How Much Does Burial or Cremation Cost

Many times you'll hear people say that the average funeral costs around $15,000.  However, that estimate is based on a price survey taken several years ago.  Funeral prices, like everything else, have increased with inflation.

Today, the average North American traditional funeral costs between $7,000 and $20,000.  This price range includes the services at the funeral home, burial in a cemetery, and the installation of a headstone.  While cremation is gaining in popularity, the traditional funeral is still the most popular manner for disposing of the deceased.

Here is a reasonable "ballpark" estimate of the main funeral costs.
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• fee for the funeral director's services: $1,500
• cost for a casket: $5,300
• embalming: $800
• cost for using the funeral home for the actual funeral service: $500
• cost of a grave site: $1,000
• cost to dig the grave: $900
• cost of a grave liner or outer burial container: $1,500
• cost of a headstone: $2,500

In this example, total costs would approximate $15,000....and that's just for the "main" items.  There could be additional charges for things like placing the obituary in the newspaper and buying flowers.

Cremation Prices In Calgary

$0 - $15,000
There are many options available when cremation takes places. Price will vary depending on the type of service that is chosen. Cremation can occur following a service, or following a visitation, prayer service or informal gathering. Cremation can also occur without a service.

If costs are a concern  it is possible to have everything paid for by assistance programs. The cost to the family for cremation including a service in these cases may be $0 (zero dollars)

Burial Prices in Calgary
$0 - $15,000
There are many options available when burial takes places. prices will vary depending on the type of service that is chosen. Burial can occur following a service, or following a visitation, prayer service or informal gathering. Burial can also occur without a service.

If costs are a concern  it is possible to have everything paid for by assistance programs. The cost to the family for burial including a service in these cases may be $0 (zero dollars)