How Much Do Funerals Cost?

Win Swieczkowski • June 10, 2024

For most of us, one of our first questions when we think we need a funeral home soon is, “How much will it cost?” It’s understandable that everyone wants a simple answer to this question. Unfortunately, there is no one simple answer. 

 

Think of the last time you bought a pair of shoes. It’s not really helpful to know that the average cost of a pair of shoes is $75.00. So, what does an “average” pair of shoes look like? Shoes come in many different sizes, colors and styles. You wouldn’t expect to call the shoe store and ask, “How much does a pair of shoes cost?” Everyone needs some help finding the right fit for his or her feet. You also understand that you’ll need to share more information about the kind of shoe you are seeking before you find the cost. 

 

It’s the same with funerals. The funeral you choose will need to fit your family’s needs as well as your budget. The funeral director will help you with both. You will be pleased to know funeral homes are required to have standardized prices for everything they do. This price list must be printed and available for you. You should also take comfort in knowing there will be a range of prices associated with the choices you will be making. The funeral director wants you to be satisfied with both the service you select and with the costs associated with those services. 

 

As soon as you are able, it is a good idea to call the funeral home and ask to set up a time to meet with a funeral director to review your options and prices. There should be no cost for this meeting. This is the best way to assure that you understand what is involved with the various services so that you can get the best value for your dollar.  You can schedule this kind of meeting with as many funeral homes as you desire. 

 

At first, this may seem like a lot of work. The reality is, however, that you’ll obtain far more information by meeting with the funeral director versus searching online or making phone calls. You’ll save time, too. Don’t wait to set up that meeting if you think you’ll need a funeral home soon. 


www.casefuneralhome.com

Since 1881, W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors has been honored to provide the families of the Great Bay Lakes community with the highest quality care and meaningful services tailored to the unique lives of their loved ones. Offering funeral, burial, memorial, and cremation services, their funeral home focuses on providing beautiful, lasting tributes that enable families to begin a healing journey with compassionate support. Their professional and empathetic staff give families resources to heal together, knowing that they always have a support system in W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors to turn to throughout this journey through grief. Through six generations of family ownership, W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors has been proud to provide services, support, and individualized care to families in need throughout Saginaw County, including Thomas Township, Saginaw Township, Bridgeport, Merrill, and surrounding communities. Visit casefuneralhome.com to learn more. 


March 6, 2026
Families in Saginaw often wonder why funeral and cremation costs differ from one funeral home to another. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), variations occur across the country due to differences in operating expenses, staffing levels, and available service options. All cost-related insight
February 6, 2026
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2024 General Price List Study, the national median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280, accurate as of 2025. This amount typically includes professional services, transportation, care of the loved one, and the use of facilities for a funeral, memoria
January 9, 2026
National averages offer valuable insight. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the 2024 national median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is around $8,300. The national median for a funeral with cremation is approximately $6,280, providing a helpful benchmark for understanding typical
March 4, 2025
Are you considering going to a funeral? Will you be a guest or, are you the survivor in charge and deciding if there will even be a funeral? Either way, before you just skip the funeral perhaps you should consider how elephants behave when one of their species dies. Perhaps we have something to learn from Dumbo.
March 4, 2025
There are a million ways to say thank you. Great or small they all have value.
March 4, 2025
One of the realities of losing a spouse or a parent is the impact that event has on living arrangements. Are we living in the “right” place? Is the house too big? Is it too far away from family? Will my surviving parent be safe where they live? Should I move to be closer to mom or should mom move closer to me?
March 4, 2025
Even months after the funeral it’s not uncommon to feel just not exactly right. We all lose our way from time to time. Things happen and we can’t find our JOY. It’s not really so much gone, as it is misplaced. Life feels dull and the days seem to drag. No matter what the circumstances, if you look for it, you can find your own personal JOY again. However, you will have to work a bit to find it and reconnect.
March 4, 2025
You are with someone with whom you share some history. Maybe it’s a brother, sister, or a childhood friend. You are talking about an event from the “old days” and you suddenly realize you all remember the event a little differently. Most of us have had this experience. Our relationships work in a similar fashion. The way we love, like the way we remember, is unique to each of us.
March 4, 2025
Your presence is important. If there is any way possible, please, just be there. When a child is born it is a life changing event for the parents, siblings and grandparents at the very least. It may also be a life changing event for the kindergarten teacher five years in the future. Bottom line, life matters.
March 4, 2025
Should you make a condolence visit? Oh, my yes! A personal visit is the only way to give a hug. However, do call ahead. Do keep your visit brief and do focus on the grieving individual. Please, don’t say you know how they feel even if you share a similar experience. There will be a time for sharing later. For now, just let them know you are sorry for their loss. Come as a listener not a problem solver.