I don’t want to sound morbid or anything, but when my dad was on his deathbed, his wish was to be buried near his mom in the Philippines.
Living in Texas, my sister and I did the research and found that it would be a little pricier than we expected and we were happy to move forward but found out how stressful the process was. We read stories of airlines losing caskets and caskets ending up on different flights.
When we told our dad what the process and the risks were, he said “I’d rather die in Texas, it’s cheaper. I don’t want you guys to stress out”
My dad, even in his last moments, didn’t want to burden us with his wishes and chose the more affordable and stress-free route.
Funeral planning can be a daunting task and one that many Americans find themselves unprepared for. To alleviate stress from your loved ones, it’s wise to start having things in place and shop around for affordable options to ease their financial burden.
In the United States, the average cost of a funeral ranges from $7000 to $12000 while managing additional costs as well. Further, other expenses include transportation costs, burial or cremation fees, funeral home services, flowers, and obituaries.
Although some states offer financial assistance programs to senior citizens, veterans, or low-income individuals, it’s important to understand the options available for funeral arrangements.
Depending on the location, you can seek affordable options and manage funeral expenses, as the costs can vary significantly from state to state. Fret not! We’ve gathered a list of some of the most expensive and affordable places to have a funeral in the United States.
Most Expensive Cities for Funerals in the USA
New York City, New York
Cities like New York stand out for their high funeral costs. Since the cost of living expenses here are already steep, funeral expenses can escalate quickly, making it a challenging situation for families during an emotional time. Moreover, the funeral costs can exceed $15,000, making NYC one of the most expensive cities for end-of-life arrangements.
Los Angeles, California
The second most expensive destination is Los Angeles, located in Southern California. This place can cause some serious financial strain on families looking for funeral arrangements. The funeral expenses here are almost the same as in New York City.
San Francisco, California
Another West Coast city at the top end of the spectrum is San Francisco. Renowned for its expensive lifestyle, the city’s funeral costs are among the highest in the nation.
Most Affordable Options across the United States
Indianapolis, Indiana
Families can find affordable funeral care in Indianapolis compared with other cities in the United States. The costs may vary depending on the specific arrangements, but it is notably lower than the national average. If you’re from Indianapolis, you can incur funeral expenses ranging from $5,000 to $8,000, depending on the arrangements.
Kansas City, Missouri
If you’re a family member residing in Kansas City, you can expect to pay around $6,000 to $9,000 for a funeral, making it a more affordable option compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Memphis, Tennessee
Another city on the list is Memphis, with funeral expenses ranging from $4,000 to $7,000. It offers affordable options without compromising on quality or service.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Funeral costs in Baton Rouge typically range from $5,000 to $8,000, providing families with budget-friendly options in the South.
Phoenix, Arizona
In the desert metropolis of Phoenix, families can expect to pay funeral expenses ranging between $5,000 and $8,000, offering affordability amidst the arid landscape.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The city of entertainment and leisure, Las Vegas, also provides lower funeral costs, compared to other cities, ranging from $4,500 to $7,500.
Houston, Texas
Whether it’s Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio, families can find affordable funeral options typically ranging from $5,000 to $9,000 depending on location and services.
Oklahoma
Lastly, cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa provide affordable funeral options to residents, with expenses ranging between $4,500 and $7,500.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of cities and states in the United States where families and individuals can find affordable funeral options. Experiencing the death of a loved one is already a stressful situation; exploring affordable funeral options can reduce the financial strain on families.
Further, individuals can plan ahead by researching local funeral homes that align with their budget while honoring the passing of their loved one.