Cost, plainly
How much does a burial cost?
A full-service burial is usually the most expensive option, because it brings several separate costs together. Here is what to expect, and why the range is wide.
Burial (full service + plot)
$8,000–$12,000
Typical 2026 range
These are commonly cited 2026 estimates, gathered to give you a sense of scale. Real prices vary widely by region, by provider, and by the choices you make. They are not a quote. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, any provider must give you an itemized price list when you ask.
What goes into the total
A burial price is really several prices added together: the funeral home’s professional services, a casket, a cemetery plot, opening and closing the grave, often a burial vault the cemetery requires, and a headstone or marker. Any one of these can be modest or costly, which is why two burials can differ by thousands of dollars.
Ask each provider for an itemized list and compare the lines, not just the totals. You are allowed to take your time, and you are allowed to say no to anything you do not want.
Create a memorial in their name
However you choose to lay them to rest, you can begin their obituary and memorial here — free, and in a few minutes.
Common questions
- What does a full-service burial include?
- A full-service burial usually combines the funeral home's services, a casket, a viewing or service, a cemetery plot, opening and closing the grave, and a grave marker. Each of those is a separate cost, which is why the total covers a wide range.
- Why is burial more expensive than cremation?
- Burial adds costs that cremation does not: a casket, a cemetery plot, a burial vault if the cemetery requires one, and a headstone. Together these often make a traditional burial several times the cost of a direct cremation.
- Can I buy only some of the services?
- Yes. The FTC Funeral Rule gives you the right to an itemized price list and the right to choose only what you want. You are not required to buy a full package to receive any single service.