Prices for caskets vary widely by material, finish, and interior options. The main cost drivers are material choice, craftsmanship, and added features such as lining, engravings, and exterior finishes. This guide presents cost ranges in USD to help buyers estimate a funeral budget and compare options.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Caskets | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Solid hardwoods and veneers vary by species, thickness, and lining |
| Metal Caskets | $2,000 | $3,500 | $7,000 | Steel, stainless steel, or copper options with differing domes and elevations |
| Biodegradable Caskets | $900 | $1,800 | $3,000 | Eco friendly materials and lining choices |
| Urn Caskets | $300 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Smaller, lighter options for cremation with interior lining |
| Engraving and Finishes | $50 | $350 | $1,000 | Custom monograms, floral motifs, or motifs on exterior |
| Delivery and Setup | $50 | $300 | $1,000 | Distance and facility access affect fees |
| Extra Lining Options | $60 | $350 | $900 | Velvet, crepe, or satin interiors |
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost ranges cover a broad spectrum from simple to premium options. A basic wood casket may start near $1,000, while mid range options hover around $2,000 to $3,500. Premium metal or custom finishes can exceed $6,000. Assumptions: standard service location, average interior fabrics, and common engraving requests.
Cost Breakdown
Below is a compact view of how a casket price is assembled, including a 4 to 6 item cost table. Wood versus metal materials drive most variance, with interior and finish details contributing additional value.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,000 | $2,000 | $7,000 | Wood, metal, or eco options | Wood or metal choices |
| Labor/Craftsmanship | $200 | $800 | $2,000 | Finishing and assembly | Standard design |
| Interior/Lining | $60 | $350 | $900 | Velvet, crepe, satin | Medium grade lining |
| Engraving/Imprint | $50 | $350 | $1,000 | Monograms or motifs | Single name or initials |
| Delivery/Setup | $50 | $300 | $1,000 | Distance dependent | Urban area |
| Permits/Handling | $0 | $50 | $200 | Facility fees or delivery permits | Basic handling |
What Drives Price
Material quality and durability are primary price levers, with solid woods and premium metals commanding higher prices. The interior fabric grade and customization, such as initials or images, add value. Regional supplier margins and delivery distance also impact totals. A key factor is the exterior design complexity, including ornate corners or crossbanding, which increases labor time and cost.
Ways To Save
Shop around regional providers to compare base models and add only necessary features. Consider standard interiors with no engravings to reduce cost, and evaluate biodegradable options for savings when aligned with funeral preferences. Plan for a modest upgrade rather than a full premium option to maintain balance between price and dignity. Ask for itemized quotes to understand where costs add up.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by market. In the Northeast, a basic wood casket tends to be $1,100–$2,100, while in the Midwest the same tier ranges $900–$2,000. The West Coast often sees higher base costs, $1,200–$2,400 for basic options, reflecting distribution and labor differences. In rural areas, limited supply can keep costs closer to the low end, $800–$1,900, but transportation fees may apply. Expect ±10–25 percent deltas across regions.
Labor & Installation Time
Most standard casket purchases involve 1–2 hours of handling and setup time, with crew costs ranging from $100 to $500 for local delivery. Heavier or custom finishes may extend labor to 3–5 hours, adding $300–$1,000. The formula for labor cost is simple: labor hours times hourly rate. Assumptions: single delivery, standard vehicle access.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Some shops add a handling fee, environmental surcharge, or local permit fee. If a facility requires a specific kind of container for public viewing, that may incur extra charges. Hidden costs often appear as minimum order fees or special assembly charges for oversized or premium caskets. Request a comprehensive price quote up front.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical options and totals.
Basic Scenario: Wood shell, simple interior, standard engraving no, delivery nearby. Specs: pine veneer, satin lining, basic exterior finish. Labor: 1.5 hours; Materials: 1,000; Interior: 120; Engraving: 0; Delivery: 60. Total approx $1,240–$1,520. Assumptions: local service, standard handling.
Mid-Range Scenario: Solid hardwood shell, mid-grade interior, light engraving, local delivery. Specs: oak veneer, crepe interior, initials on lid. Labor 2 hours; Materials 1,800; Interior 350; Engraving 150; Delivery 250. Total approx $2,400–$3,200. Assumptions: moderate customization, nearby facility.
Premium Scenario: Full premium metal casket, high-end lining, intricate exterior and custom inscription, long-distance delivery. Specs: stainless steel with copper accents, satin interior, full name engraving, floral motifs. Labor 3–4 hours; Materials 4,800; Interior 900; Engraving 900; Delivery 900. Total approx $7,000–$8,800. Assumptions: regional delivery, premium finish.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours