Home Funeral Cost

Although the cost of a home funeral can vary depending on various factors, the estimated average cost is under $500. This estimate includes the price for copies of the death certificate, gas to transport the person who died, a suitable rigid container or cardboard box, and ice. In contrast, a traditional funeral can be significantly more expensive, often averaging around $8,343 if the vault, casket, and burial costs are excluded. Choosing a home funeral significantly reduces or eliminates many of the typical fees associated with funeral homes and can be an affordable option.

There are minimal expenses involved with conducting a home funeral, and you can work together with deathcare groups in your community for more insight into the typical costs you might incur. The total cost can vary based on inflation and the cost of the components referenced above, as well as any other items that might be included. For example, some people prefer to decorate the shroud or the container that will be used for the funeral, so the cost of art supplies may be an additional expense. Shrouds made of more luxurious fabrics, customized, or designed with specifics in mind will be more expensive than using a plain shroud. Others may prefer to choose more intricately woven caskets, which can also vary in pricing. Ultimately, the total cost of a home funeral will vary based on what you decide to include.

Sources

“Frequently Asked Questions”. National Home Funeral Alliance. https://www.homefuneralalliance.org/faqs.html