A new study by Bader Scott Injury Lawyers has revealed striking differences in funeral costs across the United States, with Minnesota topping the list as the most expensive state for end-of-life services.
According to the analysis, the average cost of a traditional full-service burial in Minnesota is $9,697, more than double the cost of the same service in Oregon, the nation’s most affordable state, where funerals average $4,616.
The findings, drawn from Funeralocity’s nationwide database of funeral home pricing, show that funeral expenses vary significantly depending on geography, with families in the Midwest and Northeast facing some of the steepest costs.
Key Findings
- Minnesota leads the nation in funeral costs, with an average of $6,517 across all service types and $9,697 for a traditional full-service burial.
- Oregon ranks as the most affordable state, with average funeral costs of $4,616.
- Direct cremation is consistently the least expensive option, with prices as low as $275 in South Carolina.
- Northeastern and Midwestern states dominate the “most expensive” rankings, while the West and South tend to offer more affordable services.
Top 10 Most Expensive States for Funeral Services
| Rank | State | Avg. Cost (All Services) | Avg. Full-Service Burial | Avg. Direct Cremation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | $6,517 | $9,697 | $2,955 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $6,503 | $9,609 | $3,108 |
| 3 | Iowa | $6,358 | $9,382 | $2,991 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $6,227 | $9,545 | $2,720 |
| 5 | North Dakota | $6,075 | $8,868 | $3,183 |
| 6 | Delaware | $6,073 | $9,203 | $2,603 |
| 7 | Wisconsin | $6,057 | $9,004 | $2,908 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $6,054 | $9,443 | $2,511 |
| 9 | Maryland | $6,043 | $9,188 | $2,425 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $5,960 | $9,213 | $2,619 |
The Most Affordable States
Families in Oregon benefit from the lowest funeral costs in the country, with an average of $4,616 across all service types. Washington ($4,771), Arizona ($4,782), Arkansas ($4,826), and Idaho ($4,878) complete the list of the five least expensive states for funeral arrangements.
A Wide Range of Costs
The study found that traditional full-service burials are consistently the most expensive choice, with average costs exceeding $7,500 in every state. In some regions, they are significantly higher:
- In Kansas, the price of a traditional burial can reach as high as $21,475.
- In New York, costs vary widely, ranging from $4,900 to $20,625 depending on location and funeral home — a gap of more than $15,000.
- Direct cremation remains the most budget-friendly option nationwide, with an average price below $3,000 in all states.
Expert Commentary
“Many families are caught off guard by how much funeral services cost, and the lack of price transparency makes it even harder,” said Seth Bader, spokesperson for Bader Scott Injury Lawyers. “The reality is that depending on where you live, you could pay thousands more for the same type of service.”
Bader added that high funeral costs are especially burdensome in the Northeast and Midwest. “Families in these regions face some of the highest average prices in the country — often at a time when they’re already financially and emotionally strained.”
He encouraged families to plan when possible. “Direct cremation is often 70% less expensive than a traditional burial. Increasingly, funeral homes are posting prices online, which gives families the chance to compare costs and make informed decisions without added pressure.”
About the Study
The study was conducted using funeral service price data from Funeralocity, analyzing four service types, traditional full-service burial, affordable burial, full-service cremation, and direct cremation, to calculate average costs in every U.S. state.
