Cremation vs Burial Cost Calculator
Compare the total costs of cremation, traditional burial, and green burial side by side. See how inflation affects future costs and how prepaying or investing the difference can impact your retirement savings.
Cremation Costs
Traditional Burial Costs
Green Burial Costs
Financial Coverage
End-of-Life Planning Preparedness Score
You have some coverage in place, but there may be a gap between your savings and projected future costs. Consider increasing savings or exploring prepaid plans.
Lowest Option (Today)
$4,400
Coverage Available
$11,983
Cremation Total
$5,250
today's cost
Traditional Burial Total
$14,750
today's cost
Green Burial Total
$4,400
today's cost
Savings: Cremation vs Burial
$9,500
choosing cremation saves
Total Cost Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of all three options — today and with inflation
Traditional Burial Cost Breakdown
Where the money goes in a traditional burial
Total
$14,750
Funeral Home Services
17%$2,500/yr
Casket
17%$2,500/yr
Cemetery Plot
17%$2,500/yr
Headstone/Marker
14%$2,000/yr
Vault/Liner
10%$1,500/yr
Opening & Closing
8%$1,200/yr
Embalming
5%$800/yr
Viewing
3%$500/yr
Flowers & Obituary
6%$900/yr
Transportation
2%$350/yr
Future Cost Projection with Inflation
How funeral costs grow over the next 20 years at 4% annual inflation
Itemized Cost Comparison
Line-by-line breakdown of costs across all three options
| Item | Cremation | Traditional Burial | Green Burial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Service Fee | $2,500 | $2,500 | — |
| Casket / Urn | $250 | $2,500 | $500 |
| Embalming | — | $800 | — |
| Viewing | — | $500 | — |
| Memorial / Ceremony | $1,500 | — | $1,500 |
| Cemetery Plot | — | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| Headstone / Marker | — | $2,000 | — |
| Vault / Liner | — | $1,500 | — |
| Opening & Closing Fee | — | $1,200 | — |
| Columbarium Niche | $1,000 | — | — |
| Body Preparation | — | — | $400 |
| Flowers | — | $500 | — |
| Obituary | — | $400 | — |
| Transportation | — | $350 | — |
| Total | $5,250 | $14,750 | $4,400 |
Personalized Insights
Actionable recommendations based on your numbers
Prepaid funeral plans lock in today's prices
At 4% annual inflation, a $14,750 burial today will cost $26,564 in 15 years. Prepaid plans let you pay current prices and protect against future increases. However, check whether the plan is transferable and what happens if the provider goes out of business.
The FTC Funeral Rule protects your rights
The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide itemized price lists, allows you to buy only the services you want, and lets you supply your own casket or urn without penalty. You are never required to purchase a package — always ask for the General Price List.
Veterans may qualify for free or reduced burial costs
Eligible veterans can receive a free burial plot in a national cemetery, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. The VA also provides burial allowances of $2,000+ for service-related deaths and $948 for non-service-related deaths. Spouses may also qualify.
Consider final expense life insurance
You currently have no life insurance or prepaid funeral plan designated for final expenses. A traditional burial could cost $26,564 in 15 years. Final expense insurance (burial insurance) policies range from $5,000–$25,000 and are often available without a medical exam for those aged 50–85.
Inflation will add $11,814 to traditional burial costs
At 4% annual inflation over 15 years, funeral costs increase by 80%. The longer you wait, the more expensive it gets. This is why financial planners recommend addressing end-of-life expenses early in retirement planning.
Green burial saves $10,350 compared to traditional burial
Green burial eliminates the need for embalming chemicals, concrete vaults, and expensive caskets. It costs $4,400 compared to $14,750 for traditional burial. Green cemeteries also preserve natural habitats and reduce the environmental footprint of end-of-life care.
Investing cremation savings could grow to $22,767
Choosing cremation over traditional burial saves $9,500 today. If invested at 6% annually over 15 years, that difference could grow to $22,767 — funds that could support your retirement or be left to heirs.
Document your wishes and share them with family
Regardless of which option you choose, putting your wishes in writing prevents family disagreements and emotional overspending during grief. Include your preferences in an advance directive or letter of instruction, and share copies with your executor, spouse, and adult children.