The short answer
- In the NFDA’s 2023 price study, the median funeral with viewing and burial cost $8,300, or $9,995 with a burial vault. A funeral with viewing followed by cremation had a median of $6,280.
- Those burial numbers don’t include the cemetery: the plot, opening and closing the grave, and a headstone are usually billed separately.
- Direct cremation, with no viewing beforehand, is typically the lowest-cost option of all.
- You can have a meaningful service either way. Cost isn’t the only thing that matters, and there’s no wrong choice.
Choosing between burial and cremation is often the first big decision a family makes, sometimes within hours of a death. Faith, family tradition and what your loved one wanted come first. But money matters too, and the prices families see are rarely apples to apples. This guide lays out what each option actually includes, so you can compare honestly.
The national numbers
The most-cited figures come from the National Funeral Directors Association’s 2023 General Price List study. NFDA has not published newer medians, so these remain the standard benchmark. Prices in your area may be higher or lower.
| Option | NFDA 2023 national median | What it leaves out |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral with viewing and burial | $8,300 | Vault, cemetery plot, opening and closing, headstone |
| Funeral with viewing and burial, with vault | $9,995 | Cemetery plot, opening and closing, headstone |
| Funeral with viewing, then cremation | $6,280 | Urn upgrade, cemetery or niche if the urn is placed |
| Direct cremation (no viewing) | No NFDA median published | Usually the lowest total; compare on each provider’s price list |
Cremation is now the most common choice in the U.S. NFDA projected a 2025 cremation rate of 63.4%, compared with a burial rate of 31.6%.
Burial, line by line
A traditional burial is made of two separate bills: the funeral home’s and the cemetery’s. Families are often surprised by the second one.
| Item | Who charges it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic services of the funeral director | Funeral home | Non-declinable fee; NFDA 2023 median $2,459 |
| Embalming | Funeral home | NFDA 2023 median $845. Not required by law in most cases, though some funeral homes require it for a public viewing |
| Casket | Funeral home or third party | NFDA 2023 median for a metal casket $2,500. You may buy one elsewhere; the funeral home must accept it |
| Viewing, service, hearse | Funeral home | Each is priced separately on the General Price List |
| Burial vault or grave liner | Funeral home or cemetery | NFDA 2023 median $1,695. Often required by the cemetery, not by state law |
| Cemetery plot | Cemetery | Varies enormously by location |
| Opening and closing the grave | Cemetery | Often a significant charge, and may be higher on weekends; get it in writing |
| Headstone or marker | Monument company or cemetery | Plus a setting or installation fee |
Cremation, line by line
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Basic services of staff | Same non-declinable fee as burial |
| Transfer of the deceased | Ask about mileage limits |
| Alternative container | NFDA 2023 median $160. You never have to buy a casket for cremation |
| Cremation fee | NFDA 2023 median $400 when a funeral home uses a third-party crematory |
| Urn | A temporary container is included; a permanent urn is optional |
| Death certificates, permits | Often billed as cash advance items; how many you need |
| Viewing or service before cremation | Optional; this is the gap between $6,280 and a direct cremation |
For a full breakdown of what a direct cremation price should include, see How much does direct cremation cost?
Ways to keep either choice affordable
- Ask for the General Price List. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must give you an itemized price list in person and give prices by phone if you ask.
- Buy only what you want. Apart from the basic services fee, you can choose items individually instead of a package.
- Consider a memorial service after a direct cremation. It lets the family gather on its own schedule, at a church, a park or at home, without the cost of a viewing.
- Ask about urn burial. If being in a cemetery matters to your family, an urn plot or niche generally costs less than a full burial plot.
- Check for help. Veterans’ benefits, Social Security’s death payment and some state programs can help. See help paying for cremation.
It isn’t only about cost
Some faiths prefer or require burial. Some families find comfort in a graveside they can visit; others like being able to scatter ashes somewhere meaningful or keep them close. If you’re unsure, a good local funeral director will walk you through both without pressure. If anyone pushes you toward the more expensive option, that’s a reason to call someone else.
Frequently asked questions
Is cremation cheaper than burial?
Usually, yes. In the NFDA’s 2023 price study, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 before a vault, and $9,995 with one, compared with $6,280 for a funeral with viewing followed by cremation. Direct cremation, with no viewing or service, typically costs far less than either. Burial figures also leave out the cemetery plot, opening and closing, and a headstone.
What costs are not included in funeral home burial prices?
Cemetery charges are usually separate: the plot or crypt, opening and closing of the grave, the cemetery’s vault or liner requirement, and the headstone or marker with its installation fee.
Can you have a funeral and still choose cremation?
Yes. Many families hold a viewing or service first and then cremate, or hold a memorial service with the urn present after a direct cremation. The memorial-after option is usually the most affordable way to have both.
Can cremated remains be buried?
Yes. Many cemeteries offer urn plots, cremation gardens and columbarium niches, which generally cost less than a full-size burial plot. Ask the cemetery for its urn interment price and whether it requires an urn vault.
Sources
- FTC: The FTC Funeral Rule
- NFDA 2023 General Price List Study (reported by Connecting Directors)
- NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report
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