is subject to the terms and approval of the insurance company. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.