FYI: Latest Data on Funeral Costs
When collecting information from your client regarding retirement planning, wealth transfer, and life insurance for premature death, final expenses are always a factor of the equation. One component of that factor is the cost of the funeral. Below are the latest estimates on the cost of an average funeral for an adult in the United States.
| Item | Price* |
| Non-declinable basic services fee | $1,817 |
| Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home | $250 |
| Embalming | $628 |
| Other preparation of the body | $200 |
| Use of facilities/staff for viewing | $395 |
| Use of facilities/staff for funeral ceremony | $450 |
| Use of a hearse | $275 |
| Use of a service car/van | $125 |
| Basic memorial printed package | $125 |
| Subtotal without Casket: | $4,265 |
| Metal Casket | $2,295 |
| AVERAGE COST OF A FUNERAL | $6,560 |
| Vault | $1,195 |
| Total Cost of a Funeral with Vault | $7,755 |
Source: 2010 NFDA General Price List Survey. (Note: This survey is not conducted annually; 2009 is the most recent year for which NFDA has data, and does not include cemetery, monument/marker costs or miscellaneous cash advance charges such as for flowers or obituaries. Actual osts may vary in specific locations in the US from the above national averages.)
It is important to remember that funerals can involve more than the above listed charges, depending on family values and expectations. Many times catering and facility use for an after-ceremony event are part of the day’s activities. For planning purposes, therefore, I recommend considering a range of costs rather than a single figure: $6,000 to $15,000 would seem appropriate.
