Many people are surprised at the cost of a burial in a cemetery.  The average cost of a burial plot is dependent upon several factors. As with most funeral planning, there are multiple options and costs associated with a cemetery burial.

1) The Burial Plot

The first cost is the burial plot itself. The location of the cemetery can have a large impact on the cost, such as whether the cemetery is in an urban or rural region. The location of the plot itself in the cemetery can also impact the cost.

Typical costs for a burial plot are:

·         Burial plot in a public cemetery - $200 to $2,000

·         Burial plot in a private cemetery - $2,000 to $5,000

·         Burial plot for cremated remain in a public cemetery - $350 to $500

·         Burial plot for cremated remains in a private cemetery - $1,000 - $2,500

2) The Grave Marker

Once a location has been selected, a grave marker will be used to mark the location of the grave within the cemetery. Costs can vary widely on grave markers depending on the type of material used and how elaborate the design is. For a typical granite marker, costs average about $300 to $800. An upright monument can cost anywhere from $1,000 - $2,000. And larger monuments such as mausoleums can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

3) The Grave Liner or Burial Vault

Some cemeteries may require that you purchase a grave liner or burial vault. These are outer burial containers, typically made of concrete that the casket or urn is placed before it goes in the ground. Grave liners and burial vaults protect the casket from decay. The ground around the casket/urn will also shift over time and the concrete barrier ensures that the cemetery grounds will remain level. The average cost is about $400 - $5,000 depending on what you choose.

4) Interment Fees

These are all the fees associated with opening and closing the grave. The grave, niche or mausoleum must be opened and then closed back up. For an in-ground burial this is the cost to dig the hole and replace the sod. There is also legal paperwork that must be completed for all this to happen. These costs can vary anywhere between $350 to $3,000.

5) Burial Permit

In some locations, a burial permit is required. This is only a small fee, usually around $20. Check with your funeral director to find out if a burial permit is required.