How Much Does a Funeral Really Cost in 2025?

July 6, 2025

What families need to know about the true cost of saying goodbye

Planning for the future isn’t just about saving money — it’s also about protecting your loved ones from unexpected expenses. And few costs hit harder or come more suddenly than funeral expenses.

At Safeguard Insurance Group, we help families prepare by offering final expense insurance — but first, it’s important to understand what those expenses really look like in today’s world.

So, how much does a funeral really cost in 2025?

⚰️ The Average Funeral Cost in 2025

According to industry data, the average traditional funeral with burial in the U.S. now costs between $9,000 and $15,000. This includes:

Funeral home services
Casket
Viewing and ceremony
Transportation
Gravesite and burial fees
Headstone

If you opt for cremation, the cost is slightly lower — typically ranging from $6,000 to $8,500, depending on services and location.

💬 “Most families are shocked when they see the bill. Final expense insurance helps ease that burden.”

🧾 Breakdown of Common Funeral Expenses

Item	Estimated Cost (2025)
Funeral Director Fees	$1,800 – $2,500
Embalming & Body Preparation	$700 – $1,000
Casket	$2,000 – $4,500
Viewing/Service Room Rental	$500 – $1,000
Hearse & Transport	$400 – $600
Burial Plot	$1,500 – $3,500
Headstone or Marker	$1,000 – $3,000
Cremation (if applicable)	$1,000 – $2,000

These costs can vary widely based on your city, cemetery fees, and personal preferences.

💸 What About Unexpected Costs?

Some expenses aren't included in the base price:

Flowers and obituary notices
Death certificate copies
Travel for family members
Estate legal fees
Medical bills not covered by Medicare

It’s easy for even a modest funeral to climb above $10,000 once everything is included.

🛡️ How Final Expense Insurance Can Help

Final Expense Insurance is designed to cover these exact costs — fast, with no hassle for your loved ones. A policy from Safeguard can provide $10,000 to $50,000 in coverage, usually with no medical exam required.

Your family gets the money directly and quickly, helping them avoid going into debt or dipping into emergency savings.

🤔 Can’t I Just Save the Money?

You could — but savings can be delayed in probate, frozen during estate disputes, or simply unavailable when your family needs it most. Final expense insurance pays out immediately, tax-free.