Burial & Final Expense Cost Estimator
Estimate the cost of a funeral, burial or cremation, and how much insurance you need to leave for final expenses.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a funeral actually cost?
The 2024 national average is $9,480 for a traditional funeral with viewing and burial, according to NFDA. Add a cemetery plot ($2,000-10,000) and headstone ($1,000-5,000) and the total is easily $15,000+. Direct cremation without any service is $1,500-3,500.
Do I need burial insurance?
If you have $10,000+ in liquid savings earmarked for this, no. If you don't, a small whole life or final-expense policy ($10k-$25k) can give your family peace of mind and avoid financial stress at an emotional time. Shop around — final expense policies vary a lot.
What's a 'pre-need' funeral plan?
Pre-need plans let you lock in prices at today's rates and make payments over time. They're regulated by state insurance departments but have a bad reputation for sales tactics. If you consider one, get a price list first, understand all fees, and make sure you can cancel if you change your mind.
About the Burial & Final Expense Cost Estimator
Estimate the cost of a funeral, burial or cremation, and how much insurance you need to leave for final expenses. The tool runs entirely in your browser, so nothing you enter is uploaded or stored.
How to use the Burial & Final Expense Cost Estimator
- Service type — enter your service type.
- Location tier — enter your location tier.
- Cemetery plot (if burial) — enter your cemetery plot.
- Headstone / marker — enter your headstone / marker.
Last updated — insurance rates and factors change over time, so always confirm with the current source.
Estimates for general information only, not insurance advice — see our disclaimer.