A new nationwide study by Bader Scott Injury Lawyers has revealed that Minnesota is the most expensive state in America for funeral services, with residents paying an average of $9,697 for a traditional full-service burial.
By contrast, Oregon offers the lowest average funeral costs in the nation, with services priced at $4,616 a difference of more than $5,000 compared to Minnesota. The findings highlight the steep financial burden families face during an already difficult time, particularly in regions where funeral costs are consistently higher.
Key Findings from the Study
- Minnesota is the costliest state for funerals, averaging $6,517 across all service types and nearly $9,700 for a traditional full-service burial.
- Oregon is the most affordable state, with average costs of $4,616 across all services.
- Direct cremation is the most budget-friendly option, with prices starting as low as $275 in South Carolina.
- Northeastern and Midwestern states dominate the rankings of most expensive states, with five of the top ten located in the Northeast.
- Traditional burials remain the most expensive service type nationwide, averaging more than $7,500 in every state.
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 |
Most Affordable States for Funeral Services
At the other end of the scale, Oregon recorded the nation’s lowest funeral costs, averaging $4,616 across all service types. Washington ranked second at $4,771, followed by Arizona ($4,782), Arkansas ($4,826), and Idaho ($4,878).
Wide Price Variations Across States
The study also highlighted how funeral costs vary dramatically not only between states but within them:
- Kansas reported the highest recorded cost for a traditional full-service burial, at $21,475.
- New York showed the largest internal price gap, with burials ranging from $4,900 to $20,625, a difference of more than $15,000 depending on provider and location.
- Direct cremation costs less than $3,000 in every state, with many states offering options under $2,000.
Industry Expert Commentary
“Many families are unaware that funeral costs can vary by thousands of dollars depending on where they live,” said Seth Bader, spokesperson for Bader Scott. “This lack of price transparency puts grieving families at a disadvantage when making important financial decisions.”
Bader noted that higher funeral costs are concentrated in the Midwest and Northeast. “Families in these regions are often hit with funeral bills exceeding $9,000, creating significant financial strain, especially for those without funeral insurance or pre-planned arrangements.”
He added, “Families looking to reduce expenses should consider alternatives like direct cremation, which is typically about 70% less expensive than a traditional burial. Many funeral homes now post price lists online, giving consumers the ability to compare services without the added pressure of making decisions while grieving.”
About the Study
The analysis, conducted by Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, examined nationwide funeral pricing data from Funeralocity, ranking states by the average cost of four service types: traditional full-service burial, affordable burial, full-service cremation, and direct cremation.
