What is the average cost of a basic funeral package?

Most families walk into a funeral home unprepared. They are grieving, exhausted, and operating under a strict time limit. In this environment, financial decisions are often made emotionally rather than logically.

This is a mistake.

Just as you wouldn’t sign a business contract without reading the terms, you shouldn’t approach funeral planning without understanding the baseline costs. The difference between knowing the numbers and guessing can cost a family thousands of dollars.

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reports that the national median cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial is approximately $7,848. When you add a vault—which most cemeteries require—that number rises to $9,420.

However, an “average” is just a statistic. To navigate this process effectively, you need to understand exactly where that money goes, what is mandatory, and where you have room to make strategic decisions.

This is your breakdown of the costs.

The Non-Negotiable: The Basic Services Fee

Every funeral home charges a non-declinable fee known as the Basic Services Fee. This is the only fee that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allows funeral providers to list as non-negotiable.

Think of this as the overhead for keeping the business operational. It covers:

• The availability of the funeral director and staff 24 hours a day.
• Securing necessary permits and death certificates.
• Coordinating with third parties like the cemetery or crematory.
• Overhead expenses like facility maintenance, insurance, and administrative costs.

Estimated Cost: $2,300 – $2,500

Regardless of how simple or elaborate the service is, this fee is the starting point. It establishes the professional relationship between the family and the funeral home.

Breaking Down the Physical Merchandise

Merchandise is where costs vary the most. This is also where families have the most control. In a high-pressure situation, it is easy to default to the first option presented. A better approach is to understand the range of options beforehand.

The Casket

Caskets are often the single most expensive item in a funeral package. Prices depend entirely on the material—bronze, copper, stainless steel, or wood.

Metal caskets are priced based on the thickness of the steel (gauge). Wood caskets vary based on the type of wood, from mahogany to pine.

You are not required to purchase a casket from the funeral home. Federal law allows you to source a casket from a third-party retailer, often at a significantly lower price point, without the funeral home charging a handling fee.

Estimated Cost: $2,500 (Metal) to $10,000+ (High-end wood or bronze)

The Outer Burial Container (Vault)

State laws rarely require a burial vault, but cemeteries almost always do. The vault is a concrete, steel, or plastic liner that prevents the ground from sinking as the earth settles over time. It preserves the integrity of the cemetery grounds.

While this is an operational requirement for the cemetery, it is a direct cost to you.

Estimated Cost: $1,572 (Average)

Service Fees and Preparation

Beyond the basic services fee, you pay for specific actions taken by the funeral staff. These are “a la carte” items. If you do not choose a specific service, you should not be charged for it.

Embalming

Embalming is not legally required in most cases, especially if burial or cremation happens shortly after death. However, most funeral homes require it if you plan to have a public viewing or open-casket visitation. It is a preservation technique meant to delay decomposition for the purpose of the service.

Estimated Cost: $775 – $800

Use of Facilities and Staff

If you hold a viewing or a funeral ceremony at the funeral home, you are renting their space and their personnel. These fees are broken down by event:

• Viewing/Visitation: Costs cover the use of the viewing room and staff supervision. ($450 – $500)
• Funeral Ceremony: Costs cover the use of the chapel and staff to conduct the service. ($500 – $550)
• Hearse: Transporting the deceased to the cemetery. ($350 – $400)
• Service Car/Van: Transporting flowers or equipment. ($150 – $175)

Burial vs. Cremation: The Price Impact

Many families are moving toward cremation. While personal preference plays a role, the financial incentives are clear.

The average cost of a funeral with viewing and cremation is approximately $6,970. This is lower than a traditional burial primarily because it eliminates the cost of the casket, the vault, and the cemetery plot.

Direct Cremation

For those seeking the most straightforward and cost-effective option, direct cremation is the industry standard. This process bypasses the viewing, the ceremony, and the embalming. The body is cremated shortly after death, and the remains are returned to the family.

This removes the majority of the service fees and merchandise costs.

Estimated Cost: $1,000 – $3,000

The Hidden Variable: Cash Advance Items

When reviewing a funeral package, you must account for “Cash Advance” items. These are goods and services the funeral home buys from third-party vendors on your behalf. They are billed to you at cost or with a disclosed markup.

Common cash advance items include:

• Obituary notices: Fees charged by newspapers.
• Clergy or Officiant honorarium: A donation for the person leading the service.
• Flowers: Arrangements for the casket and chapel.
• Death Certificates: Certified copies from the local health department (you will likely need 5–10 copies).
• Musicians: Organists or soloists.

These costs are variable and depend entirely on your specific choices, but they can easily add $500 to $2,000 to the final bill.

How to Execute a Cost-Effective Strategy

You don’t need to be an expert to manage funeral costs. You just need a system. Here is how to approach the financial side of funeral planning with the same discipline used in project management.

1. Request the General Price List (GPL)

The Funeral Rule, enforced by the FTC, guarantees your right to a General Price List. This document lists the price of every item and service offered. The funeral home must provide this to you when you ask about arrangements in person, and many now provide it online.

Do not accept a verbal “package price” without seeing the itemized breakdown. Compare the package against the individual items on the GPL to ensure the bundle actually offers value.

2. Distinguish Between Needs and Wants

Embalming, fancy caskets, and public viewings are choices, not requirements. If the goal is a respectful farewell without financial strain, challenge every line item.

• Is a sealed casket necessary?
• Is a viewing required, or can a memorial service be held later?
• Can the service be held at a place of worship to avoid facility rental fees?

3. Pre-Planning is Leverage

The best time to shop for a funeral is when you don’t need one. Pre-planning allows you to lock in prices and make clear-headed decisions without the fog of grief.

When you pre-plan, you dictate the budget. You choose exactly what you want—and more importantly, what you don’t want. You remove the burden of guessing from your family’s shoulders.

The Reality: Preparation Wins

Understanding the average cost of a basic funeral package isn’t about finding the “cheapest” route. It is about transparency and control.

The industry average is nearly $8,000, but your specific cost depends on your ability to navigate the options. By understanding the components—basic service fees, merchandise, and third-party charges—you can build a service that honors your loved one without compromising your financial future.

Don’t wait for a crisis to learn how this system works. Get the facts, understand the pricing, and make the decisions that align with your values and your budget.