Cremation vs Burial: Real Philadelphia Costs
The cost difference between cremation and burial in Philadelphia is substantial. With burial averaging $13,800 and cremation averaging $3,100, many families are choosing cremation as a practical financial decision — not just a personal preference.
| Option | Average Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic cremation | $3,100 | Transportation, cremation, basic urn |
| Cremation + memorial | $7,400 | Above + service, upgraded urn, flowers |
| Graveside burial | $7,500 | Transportation, casket, brief graveside service |
| Full traditional burial | $13,800 | Full service, viewing, casket, burial |
| Full burial + plot + stone | $19,300 | Everything including cemetery and marker |
Pros and Cons for Philadelphia Families
Cremation advantages in Philadelphia: Lower cost (saves $10,700 on average), more scheduling flexibility, allows time for out-of-town family to travel, no long-term cemetery maintenance, ashes can be kept or scattered.
Burial advantages in Philadelphia: Traditional for many religious and cultural communities in Philadelphia County, provides a permanent physical location for remembrance, some families find it provides more closure.
About 50% of Philadelphia families now choose cremation — a number that has grown significantly over the past decade and is expected to continue rising.
How Final Expense Insurance Covers Both Options
One of the key advantages of final expense insurance over pre-paid funeral plans is flexibility. A pre-paid plan locks your family into a specific funeral home and service type. Final expense insurance pays a cash benefit to whoever you name as beneficiary — and they can use it for cremation, burial, or any combination.
Given that funerals in Philadelphia average $13,800, a $10,000–$15,000 final expense policy covers the cost of cremation with room to spare — or covers most of a traditional burial. Premiums are fixed for life and most Philadelphia residents 50–85 qualify without a medical exam.