Planning a funeral involves numerous considerations, including understanding the associated costs. This guide breaks down typical funeral expenses, highlights different disposition methods, and provides approximate costs in both the U.S. and Canada.
Basic Funeral Costs
Funeral homes charge various fees for their services. Here’s a look at common expenses that families encounter:
Funeral Home Fees
These fees cover basic services, such as coordinating the funeral, processing permits, and handling administrative tasks.
- United States: Approximately $2,500 USD
- Canada: Approximately $3,000 CAD
Viewing and Visitation Costs
A viewing or visitation allows family and friends to pay their respects. This service typically incurs additional charges.
- United States: $400 – $600 USD
- Canada: $500 – $700 CAD
Embalming and Body Preparation
Embalming may be necessary for an open-casket service. Other preparation includes dressing, cosmetics, and hairdressing.
- United States: $700 – $1,000 USD
- Canada: $800 – $1,200 CAD
Types of Disposition and Their Costs
Disposition methods have varying costs and environmental impacts. Here’s a closer look at traditional and alternative options:
Traditional Burial
Traditional burial includes embalming, a viewing or service, and interment in a casket within a burial plot.
- Cost Range:
- United States: $8,000 – $15,000 USD
- Canada: $9,000 – $18,000 CAD
Aquamation (Water Cremation)
Aquamation, also called alkaline hydrolysis, uses water and chemicals to break down the body in an eco-friendly way.
- Process: The body is placed in a stainless steel chamber where water and a chemical solution accelerate decomposition.
- Cost Range:
- United States: $2,000 – $4,000 USD
- Canada: $2,500 – $4,500 CAD
Green or Natural Burial
Green burials avoid embalming and use biodegradable caskets or shrouds, returning the body to the earth naturally.
- Cost Range:
- United States: $1,000 – $4,000 USD
- Canada: $1,200 – $5,000 CAD
Direct Cremation and Direct Burial
Direct cremation and direct burial are cost-effective alternatives to traditional methods.
Direct Cremation
This is the simplest form of cremation without embalming, viewings, or services.
- Process: The body is cremated shortly after death, and the ashes are returned to the family.
- Cost Range:
- United States: $1,000 – $3,000 USD
- Canada: $1,200 – $3,500 CAD
Direct Burial
Direct burial involves burying the body soon after death without a service or viewing.
- Process: The body is placed in a simple casket and buried without additional ceremonies.
- Cost Range:
- United States: $2,000 – $5,000 USD
- Canada: $2,500 – $6,000 CAD
Additional Funeral Expenses
Beyond basic services and disposition, several other costs can impact the total expense of a funeral:
Transportation Costs
Costs include moving the body to the funeral home or cemetery and using a hearse for the service.
- Hearse:
- United States: $300 – $500 USD
- Canada: $350 – $600 CAD
- Service Car or Van:
- United States: $150 – $300 USD
- Canada: $180 – $350 CAD
Memorial Products
Printed programs, guest books, and keepsakes are commonly used in services.
- Cost Range:
- United States: $100 – $300 USD
- Canada: $120 – $350 CAD
Flowers and Decorations
Floral arrangements enhance the ceremony but vary in cost depending on the type and volume.
- Cost Range:
- United States: $200 – $1,000 USD
- Canada: $250 – $1,200 CAD
Obituary Notices
Published in newspapers or online, obituary notices come at an additional cost.
- Cost Range:
- United States: $100 – $500 USD
- Canada: $120 – $600 CAD
Hidden or Overlooked Costs
There are other costs that may not be initially considered, such as:
- Death Certificates: Required for handling legal and financial matters. More info.
- United States: $10 – $25 USD per copy
- Canada: $20 – $40 CAD per copy
- After-Hours Fees: Additional charges for services outside regular business hours.
Ways to Save on Funeral Costs
Families looking to manage expenses can:
- Preplan and Prepay: Secure current rates by arranging and paying in advance.
- Simplified Services: Opt for direct cremation or burial without formal ceremonies.
- DIY Memorials: Create programs or guest books to cut costs.
- Alternative Venues: Hold memorials at home or community centers instead of a funeral home.
Notes on Funeral Cost Trends
Cremation rates continue to rise due to cost-effectiveness. Eco-friendly burials and technology-integrated services, such as live streaming, are also becoming popular as families seek affordable and environmentally conscious options.
Summary of Funeral Costs
| Expense Category | United States (USD) | Canada (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Service Fee | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| Viewing/Visitation | $400 – $600 | $500 – $700 |
| Embalming and Preparation | $700 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,200 |
| Traditional Burial | $8,000 – $15,000 | $9,000 – $18,000 |
| Aquamation | $2,000 – $4,000 | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Green/Natural Burial | $1,000 – $4,000 | $1,200 – $5,000 |
| Direct Cremation | $1,000 – $3,000 | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| Direct Burial | $2,000 – $5,000 | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Hearse Transportation | $300 – $500 | $350 – $600 |
| Printed Memorial Products | $100 – $300 | $120 – $350 |
| Floral Arrangements | $200 – $1,000 | $250 – $1,200 |
| Obituary Notices | $100 – $500 | $120 – $600 |
| Death Certificate (per copy) | $10 – $25 | $20 – $40 |
