In the United States, funerals are a $20 billion business. 

Like everything else, the cost of funerals continues to increase. This may leave you wondering how much a funeral will cost you. The average funeral cost is determined by several factors, including the burial options. 

Here is what you need to know about the average funeral cost today. 

Average Cost 

The average funeral costs vary from state to state. The median price sits between $7,000 and $10,000. This price is for an average funeral with burial, including a coffin and viewing. 

Several items go into a funeral and burial, such as:

• Coffin or urn
• Viewing length
• Flowers 
• Musicians 
• Gravesite preparation
• Grave liners 
• Headstones

Each one of these items will cost money, and most of them cost over a thousand dollars. 

Cremation vs. Burial

You may hear that cremation is a cheaper option, as opposed to burial. In some states, that is true, but in others, it is not. In many places, the cost of a cremation and the average funeral cost is only separated by a couple of hundred dollars. 

There are cheaper options, but the quality of the service goes down with the price. Any type of traditional funeral service, whether cremated or burial, will still cost around $7,000 or more. 

Funeral Home vs. Church

If you use the funeral home for the service, you must pay for the time. It is not always true, but often a church will be cheaper. For those of certain religious faiths, this may not be an option. 

When you use a funeral home, you must pay for the funeral director’s time and staffing. This is why the length of service will determine the cost. 

Gravesite Cost

The costs of the gravesite can vary depending on where the burial occurs. Gravesites in larger, more urban areas can go for thousands of dollars. In lower-population, rural areas, gravesites can be under $1,000. 

Coffins and Urns

The single largest expense when it comes to a funeral service is the coffin. Average costs for a coffin can run into the thousands. The more elaborate the coffin, the more you can expect to pay for it. 

Metal coffins are cheaper than wooden ones. Urns also vary depending on the material and workmanship of the vessel. 

Affording a Funeral

It can be difficult to afford a funeral. The younger and more unexpected the death, the more difficult it will be. Burial insurance can help defray the cost of the service. 

Having peace of mind when a loved one dies that you can give them a proper service is worth more than money. 

Average Funeral Cost

With the average funeral cost reaching nearly $10,000, it is more important to prepare than ever before. Give your loved one the funeral they deserve and have a service that honors them. Burial insurance can make a huge difference in how you handle the death of your loved one. 

If you want to discuss the costs and benefits of burial insurance, contact us.