How much does a funeral cost in New Jersey?

The type of funeral you choose has a big impact on costs. Currently, the national average cost of a funeral with burial stands at $7,640, and is $5,150 with cremation. New Jersey’s funerals with a burial run higher than the national average at $7,849. However, these numbers can be significantly higher or lower depending on the type of services and merchandise chosen. But there are options to help cover some or all the costs.

Average funeral costs with burial in New Jersey

On average, the cost of a funeral with burial in New Jersey is $7,849, with costs typically ranging between $6,839 to $12,536, depending on the merchandise, facilities and services chosen. These costs are just slightly higher than the US average.

While New Jersey allows home funerals, you still have to employ a funeral director, although you can buy a casket from wherever you prefer.

Average cost of a funeral with burial in New Jersey

Average funeral costs with cremation in New Jersey

An average funeral with cremation and services in New Jersey runs about $5,364. An urn averages an extra $295. While $5,659 is still a heavy hit, it’s still significantly less than the average traditional funeral with burial.

Alternatively, you can also choose direct cremation, in which the body is taken directly from the hospital or home to the crematory and no services are provided. With a bit of searching, you can typically find direct cremation options for under $1,000.

Average cost of a funeral with cremation in New Jersey

Other funeral costs

Please note that the average funeral costs listed above do not include the following items:

• Headstone or grave marker. Since these are made-to-order items, grave markers can range anywhere from $199 for simple headstones to over $10,000 for monuments and statues.
• Burial plot. The price of a burial plot is not included in the cost of a funeral. Plots can range anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 or more depending on the city and if it’s a private or public cemetery.
• Flowers. If you want to have memorial floral wreaths or casket decorations at the funeral, you’ll also need to account for this expense.

How to pay for a funeral in New Jersey

Deciding on your funeral payment options in advance can make paying for a funeral easier and less stressful for your relatives. The easiest way to make sure your expenses are covered is to buy a life insurance policy to cover funeral and burial costs.

Options for paying for your own funeral:

• Life insurance. A life insurance policy can be used to cover funeral costs, although the insurance payment may be delayed until after the funeral. This means relatives may have to cover funeral costs and get reimbursed later.
• Burial (final expense) insurance. Like a life insurance policy, burial insurance pays a lump sum amount, but is used to specifically cover funeral expenses and funds are usually paid out immediately after death.
• Payable on death (POD) account. A POD account is used in estate planning to hold funds that are paid to beneficiaries when you pass away. For example, a bank account with a beneficiary is a POD.
• Pre-need funeral plan. This is when you prepay a funeral home to cover the cost of your funeral. It’s not always the best option as you may not be able to switch funeral homes and if the business folds you could lose your money.
• Savings account. Consider putting a set amount into a savings account every month, although this may cost more out-of-pocket depending on your circumstances.

Options for paying for a loved one’s funeral:

• The deceased’s estate. After the deceased’s estate has been settled you will receive a disbursement of funds, although you may have to pay for the funeral upfront.
• Funeral loans. You can take out a funeral loan to pay for a funeral, but expect to pay high-interest rates for this type of loan.
• Out of pocket. This one can be hard on personal finances. If you absolutely have to use your own cash or credit, consider reaching out to family members for support.

Does New Jersey have funeral assistance programs?

The state of New Jersey doesn’t provide any funeral assistance. It falls on the counties to give a proper burial to those who are under a certain income level when they pass away, but whether service is provided varies by county.

While state and county government assistance is limited, there are other options available.

• Veterans Affairs. The VA office may be able to assist surviving members of a veteran’s family with securing a free cemetery marker and plot, along with discounts for costs related to the funeral and burial.
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Current and former members of the Marines or Navy and their eligible family members may be able to receive financial aid from the NMCRS.
• Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey. An emergency financial assistance program is offered by this organization. Financial hardship caused by funeral expenses may qualify you for assistance.
• Funeral Consumers Alliance. You can find two chapters of the FCA in New Jersey. This national organization seeks to help further education around funerals and burials, and can help its members find discounts for related services.
• FEMA. Eligible applicants may receive up to $9,000 for a COVID-19 related funeral for which they are responsible and that occurred in a covered area.

Compare burial insurance policies in New Jersey

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Bottom line

A funeral in New Jersey can run into the thousands of dollars, but various options exist to help cover the costs. From life and burial insurance to state assistance, it’s always possible to plan ahead and reduce the financial burden for your family.

Compare life insurance providers to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.