How much does a funeral cost?

The NFDA's most recent published study (2023) put the median at $8,300 with viewing and burial and $6,280 with viewing and cremation, funeral-home goods and services only. Cemetery, marker, flowers and obituaries are typically separate.

Does Social Security pay for a funeral?

It pays a one-time $255 lump-sum death payment to an eligible surviving spouse or child. Nothing more.

Can my family use any funeral home?

Yes. The policy pays cash to your beneficiary, not to a funeral home. The FTC Funeral Rule gives you the right to an itemized price list and to buy only the services you want.

The numbers

What A Funeral Costs In The United States

The medians, what they leave out, and the one payment Social Security makes.

NFDA Medians (2023 Study)

Viewing and burial$8,300

Viewing and cremation$6,280

Social Security lump-sum death payment$255

NFDA 2023 General Price List Study; NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report; SSA Handbook §428. Medians cover funeral-home goods and services; cemetery plot, opening, marker, flowers and obituaries are typically billed separately.

What The Median Leaves Out

Cemetery plot, opening and closing, vault
Monument or marker
Flowers, obituary notices, clergy
Travel for family, a reception
Final medical bills and a month of household bills

That is why the amount you need is usually more than the median — the planner adds it up in a minute.

Plan My Amount

Cremation Is Now The Majority

Share of U.S. deaths ending in cremation, NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report (63%). Write your wish down; a policy pays cash either way.

Your Rights At The Funeral Home

The FTC Funeral Rule requires an itemized General Price List and lets you buy only the goods and services you want. Ask for the list before you sit down. FTC Funeral Rule.