The cost of a funeral can vary greatly depending on the options chosen and your location. The average funeral, according to the National Funeral Directors Association, will cost $6,500.  Funerals on a budget can range from $1000 to $2000. The average consumer should expect to pay $13,000 for a “Traditional Funeral”

Most funeral homes will offer the following items/services in a packaged deal, a Traditional Funeral:

• Funeral Director and Staff services
• Embalming and other preparation
• Visitation at the funeral home
• Service at the funeral home
• Removal from place of death
• Limousine for pall bearers and family
• Hearse and other transportation fees

Packaged deals are commonly offered, but you do not have to choose a packaged deal. The funeral rule, enforced by the FTC, requires funeral directors to provide itemized prices and the option to purchase them individually.

Shop around to get the best price. Funeral directors must give you prices over the phone without requiring your hame, phone number, or address. The funeral home must provide a General Price List (GPL) when you visit in person.  A GPL lists all the items and services the funeral home provides. Some funeral homes will offer to fax or mail their GPL, but it is not required.