Funeral Costs: How much does an average funeral cost?

by

Michael Testa, CPA

Many times youll people say that the average funeral costs around $6,000. However, that estimate is based on a price survey taken several years ago. Funeral prices, like everything else, have increased with inflation.

Today, the average North American traditional funeral costs between $7,000 and $10,000. This price range includes the services at the funeral home, burial in a cemetery, and the installation of a headstone. While cremation is gaining in popularity, the traditional funeral is still the most popular manner for disposing of the deceased.

Although funeral prices vary considerably between funeral homes and geographic areas of the country, here is a reasonable ballpark estimate of the main costs that are involved:

fee for the funeral directors services: $1,500

cost for a casket: $2,300

embalming: $500

cost for using the funeral home for the actual funeral service: $500

cost of a gravesite: $1,000

cost to dig the grave: $600

cost of a grave liner or outer burial container: $1,000

cost of a headstone: $1,500

In this example, total costs would approximate $9,000.and thats just for the main items. There could be additional charges for things like placing the obituary in the newspaper, buying flowers, and limousine rental. There could also be additional charges for prayer cards, use of the hearse, and a donation to the organist, soloist, or officiating clergy.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce the cost of funeral services to a more reasonable level. This is one area where a little bit of planning can make a big difference.

Michael Testa, CPA and funeral expense experthttp://www.funeral-tips.com

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