The Cost of a Grave in Cemeteries Across the USA

Purchasing a grave in the U.S. involves several costs beyond the price of the plot itself. Many factors can influence the final expense, such as location, cemetery type, and additional services or fees that must be considered. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs involved in buying a grave in the U.S.

Breakdown of Costs

1. Grave Plot Price:

• Urban Areas: Urban cemetery grave plots are the most expensive due to limited space and higher demand. Prices can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the city.
• Suburban Areas: Suburban cemeteries typically offer lower prices than urban cemeteries. Plot prices here range from $2,000 to $6,000.
• Rural Areas: The most affordable option is found in rural cemeteries, where grave plots can cost between $1,000 and $3,500.

1. Interment (Opening and Closing Fees):

• Interment fees cover the cost of digging and filling the grave. These fees can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the cemetery and the type of burial. Some cemeteries also charge extra fees for weekend or holiday burials.

1. Grave Liners and Vaults:

• Many cemeteries require the use of a grave liner or burial vault to prevent the ground from sinking. A basic grave liner can cost around $700 to $1,000, while a burial vault may cost between $1,000 and $3,500. These are essential costs to consider when budgeting for a burial.

1. Monuments and Grave Markers:

• Grave markers and monuments vary in price based on the size, material, and design. A flat grave marker typically costs between $500 and $2,500. Larger headstones or more elaborate monuments can cost $3,000 or more.

1. Perpetual Care/Maintenance Fees:

• Many cemeteries charge a one-time fee for perpetual care or ongoing maintenance of the cemetery grounds. This fee can range from $200 to $1,500 and is sometimes included in the plot price.

1. Additional Costs:

• Administrative Fees: Some cemeteries charge administrative or document processing fees, which can range from $50 to $200.
• Transfer Fees: If a grave plot is sold to another person or transferred to a new owner, cemeteries may charge transfer fees, usually around $100 to $300.
• Gravesite Preparation: Special preparation of the grave or extra services like a tent or chairs for the burial service can add $100 to $500 to the total cost.

Table: Average Grave Costs in Major US Cities

City	Urban Cemetery (USD)	Suburban Cemetery (USD)	Rural Cemetery (USD)	Interment Fee (USD)	Grave Liners/Vaults (USD)	Marker/Monument (USD)	Perpetual Care (USD)
New York City, NY	$5,000 – $10,000	$3,500 – $6,000	$1,500 – $3,000	$1,000 – $1,500	$1,000 – $3,000	$2,000 – $4,000	$500 – $1,000
Los Angeles, CA	$4,000 – $9,000	$2,500 – $5,000	$1,200 – $3,000	$900 – $1,300	$1,000 – $2,500	$1,500 – $3,500	$400 – $900
Chicago, IL	$3,500 – $8,000	$2,000 – $4,500	$1,000 – $2,500	$800 – $1,200	$700 – $2,000	$1,200 – $3,000	$300 – $800
Houston, TX	$3,000 – $7,000	$2,000 – $4,000	$1,000 – $2,000	$600 – $1,100	$800 – $2,000	$1,000 – $2,500	$200 – $600
Miami, FL	$4,000 – $8,000	$2,500 – $5,000	$1,500 – $3,500	$700 – $1,200	$900 – $2,500	$1,500 – $3,200	$300 – $700
Seattle, WA	$4,500 – $9,500	$3,000 – $6,000	$1,800 – $3,200	$1,000 – $1,500	$1,200 – $3,500	$2,000 – $4,000	$400 – $1,000
Atlanta, GA	$3,500 – $7,000	$2,500 – $4,500	$1,200 – $2,800	$700 – $1,200	$800 – $2,500	$1,500 – $3,000	$400 – $900
Phoenix, AZ	$3,000 – $6,500	$2,000 – $4,000	$1,000 – $2,500	$600 – $1,100	$800 – $2,000	$1,200 – $2,800	$300 – $700
Boston, MA	$5,000 – $10,500	$3,000 – $6,000	$2,000 – $4,000	$900 – $1,300	$1,000 – $2,800	$1,800 – $3,500	$400 – $1,200
Denver, CO	$3,500 – $7,500	$2,500 – $5,000	$1,500 – $3,000	$700 – $1,200	$900 – $2,500	$1,500 – $3,000	$300 – $800
San Francisco, CA	$4,500 – $9,500	$3,000 – $6,000	$1,800 – $3,200	$1,000 – $1,500	$1,200 – $3,500	$2,000 – $4,000	$400 – $1,000
Dallas, TX	$3,500 – $7,500	$2,500 – $5,000	$1,500 – $3,000	$700 – $1,200	$900 – $2,500	$1,500 – $3,000	$300 – $800
Las Vegas, NV	$3,000 – $7,000	$2,000 – $4,000	$1,200 – $2,800	$600 – $1,100	$800 – $2,000	$1,200 – $2,800	$300 – $700
Philadelphia, PA	$4,000 – $8,500	$2,500 – $5,500	$1,800 – $3,500	$800 – $1,300	$1,000 – $3,000	$1,500 – $3,500	$400 – $900
Orlando, FL	$3,500 – $7,500	$2,500 – $4,500	$1,500 – $3,000	$700 – $1,200	$900 – $2,500	$1,500 – $3,000	$300 – $800
Nashville, TN	$3,000 – $6,500	$2,000 – $4,000	$1,000 – $2,500	$600 – $1,100	$800 – $2,000	$1,200 – $2,800	$300 – $700
San Diego, CA	$4,000 – $8,500	$2,500 – $5,000	$1,800 – $3,500	$900 – $1,300	$1,000 – $3,000	$1,500 – $3,500	$400 – $900
Detroit, MI	$3,500 – $7,000	$2,500 – $4,500	$1,200 – $2,800	$700 – $1,200	$800 – $2,500	$1,500 – $3,000	$400 – $900
Kansas City, MO	$3,000 – $6,500	$2,000 – $4,000	$1,200 – $2,800	$600 – $1,100	$800 – $2,000	$1,200 – $2,800	$300 – $700

See also:

• What to expect when you purchase a grave in the U.S.
• Cost of a grave in Canada