What's the Average Cost of Cremation vs. Burial?

Use the free tool — Funeral Cost Compare

Cremation or Burial: Why There's No Single "Average" Number

Every price list looks different. The total depends on what you choose, what your state requires, and which funeral home you use. This guide does not include specific dollar figures, because none were provided in the source material used to build it. What it can tell you is your rights, what's typically required, and what's typically optional — so you can compare your own quote against those facts.

What the Law Says You Can Do

The FTC Funeral Rule (16 CFR Part 453) gives you the right to an itemized price list and to buy only what you want. Nothing is required except what the law says. A funeral home cannot force you to buy a package if you only want certain items.

You can ask for the General Price List at any time, and the funeral home must give it to you.
You can pick items one by one instead of accepting a bundled package.
You can decline items you don't want, in writing if needed.

What's Usually Required vs. Optional

The FTC Funeral Rule sets your basic rights, but state law can add requirements on top of it. For example:

Embalming — often not required by federal law. Some states require it only in certain circumstances. Ask whether it's legally required for your situation or simply offered as an option.
Container or casket type — a specific type of container may be required by state law in some cases, especially for cremation or burial in certain cemeteries. Ask what your state and cemetery actually require.

Because these rules vary, always confirm the specific requirement with the funeral director or check with your state's regulating agency.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign

"May I see your General Price List?"
"Is this item required by law, or is it optional?"
"What is the typical price range for this item in this area?"
"I'd like to decline this item — please remove it from the total."

You have the right to ask these questions and to get a straight answer. If a charge isn't clearly explained, ask again before you sign anything.

What to Do Next

Paste your own General Price List or quote into the free tool. Say whether you're considering burial or cremation, and the county. You'll see what's required, what's optional, what's typical for comparison, and the exact words to decline an item — before you sign. This is a free first check. It is not legal advice, and prices vary by area — confirm specifics with the funeral director, who must give you a General Price List on request, or with a professional if you have legal concerns.

Use the free tool

Funeral Cost Compare is an informational tool based on the FTC Funeral Rule (16 CFR Part 453) and published national price surveys. It is not legal advice; state law may add requirements (for example, when embalming or a container is required). Price ranges are typical and vary by region. It is not affiliated with any funeral home, cemetery or association.