The Average Cost of a Funeral: A Quick Guide

Planning a funeral is not something many people like to think about, and not many people plan for too far in advance. Just over 21% of consumers properly prepare for their funerals in advance. 

Because of this, a funeral cost may end up being a surprise hit to those loved ones unprepared for the financial burden. 

So, what is the average cost of a funeral? This guide will tell you that, plus what goes into that cost. 

Average Cost of a Funeral

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a typical funeral is $7,848. 

That average cost applies if you get the traditional casket. However, if you elect to get cremated, the average price goes down to $6,971. 

Cost Factors 

Looking at the figures above, you may be curious about what makes the cost that high for a typical funeral. Here are some of the factors that go into that average cost. 

Casket 

This is typically going to be your highest cost for a funeral, especially if you do not have a cremation. A normal casket can cost a couple of thousand dollars, but nicer ones can reach five figures. 

You also can get a cremation casket if you are going that route. While this is cheaper than a normal casket, you are still going to have to fork over some money for that. 

Funeral Home and Staff 

The next factor that you have to consider is where you are going to host the wake and/or funeral. Most people have at least a wake in a funeral home, and you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to rent that space plus another few hundred dollars to the staff that will be hosting it. 

Some people may elect to have a private cremation or burial to save money on this. 

However, this is typically one of the main places that you have to make funeral arrangements with. 

Mortuary Cosmetologist 

In simple terms, this is the person that puts makeup on someone who has passed to make them look presentable in an open casket for a wake or a funeral. Another factor with this is putting on the clothes that loved ones want them to wear for the funeral. 

This is typically about half of the price you would pay the funeral home staff. 

Transportation 

Finally, there is transportation for the closest loved ones from the funeral home to either the church or the cemetery. Most of the time, this is hiring a few small limos to take the core loved ones from one place to another as the funeral progresses. 

Typically, this would be about the same price as a cosmetologist assuming close distances. 

Plan Ahead for Funerals 

These are some of the factors that go into the average cost of a funeral. Read these carefully and make sure you plan ahead to avoid putting that burden on loved ones. 

For more related information, see our Lifestyle section.