How much does a funeral cost?
The median price of a funeral with burial and viewing was $7,848 in 2021, according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). Funeral costs can vary depending on where you live and the services you choose. Plus, you may have other final expenses such as your last medical bills and your burial or cremation costs. The following burial expenses calculator can help you estimate your own or a loved one's funeral costs so you can start setting aside funds or determining your burial insurance costs accordingly.
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Estimating funeral and burial costs
There are many different factors that go into the cost of a funeral, including the services of the funeral home, the type of casket or urn, and the gathering after the funeral service. Here's a breakdown of the more expensive aspects of a funeral, as reported by the NFDA in 2021:
| Service or item | National median cost |
|---|---|
| Basic services fee | National median cost$2,300 |
| Embalming | National median cost$775 |
| Facilities/staff for funeral ceremony | National median cost$515 |
| Hearse | National median cost$350 |
| Burial vault | National median cost$1,572 |
| Metal burial casket | National median cost$2,500 |
| Wood burial casket | National median cost$3,000 |
| Green burial casket | National median cost$1,500 |
| Cremation casket | National median cost$1,310 |
If you want to cover these expenses for your loved ones, consider getting a quote for final expense insurance after using this calculator as a guide for how much coverage you'd need. Final expense, or burial insurance, is typically affordable. Burial insurance policies through eFinancial start at $63 per month for policies with coverage amounts ranging from $5,000 to $40,000, with a quick and easy approval process. Learn more about burial insurance.
Cost of cremation vs. burial
Cremation may cost less than a burial. The national median cost of a funeral with cremation was $6,971 in 2021, according to the NFDA. That's nearly a $1,000 less than a funeral with burial, which had a median cost of $7,848 in 2021.
Funeral costs calculator
Use our funeral costs calculator* to determine how much you or your loved ones might expect to cover for funeral and burial or cremation services. Some of the calculator fields account for the average cost per service across the country. You can adjust those costs using a rate you've already researched in your area or one a provider has quoted you. The ultimate design of the ceremony will depend on your preferences, culture, and any religious requirements, and the calculator includes common rites and offerings you can input as a starting point.
Once you've filled out each section, the funeral cost calculator will highlight which aspects of the funeral will be your most expensive considerations, including professional services, facilities and staff services, transportation, merchandise, or other services.
*This calculator is for illustrative and educational purposes only. Its accuracy and applicability to your circumstances is not guaranteed. You may wish to consult your own advisor regarding your particular circumstances.
If you're planning to get life insurance that can cover your final expenses plus other costs for your loved ones, keep your final expenses calculation open and use it to complete the life insurance calculator next. This will give you an estimate of how much life insurance coverage you may need. You may wish to consult your financial advisor to determine if this estimate makes sense for your particular circumstances.
How to get final expense insurance through Progressive
You can start your final expense insurance quote online or call 1-866-912-2477 to speak with a licensed Progressive Life by eFinancial representative who will guide you through everything.
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