Burial vs. Cremation

Typical Costs

• Basic burial (no frills)$7,000 – $10,000
• Average full funeral + burial$10,000 – $15,000
• Cemetery plot$1,000 – $4,000
• Headstone / grave marker$1,000 – $3,000
• Opening & closing of grave$500 – $1,500

Considerations For

• ✓ Traditional — familiar to many families and faith communities
• ✓ Provides a permanent physical place to visit
• ✓ More time for viewing and visitation before burial

Considerations Against

• — Generally the most expensive option
• — Ongoing cemetery maintenance fees may apply
• — Requires purchasing a plot in advance or at time of need

Typical Costs

• Direct cremation (no service)$700 – $2,500
• Cremation with memorial service$2,500 – $6,000
• Cremation with funeral service$4,000 – $8,000
• Urn (basic to ornate)$50 – $500+
• Columbarium niche (optional)$1,000 – $3,000

Considerations For

• ✓ Significantly lower cost in most cases
• ✓ More flexibility — no immediate time pressure for a service
• ✓ Remains can be kept, buried, scattered, or divided among family

Considerations Against

• — May conflict with some religious beliefs or traditions
• — No physical gravesite unless ashes are interred
• — Some families find it harder to achieve closure without a body present