Navigating the inevitable burden of death and its associated costs can be overwhelming. If you’re considering buying life insurance, it’s important to first understand the financial responsibility your family will take on after you pass away.
First and foremost, you should learn how much the average funeral costs. Chances are, it’s probably a lot more than you think. The good news, however, is that funeral expenses can be made more affordable based on various factors and with the help of life insurance.
How much does the average funeral cost?
In 2023, the national median cost of a funeral in the U.S. is $7,360. In general, most people can expect to pay anywhere between $7,000 and $9,000 for a funeral.
Funeral Costs by State
Just as living expenses and income levels can vary from state to state, so do funeral costs.
● Highest Funeral Cost: Hawaii $14,975
● Lowest Funeral Cost: Mississippi $6,684
Variables That Affect Funeral Costs
Many factors influence the cost of a funeral, including the deceased’s final wishes (burial or cremation) and what special touches the surviving family members decide to include.
Coordination of Funeral Arrangements
Funeral directors are licensed professionals, and like any licensed professional, their services come with a cost. This typically includes fees for coordinating the funeral service, preparing necessary documents, handling the deceased, and other related tasks.
Type of Funeral Service and Location
Funeral services range from simple memorials to full public events. If you choose to do a simple memorial, you likely won’t have to pay for additional services, such as limousine transportation or private family viewing.
Additionally, where you choose to hold the funeral or memorial determines how much the event will cost. For example, each funeral home has its own set of fees for hosting the service, including the use of the staff and decorations. On the other hand, the costs may be significantly reduced if you use your local church or hold a memorial at someone’s home.
Transportation of the Deceased
Most funeral homes charge for transporting the deceased from the place where they passed away to their facility. If this involves traveling across states, there may also be air shipment costs.
Care of the Deceased
Embalming is often necessary to preserve the deceased’s appearance. While it may not be mandatory, it is highly recommended if there will be a public viewing. In such cases, funeral homes may also offer cosmetic preparation services such as hair treatment, make-up application, and dressing the body in new clothes. These preparations aim to present the deceased in the best way possible.
Type of Burial
There is a big cost difference between being buried and cremation. With a burial, there are expenses for the cemetery plot, the burial procedure, a casket, a grave liner, etc. While cremations are generally less expensive, they also require extras such as a cremation casket, urn, etc.
Cost of Cremation, Headstones, Flowers, and Caskets
When planning a funeral, you’ll get the most accurate estimates by calculating the average costs of each item you’ll need. The following are the typical prices you can expect. It is worth noting that, according to the Federal Trade Commission’s “Funeral Rule,” you have the right to only select and pay for necessary goods and services.
How much does a casket cost?
Traditional wood or fiberboard caskets typically cost approximately $2,000. However, some luxury models made of mahogany, bronze, or copper can go for as high as $10,000.
How much is a headstone?
Basic headstones that lie flat on the ground generally start around $599. The more ornate upright headstones start around $1,900 and increase in price depending on the size, shape, and material. Remember that the more personalized the engraving, the higher the cost.
What is the cost of cremation?
If you separate the cost of cremation from the other funeral expenses, the average price is $2,183 and can vary from state to state.
How much do funeral flowers cost?
Funeral flowers vary between $100 and $600 depending on the provider and the bouquet size. The type of arrangement, such as a casket spray (i.e., cascading assortment placed on top of the casket) or a standing easel display, can also be a variable in the price.
What other costs should I expect?
One of the biggest expenses of having a funeral is the charges by the funeral home itself. In addition to the funeral service and facility use, funeral homes also bill for all the behind-the-scenes work of transporting the body, embalming, and preparing the legal paperwork. Expect this fee to be around $2,300.
Funeral Expense FAQs
Here are a few commonly asked questions about funeral costs.
How much does a funeral cost in Texas?
In Texas, the average funeral cost is $7,103.
How much does a funeral cost in California?
In California, the average funeral cost is $11,777.
How can I prepare for funeral expenses?
Whenever possible, you can prepare for funeral expenses by prepaying them in advance. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to consider purchasing a life insurance policy that can be used to cover these costs.
What is the cheapest funeral option?
In most states, a direct cremation will be the cheapest option. For those who wish to be buried instead, there is a comparable service called a direct burial. Similar to direct cremation, this option is inexpensive because it skips common services like embalming and holding a funeral ceremony. The deceased is also buried in a simple wooden casket which helps to reduce the cost.
Wildcard: How much did Queen Elizabeth’s funeral cost?
The cost of funerals differs, with the most extravagant ones reaching upwards of $15,000. However, there are instances when a funeral costs much more than that. Take Queen Elizabeth, for example. According to a report from the House of Commons, while lying in state, the Queen Mother’s bill was $954,000. On top of that, the security detail for her ceremony cost an additional $5 million. It’s safe to say that Queen Elizabeth’s funeral was a grand affair – and an expensive one at that!
Are you financially ready?
Undoubtedly, the cost of a funeral service can pose a significant financial burden. Unless someone plans ahead and takes steps to prepay for these services in advance, the surviving family members will be left with trying to figure out how to pay for it all.
Instead of leaving your family with this hardship, you can ensure that all of your funeral costs will be covered by buying a life insurance policy. Even if you’re older and have been turned down by other providers, you may still qualify for a final expense life insurance policy. Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance policy that covers common end-of-life costs. The death benefits are not only used for funeral and burial costs but also for outstanding medical bills or legal costs.
Luckily, final expense insurance is easy to get. At Principled Life, finding a plan that fits your life is our number one priority. Contact us today to see if final expense insurance is the right option for you and your family.
