What Is The Average Funeral Cost In Canada?

Planning a funeral is often one of the most challenging and expensive purchases Canadians will ever make. As part of the estate planning process discussed in the Last Will and Testament, understanding funeral costs is essential for ensuring your final wishes are honoured without placing unnecessary financial strain on your loved ones. With costs ranging from a few thousand dollars for a simple cremation to over $15,000 for an elaborate burial, understanding typical expenses is critical for families trying to honour their loved one within their budget.

This article will examine average funeral cost in Canada and the many factors that influence pricing. We’ll also discuss ways to reduce expenses and how prepaying for a funeral can ease the financial burden when the time comes.

How much does a funeral cost in Canada?

Cremation Costs in Canada: $2,000 to $5,000+

Choosing cremation can dramatically reduce funeral costs. The cremation process itself averages just $500-$1,000, but additional typical fees bring cremation services to around $2,000 to $5,000, sometimes higher with extras.

Professional overhead like transportation, storage, body preparation, permits and staff make up a significant portion. A basic container or casket, urn, ashes retrieval and final disposition like scattering or interment also factor in. Simple direct cremation with just an urn starts under $2,000.

Burial Costs in Canada: $7,000 to $15,000+

Traditional burial averages between $7,000-$15,000 for the services, casket, cemetery fees and monument. The grave site itself often equals the funeral home’s professional fees. Opening and closing the grave, vaults and liners also add cemetery costs. Lavish caskets over $10,000 alone quickly increase expenses.

Even burials with just a viewing and graveside service often exceed $7,000. Preselecting caskets, lowering service times and having small ceremonies reduce burial costs.

How Much Does the Average Funeral Cost by province in Canada?

Funeral expenses can vary significantly depending on your location in Canada. Below is a detailed breakdown, providing estimates of what you might pay for a funeral based on the province you reside in:

Provincial Breakdown of Average Funeral Costs

life buzz quote in canada new 8 1 — Provincial Breakdown of Average Funeral Costs

How much does a funeral cost in Ontario?

The most populous province in Canada, Ontario, sees average funeral costs ranging from $7,000 on the low end to $15,000 or more for a high-end burial service. Cremations in Ontario generally run between $4,000 to $6,000. According to the Ontario Funeral Service Association (OFSA), factors like the service details, casket selections and cemetery fees push costs above the baseline professional fees. OFSA states that €œthe cost of a funeral in Ontario can be less than $10,000 if funeral services are tailored to meet an individual family’s needs, values and budget.

Average Funeral Cost in British Columbia

Similar to Ontario, British Columbia has average funeral costs of $7,000 to $12,000. The BC Funeral Association notes cremation expenses between $4,000 to $7,000 depending on the specific services included. They emphasize that many options exist to personalize final arrangements based on culture, faith and budget.

Average Funeral Cost in Alberta

Alberta families can expect to spend $5,000 to $10,000 or more for a traditional funeral service and burial, depending on selections. The Alberta Funeral Service Association (AFSA) states that average costs have risen moderately in the province, with cremations lowering the expenses. Basic cremation fees through AFSA members begin under $2,000 to around $5,000.

Average Funeral Cost in Quebec

Quebec has the lowest funeral costs in Canada, averaging $4,000 to $10,000. The Quebec Funeral Directors Association highlights the wide variance based on family choices, with direct cremations starting under $2,000. They note that prearranging and prepaying for services locks in set prices.

Average Funeral Cost in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, the average cost of a funeral is around $7,000 according to the Funeral Service Association of Nova Scotia. Costs can range from $5,000 on the low end to $12,000 for elaborate burials. Cremations tend to fall between $3,000 to $5,000.

Average Funeral Cost in New Brunswick

New Brunswick sees typical funeral expenses ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Cremation services in the province average $3,500 to $5,500. Costs vary between major cities and rural areas.

Average Funeral Cost in Prince Edward Island

On PEI, costs for a traditional funeral and burial tend to run $6,000 to $12,000. Cremations can often be arranged for $3,000 to $5,000. The island’s small population and lack of major cities keep prices relatively low.

Average Funeral Cost in Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland and Labrador, average funeral and burial costs run from $5,000 to $10,000. Direct cremation starts under $2,000 while full cremation services average $3,500 to $5,000.

Average Funeral Cost in Manitoba

Manitoba families can expect to spend around $5,000 to $10,000 for a traditional funeral and burial depending on services and casket selected. Cremations in Manitoba tend to cost between $3,000 to $6,000.

Average Funeral Cost in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan sees average funeral costs ranging from $7,000 to $11,000 for an elaborate burial. Cremation services in the province run $4,000 to $7,000 depending on the specifics.

What Are Key Factors That Determine Funeral Cost In Canada?

Many elements influence the final price tag for funeral services. Being aware of these key factors can help guide decisions to create a meaningful service within budget.

Burial vs Cremation

The first major factor affecting cost is whether the deceased will be buried or cremated. A full body burial requires expenses like a casket, a cemetery plot and grave opening/closing fees. As a result, burial often doubles the costs over cremation. Cremation only requires a basic container and an urn.

Services Selected

The number and type of ceremonies before burial or cremation also affect overall pricing. For example, costs rise with additions like:

Body viewing ($200-$500)
Visitation ($300-$600 per 2-hour period)
Funeral ceremony ($500-$1,500)
Receptions ($1,500-$3,000 with catering)
Flowers ($300-$1,000)
Printed programs ($100-$300)

Simplicity reduces fees.

Casket or Urn

Several hundred to several thousand dollars may be spent on a casket ($1,500-$10,000) or urn ($50-$1,000), depending on materials, ornamentation and size. Financing casket costs is an option. Simple containers help lower expenses if desired.

Cemetery Options

Cemetery property ($1,000-$4,000), opening/closing grave fees ($500-$1,500) and burial vaults or liners ($700-$1,500) add thousands for burials. Monuments ($500-$5,000) and inscription ($200-$500) also vary greatly in cost. Cremated remains may be buried on existing family property or placed in a niche ($500-$2,500) at lower costs.

Reception

Hosting a reception for family and friends averages $1,500-$3,000 if catering and hall rental fees apply. At-home receptions reduce costs significantly.

Extra Services

Items like published obituaries, funeral home DVD video tributes, limousines, pallbearer expenses and flowers are optional. Avoiding add-on curbs expenses.

How To Reduce Funeral Cost In Canada?

Fortunately, families have several options to decrease costs without sacrificing meaning.

Choose Cremation

Cremation can reduce fees 50% or more over burial. Direct cremation with no formal services starts under $2,000 while still providing dignified, respectful treatment.

Hold Simple Ceremonies

Limiting viewing and visitation hours and having a small, intimate funeral ceremony reduces professional service time fees. Receptions can be scaled down.

Select a Basic Casket

Caskets priced below $2,000 or cardboard or pine options minimize costs. Rental caskets can also lower expenses.

Use Existing Cemetery Plots

Utilize grave sites previously purchased by family to avoid new plot costs. Interment and inscription fees still apply.

Opt for Low-Cost Headstones

Small, flat grave markers are $500 or less. Bronze is also less expensive than granite. Keep engravings simple.

Receive Body Donations

Some medical schools offer free cremation services when receiving body donations for training. This can be arranged in advance.

Prepaying and Prefunding Funerals

To ease the financial obligations on loved ones, many choose to prepay some or all funeral expenses by working with a funeral home to set up a prearranged plan. This locks in set pricing that families will pay in the future even if rates rise with inflation.

Funeral homes place funds in trust or purchase insurance products that grow in value to cover future costs. Compare policies and trusts carefully, as they can vary widely in value. Prefunding also makes Medicaid eligibility easier since funds are exempt from asset calculations in most cases.

Preplan Your Funeral for Peace of Mind

While no one likes to think about their death, preplanning and prepaying for your funeral is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your family. It saves them the stress of difficult decisions during an emotional time. Find affordable funeral insurance and lock in costs to provide your loved ones financial peace of mind.

Those looking to prepay for some funeral elements while minimizing costs may choose to preselect desired services along with casket, urn, and cemetery options. Full prepayment works best for elaborate, highly personalized plans.

One option to cover funeral costs is to purchase a life insurance policy. The death benefit payout can provide funds to cover end-of-life expenses and services. There are a few types of life insurance for funeral planning:

Whole Life Insurance – This type of permanent life insurance provides lifetime coverage as long as premiums are paid. The death benefit can be used to pay for funeral costs. It also builds cash value that can sometimes be borrowed against if funds are needed while living. Whole life tends to be more expensive than term insurance.
Final Expense Insurance – Also called funeral insurance, this is permanent life insurance designed specifically to cover end-of-life costs like funerals. The death benefit is typically $10,000-$25,000. It requires little or no medical underwriting so is available even for those with health conditions. Premiums are fixed and never rise.
Term Life Insurance – Term life provides temporary coverage for a set period, like 10 or 20 years. It pays out a death benefit if you pass away during the term. Term life is affordable, and the proceeds could be used to pay funeral expenses if needed. It may require a medical exam.

In addition, the government supports funerals. The article provides details on benefits and how to receive support: Government Funeral Assistance in Canada

Planning for funeral expenses is an important part of estate planning and can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. For more guidance on estate planning and related topics, explore these articles:

Summary

Planning a funeral generally costs Canadian families between $5,000 to $15,000 or more depending on the specifics. Cremations can lower expenses to $3,000-$6,000 on average. Location, details chosen and personalization greatly swing pricing. Knowing provincial averages and key factors affecting costs allows families to tailor services to their needs and budget. Prefunding and prepaying also ease the financial burden of final farewells.

Frequently Asked Questions About Average Funeral Cost In Canada

What is the absolute cheapest funeral option?

The least expensive funeral option is direct cremation with no formal viewing, ceremony or service. The cremated remains are simply placed in an inexpensive urn or container for families to retrieve. This often costs as little as $2,000-$2,500. Direct cremations include transportation, storage, body preparation and cremation.

Does a funeral have to cost $10,000?

No, Canadian funerals do not have to cost $10,000 or more. The average cost is $6,000-$12,000, but many options exist to lower expenses below $5,000. Direct cremation with no service starts under $2,000. Choosing brief viewing and ceremony times, small guest lists, simple caskets, and existing grave sites reduce costs significantly.

What should you not spend money on for a funeral?

Expenses to minimize include elaborate floral displays, lengthy obituaries, luxury limousines, custom programs and overpriced caskets. Focus spending on simple, dignified ceremonies capturing the person's spirit. Don't feel pressured to create elaborate rituals without personal meaning.

How can I arrange an affordable funeral on a tight budget?

If funds are very limited, opt for direct cremation and hold a small remembrance gathering at home. Cater potlucks or homemade dishes friends prepare. Select the most economical casket and urn. Use an existing family cemetery plot and low-cost, flat grave marker. Invite donations to a charity in lieu of flowers as well. Prioritize celebrating memories over expensive displays.

What expenses should I expect if choosing cremation?

With cremation, typical costs include basic professional fees, body transfer and refrigeration, permit for cremation, cremation fee itself, basic container or casket, temporary urn, permanent urn selection, retrieval of ashes and final disposition like interment, scattering or home retrieval. Extra services like viewing or ceremonies raise costs.

Source:

5/5 - (1 vote)