Photo by Brett Sayles: Pexels
If you have the unfortunate task of planning a funeral for a loved one, it’s not for the faint of heart. Aside from the emotional toll, there will be quite a few monetary options to consider.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how much it costs for a funeral in Louisiana as well as other associated expenses.
In Louisiana, you can typically expect to pay between $6,000 and $10,000 for a funeral. Unlike other regions, in south Louisiana, specifically the New Orleans area, you could face an additional charge due to “jazz funerals” or “second line” processions in which brass bands are hired to perform in outdoor conditions.
You might wonder how the cost of a typical Louisiana funeral might compare to the rest of the nation. Here’s what we found:
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the average funeral costs $7,848. That includes a viewing and burial, which among other things, is always charged separately.
In Louisiana, you’ll find funeral costs that range between $6,000 to $13,000, depending on how elaborate the plans are and what material the casket is made of.
If you want to save money, it’s proven that the way to go is cremation.
According to the NFDA, the average cremation costs about $2,550.
In Louisiana, you’ll find similar prices for cremation here. Here’s a breakdown provided by the NFDA that shows how much you’ll pay for added funeral services.
advance charges, such as for flowers or an obituary.
| Item | 2021 | 2016 | % Change |
| Nondeclinable basic services fee | $2,300 | $2,100 | 9.5% |
| Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home | $350 | $325 | 7.7% |
| Embalming | $775 | $725 | 6.9% |
| Other preparation of the body | $275 | $250 | 10.0% |
| Use of facilities/staff for viewing | $450 | $425 | 5.9% |
| Use of facilities/staff for funeral ceremony | $515 | $500 | 3.0% |
| Hearse | $350 | $325 | 7.7% |
| Service car/van | $150 | $150 | 0.0% |
| Printed materials (basic memorial package) | $183 | $160 | 14.1% |
| Metal burial casket | $2,500 | $2,400 | 4.2% |
| Median Cost of a Funeral with Viewing and Burial | $7,848 | $7,360 | 6.6%* |
| Vault | $1,572 | $1,395 | 12.7% |
| Total with vault | $9,420 | $8,775 | 7.6% |
To save cash, consider the following steps:
Funeral expenses shouldn’t be so burdensome that the survivors of the deceased are plunged into poverty. Taking the steps now to plan the funeral of your loved one will ensure that you save money and still carry out a dignified funeral.
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