States with the Highest Funeral Costs in America

Where you live has a significant impact on the cost of everything. For example, people in Hawaii pay more for groceries because they have to import almost everything. In California, real estate is more expensive than in most other states.

However, you may be surprised to learn that where you live also has a significant impact on the cost of a funeral. In fact, costs can vary widely depending on the state, according to a new report from Sands of Time, a company that specializes in handcrafted memorial artwork.

For this article, the median cost of a casket was $3,500, which remains unchanged based on the state.

Here are the 10 states with the highest funeral costs across the United States.

1. Minnesota

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, burying someone isn’t as cheap as you might think. In Minnesota, the total cost of a funeral is $9,695, the highest in the country. 

However, there are many factors that go into a funeral, and not every individual service will cost the same in every state. For example, Minnesota’s embalming fee is at about the halfway point at $760.

But the cost for basic services in Minnesota cost the most in the whole country, at $3,139.

2. Connecticut

Connecticut is one of the most expensive states in the country, so it is not surprising that funerals are also costly. The total cost of a funeral in Connecticut is $9,571, just about $100 less than what you would spend in Minnesota. 

It is challenging to cut costs in Connecticut. Embalming is also expensive, at $839. This is the eighth-highest amount that you’ll pay.

The funeral ceremony in Connecticut is $720, the third-highest in the country. Transferring the body to a funeral home is also expensive, at $486, the third-highest cost you’ll pay.

3. Massachusetts

If you need to bury a loved one in Massachusetts, be prepared to cough up a lot of money – $9,530 on average. 

Basic funeral services in Massachusetts will cost $2,540, one of the most expensive prices in the country. 

Embalming is also fairly pricey in the Bay State, at $765. This is about 31st in the country. Viewings are also very expensive for New Englanders, at $586, and the funeral ceremony in Massachusetts is the fourth most expensive, at $719.

Having a hearse will also be expensive in Massachusetts, at $237, the seventh-highest in the nation.

4. Hawaii

It will cost your loved ones $9,467 to bury you in Hawaii. However, somewhat surprisingly, Hawaii has one of the lowest costs for basic services, at $1,580. This is the fourth-least expensive in the country. 

Hawaii has the most expensive embalming costs, checking in at $969. Viewing costs in the Aloha State are also costly, at $735. This is the second-highest rate in the country. 

Renting a hearse for the funeral will also cost significantly more than usual in Hawaii, at $238. This is the sixth highest in the country.

5. New Jersey

The total cost for a funeral in the Garden State is $9,443.

While New Jersey ranked fifth in the most expensive total funeral costs, it had the highest costs for dressing and casketing at $423. It also has the second-highest price for embalming at $949.

However, New Jersey did have relatively low costs for basic services, at $2,158. This falls somewhere in the middle. The price for the viewing is also high in New Jersey, $650, which is the third-highest in the country.

The funeral ceremony itself will cost approximately $603 in New Jersey, which ranks within the top 10 in the country. New Jersey has the second-highest hearse cost, at $311. 

6. Iowa

The total amount you’ll pay for a funeral in Iowa averages $9,382. 

But not everything is expensive in Iowa. The cost of the funeral service is $312, which is among the most affordable in the country. Unfortunately, the price for basic funeral services is $2,854, the second-highest in the country, just behind Minnesota. 

Embalming costs in the Hawkeye State are also costly, at $836. This is the ninth-highest amount among all states.

7. Rhode Island

The smallest state in the country packs a punch when it comes to funeral costs, at $9,214 total.

However, embalming costs are relatively reasonable in Rhode Island, at $725, especially compared to their total funeral costs. Also, transferring the body to the funeral home is only slightly above the median, at $373.

If you want to have a viewing for your loved one, that will also be expensive, $527.

8. Delaware

Unfortunately, losing a loved one in Delaware can cost you a pretty penny. The total cost of funeral services is $9,202.

The cost for basic funeral services in Delaware is $2,372, the 10th highest amount in the country. Delaware also has one of the most expensive costs for transferring the body to a funeral home, at $408. Embalming costs in the Blue Hen State are also pricey, at $874. This is the fourth-highest cost in the country.

9. Maryland

It may be nice living in Maryland, but if you die here, your relatives will have to pay a significant amount to bury you. In the Free State, the total cost of a funeral is $9,188.

And if you break down the factors that contribute to that amount, you’ll find other high prices. For example, embalming also isn’t cheap in the Free State. It will cost about $889, the third-highest amount in the country.

Also, those who choose to have a viewing before the funeral should be prepared for exorbitant costs. The average price is $525, which is the ninth-highest in the country.

10. Illinois

If you pass away in the Land of Lincoln, your relatives will have to pay a hefty fee. The total cost of a funeral in Illinois is $9,184. That’s about $500 less than the most expensive state. 

Costs for individual services can vary significantly in Illinois. For example, the price for basic funeral services is $2,444, the eighth-highest amount in the country. 

The embalming fee in Illinois, on the other hand, is about $755, which is almost precisely at the midpoint.

If your loved one requested a viewing as part of their final wishes, you’ll pay an average of $547.

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