Prices for obituary notices in major U.S. newspapers commonly include a base notice plus options for photos, highlighted text, and placement. The main cost drivers are notice type (death notice vs. paid obituary), word count, photo inclusion, and desired placement within the obituary pages or website. This guide provides cost ranges in USD plus per-unit pricing to help budgeting.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Death Notice (basic text) | $100 | $300 | $600 | Print only or online; Dallas-area papers vary by size |
| Paid Obituary (full obituary) | $400 | $1,000 | $2,000 | Expanded bio, services, and multiple days |
| Photo Inclusion | $25 | $150 | $350 | Color or multiple images add cost |
| Placement Premiums | $20 | $150 | $400 | Front-page or prominent section adds cost |
| Online-Only Notice | $50 | $250 | $500 | Digital version with share options |
| Rush/Express Processing | $0 | $50 | $150 | Same-day or next-day deadlines |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost range for a Dallas Morning News obituary notice spans from about $100 to $2,000, depending on whether a simple death notice is used or a fully crafted paid obituary is published. For planning purposes, most families see $300-$1,000 as the working range for standard notices with optional photos. A few premium services, such as front-page placement or multiple days, can push totals higher.
Cost Breakdown
The breakdown below uses a table format for clarity, mixing total project ranges with per-unit pricing.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0 | $0–$200 | $0–$500 | Basic text vs. enhanced bios |
| Labor | $0 | $100–$350 | $600 | Writer fees for paid obituary |
| Equipment | $0 | $0–$25 | $100 | Digital formatting |
| Permits & Fees | $0 | $0–$20 | $40 | Notable regional processing |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $0–$15 | $50 | Copy and archiving |
| Photo & Extras | $0 | $25–$150 | $350 | Portraits, layouts, color |
| Taxes & Fees | $0 | $0–$25 | $75 | State/local taxes may apply |
| Contingency | $0 | $0–$50 | $100 | Overruns or edits |
What Drives Price
Key cost drivers include notice type, word count, and placement priority. A death notice is typically cheaper than a paid obituary with a longer bio. Photo inclusion increases both print and online costs, especially for color images. Regional paper policies also influence pricing; some markets charge more for front-page or premium positions. The presence of rush deadlines generally adds a predictable premium.
Factors That Affect Price
Two niche-specific drivers are worth noting. First, the obituary length, measured in words, can tier pricing because longer notices require more writing and editorial layout time. Second, image quality and the number of images, including color vs. grayscale, can shift per-unit costs by 2–4 times compared with text-only notices. Availability of a legacy photo or high-resolution portrait often changes the final bill.
Ways To Save
Budget-conscious families can minimize expense by choosing a basic notice with essential details. Consider online-only postings to reduce print charges, and limit the number of premium placements or color photos. Some newspapers offer bundled packages that combine a short obituary with a single photo at a lower overall price. Early planning can also avoid rush fees.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by market; three typical U.S. regions show different deltas. In the Southeast, costs tend to be slightly lower for basic notices, while Northeast markets often incur higher publishing and layout fees. The Midwest usually falls between these extremes. For Dallas, expect pricing closer to the higher end of the national average due to prominent placement options and local newspaper policies. Around ±10–25% differences can occur between urban centers, suburbs, and rural markets.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common outcomes.
-
Basic Notice — Basic text only, online plus standard print
- Words: 40–60
- Labor: $100–$150
- Photos: none
- Placement: standard
- Total: $150–$350
-
Mid-Range Obituary — Expanded bio with one photo, standard placement
- Words: 100–180
- Labor: $250–$450
- Photo: $50–$150
- Placement: standard
- Total: $350–$1,000
-
Premium Obituary — Front-page placement, multiple days, color photo
- Words: 150–250
- Labor: $400–$700
- Photo: $150–$350
- Placement: premium/front page
- Total: $1,200–$2,000
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.