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Achieving ethical pricing for you

Education & Advocacy

Price Survey

In 2020, People's Memorial conducted its biennial survey of Washington State funeral home pricing.

With the coronavirus pandemic, the need to have cremation and burial pricing available to consumers online is increasingly apparent. Washington State funeral homes are leading the nation in this increasing transparency with 51% of funeral homes including at least partial pricing on their websites. This is up from 38% in 2018 and 27% in 2016. 

Top Findings

  • Cremation prices vary by over 745%. The average cost for Direct Cremation in the state is $1,570 and ranges from $495 to $4,165.
  • Burial prices vary by over 400%. The average price of Direct Burial is $2,924, with prices ranging from $1,045 to $5,290. 
  • A Complete Funeral Service averages $5071 as low as $2,045 and as high as $11,100.
  • Only 6% of funeral homes didn’t provide pricing (requiring a personal visit or didn’t respond to emails or phone calls) versus 31% in 2018.

The study reinforces the importance of consumers shopping around and planning ahead to assure that they receive the final arrangements that they want at a price they can afford.

View and Search 2020 PMA Funeral Home Price Survey Here

Download 2020 Full Washington State PMA Funeral Home Price Survey
Download 2020 King County PMA Funeral Home Price Survey
Download 2020 Snohomish County PMA Funeral Home Price Survey
Download 2020 Pierce County PMA Funeral Home Price Survey

The 2020 survey includes Washington State funeral homes that handled 25 or more cases in 2019 according to Washington's Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS).

Direct Cremation pricing includes: basic services of funeral director and staff, transport of body to funeral home including additional charges for home removal if needed, refrigeration for up to five days, crematory fees, alternative container/basic cremation tray, and basic urn/temporary container for cremated remains.

Direct Burial pricing includes: basic services of funeral director and staff, transport of body to funeral home including additional charges for home removal if needed, refrigeration for up to five days, local delivery to cemetery, and a basic/minimum casket.

Complete Funeral Service includes: basic services of funeral director and staff, transport of body to funeral home including additional charges for home removal if needed, refrigeration for up to five days, embalming, dressing, casketing, cosmetology, viewing or visitation, funeral service, graveside or commital service, transportation by hearse or funeral coach to the cemetery, and a basic/minimum casket.

2018 Washington State Funeral Home Price Survey Results
2016 Washington State Funeral Home Price Survey Results
2014 Washington State Funeral Home Price Survey Results

For additional surveys, please email info@peoplesmemorial.org

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