How Much Does a Funeral Cost? Plus California Tips

The short answerNationally, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reported a 2023 median of $8,300 for a funeral with viewing and burial ($9,995 with a burial vault) and $6,280 for a funeral with viewing and cremation. Those figures leave out the cemetery plot, headstone, flowers and obituary. Prices in California vary widely by area and funeral home, so get local price lists.

What the national medians include

According to the NFDA 2023 General Price List Study, national median charges were:

Funeral with viewing and burial (no vault): $8,300
Same, with a burial vault: $9,995
Funeral with viewing and cremation: $6,280

These are national medians from 2023, not California quotes. Your local prices may be higher or lower.

Costs families often forget

Cemetery plot and opening/closing of the grave
Headstone or marker
Flowers, obituary and death certificates
Reception, family travel and time off work
Final medical bills and credit cards

Planning ahead

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must give you an itemized price list when you visit and ask, and share prices over the phone. In California, funeral homes with a website must also list their goods and services online and say that their price list is available on request. Decide what you'd want, call two or three local homes, and use that total to size a final expense policy. Your family then has cash ready instead of a bill.

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Common follow-up questions

Is cremation always cheaper?

Usually, but not always by as much as people think once a viewing, service or urn is added. Direct cremation with no service is typically the lowest cost.

Who pays for a funeral if there's no insurance?

Often the family, out of pocket or from savings. Some use credit cards or crowdfunding.

Can I get a price list before I need it?

Yes. Funeral homes are required to provide a general price list on request.

How much final expense coverage should I get?

Total your expected funeral cost plus final bills, then subtract savings set aside for it.

Sources

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How much does a funeral cost? Plus California tips.