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Average Funeral Cost In California (2023 Update)

  • Rikin Shah | Licensed Life & Health Insurance Agent
california cost of a funeral

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    Burial Insurance Rates
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    Tobacco
    We Sell Burial Insurance
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    Average Burial & Cremation Costs in California

    Field Name Average Cost Rank
    Funeral Cost $6,242 29
    Cremation Cost $3,310 29
    Direct Burial Cost $1,799 28
    Direct Cremation Cost $1,525 39

    Funeral & Burial Laws In California

    California is a state located on the west coast of the United States. It is the most populous state in the country, with a population of over 39 million people. The state is known for its diverse population, with a mix of ethnicities and cultures. The largest ethnic groups in California are Hispanic/Latino, followed by White, Asian, and African American. The state is also home to a large number of immigrants, with over a quarter of the population being foreign-born. California is known for its major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, as well as its natural beauty, including beaches, mountains, and national parks. The state is a major economic powerhouse, with industries such as technology, entertainment, and agriculture driving its economy.


    Question Answer
    How do I get a death certificate in California? Ask the funeral home, mortuary, or crematory that files the certificate to order them for you at the time of the death. If needed after the time of death, order from the California Department of Public Health—Vital Records.
    Who can order a death certificate in California? Certified authorized copies can be ordered by the surviving spouse, domestic partner, a parent or legal guardian of the registrant, a child of the registrant, or a party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order. Certified informational copies can be ordered by anyone.
    In California, who completes the death certificate? The physician and surgeon who last attended to the deceased person or the coroner if the death was due to natural causes.
    Is embalming required in California? Except in limited circumstances, embalming is not required. A body must be either embalmed or refrigerated if final disposition will not occur within 24 hours.
    In California, is a casket necessary for burial or cremation? No law requires a casket for burial or cremation.
    In California, do I have to buy a casket from the funeral home? No, federal law requires funeral homes to accept caskets that consumers have purchased from another source.
    Is alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) available in California? Yes, it was legalized in October 2017 and went into effect on July 1, 2020.
    Where can bodies be buried in California? Bodies must be buried in established cemeteries.
    Where can we store or scatter ashes after cremation in California? Cremated remains can be kept in a columbarium or urn, buried in a cemetery, or scattered at sea or on private property with permission. California's laws about dealing with ashes are the strictest in the nation.

    Calculator for Funeral Costs in California

    Final Arrangements Expenses in Los Angeles, California

    Los Angeles, CA is a bustling city located in Southern California. It is the second most populous city in the United States and is known for its diverse culture, entertainment industry, and beautiful beaches. The city is home to many famous landmarks such as the Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, and the Griffith Observatory. Los Angeles is also a hub for fashion, technology, and international trade. With its warm climate and endless opportunities for entertainment and recreation, Los Angeles is a popular destination for tourists and a vibrant place to live for its residents.

    Category Average Cost Rank
    Traditional Funeral & Burial $5,639 213
    Cremation with Service $2,822 211
    Direct Burial $1,782 146
    Direct Cremation $1,557 192

    Local Funeral Homes

    Name / Link Address Phone Score Reviews
    Angelus Funeral Home 3875 S Crenshaw Blvd (323) 296-6666 4.0 74
    Rachal's Funeral Home 5708 S Broadway (323) 231-9325 4.8 197
    Boyd Funeral Home 11109 Vermont Ave (323) 756-8391 4.4 19
    Optima Funeral Home 4901 Compton Ave (213) 820-2798 4.7 49
    Undertaking LA Funeral Home 5300 Santa Monica Blvd #320 (323) 457-3335 4.8 40
    Los Angeles Mortuary(엘에이장의사) 2300 W Olympic Blvd #223 (213) 788-7870 4.2 5
    Han Kook Mortuary 2045 W Washington Blvd (323) 734-5656 4.1 50

    Costs Of Funerals & Cremations in San Diego, California

    San Diego, CA is a city located in the southern part of California, USA. It is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and vibrant culture. With a population of over 1.4 million people, it is the second-largest city in California and the eighth-largest in the United States. San Diego is home to many famous attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and SeaWorld. It is also a hub for technology, biotech, and military industries. With its stunning coastline, diverse neighborhoods, and endless opportunities for adventure, San Diego is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.

    Category Average Cost Rank
    Traditional Funeral & Burial $6,117 185
    Cremation with Service $3,200 173
    Direct Burial $1,518 165
    Direct Cremation $1,319 215

    Local Funeral Homes

    Name / Link Address Phone Score Reviews
    Funerals Your Way 4858 Mercury St #102 (619) 550-7807 4.9 104
    Bravo Family Mortuary - Family-Owned/MBE/WBE 4427 Rainier Ave (833) 762-7286 5.0 32
    Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home 1818 Sunset Cliffs Blvd (619) 223-8100 4.7 15
    Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary 3838 Camino Del Rio N Suite 103 (619) 295-2177 4.7 28
    Goodbody Mortuary 5027 El Cajon Blvd (619) 582-1700 4.8 53
    Featheringill Mortuary 6322 El Cajon Blvd (619) 583-9511 4.3 15
    Still Waters Funeral Services & Alkaline Hydrolysis 3435 Camino del Rio S Ste 217 (619) 268-5339 4.3 6

    Cremation & Burial Costs in San Jose, California

    San Jose, CA is a bustling city located in the heart of Silicon Valley. It is the third largest city in California and has a population of over one million people. San Jose is known for its high-tech industry, with many major tech companies headquartered in the area. It is also home to several universities and cultural institutions, including the Tech Museum of Innovation and the San Jose Museum of Art. The city boasts a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. San Jose is a diverse and vibrant city, offering something for everyone.

    Category Average Cost Rank
    Traditional Funeral & Burial $6,381 159
    Cremation with Service $3,349 157
    Direct Burial $1,663 157
    Direct Cremation $1,704 166

    Local Funeral Homes

    Name / Link Address Phone Score Reviews
    San Jose Funeral Service 1050 S Bascom Ave (408) 288-8383 4.8 19
    Willow Glen Funeral Home 1039 Lincoln Ave (408) 295-6446 5.0 33
    Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park 300 Curtner Ave (408) 297-2447 4.4 408
    Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel 710 Willow St (408) 295-5160 4.8 33
    Casa Funeral San Jose 593 Bird Ave. 4.7 12
    Darling & Fischer Garden Chapel 471 E Santa Clara St (408) 998-2226 4.9 67
    Beddingfield Funeral Service 4323 Moorpark Ave (408) 777-8100 4.7 7

    Costs of Funeral Services in San Francisco, California

    San Francisco, CA is a bustling city located in the northern part of California. It is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. The city is also famous for its diverse neighborhoods, including the colorful Haight-Ashbury, trendy Mission District, and upscale Pacific Heights. San Francisco is a hub for technology and innovation, with many tech companies headquartered in the area. The city is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. With its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and endless attractions, San Francisco is a popular tourist destination and a great place to live.

    Category Average Cost Rank
    Traditional Funeral & Burial $6,779 108
    Cremation with Service $3,775 96
    Direct Burial $2,218 105
    Direct Cremation $1,663 173

    Local Funeral Homes

    Name / Link Address Phone Score Reviews
    Duggan's Funeral Service 3434 17th St (415) 431-4900 3.1 28
    Sullivan's and Duggan's Serra Funeral Services 6201 Geary Blvd (415) 621-4567 5.0 1
    Valencia Street Serra Mortuary 1465 Valencia St 3.9 7
    San Francisco Columbarium & Funeral Home 1 Loraine Ct (415) 771-0717 4.9 76
    Green Street Mortuary 649 Green St (415) 433-5692 4.8 16
    Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara 4545 Geary Blvd 4.5 2
    Funeral Home Directory 1123 Sutter St 5.0 1

    Funeral and Cremation Service Costs in Fresno, California

    Fresno, CA is a city located in the central region of California, approximately 200 miles north of Los Angeles. With a population of over 500,000 residents, it is the fifth-largest city in the state. Fresno is known for its agricultural industry, particularly its production of grapes and almonds, and is home to several universities and colleges. The city also offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and theaters. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains.

    Category Average Cost Rank
    Traditional Funeral & Burial$6,293 166
    Cremation with Service $3,404 150
    Direct Burial $1,814 141
    Direct Cremation $1,380 208

    Local Funeral Homes

    Name / Link Address Phone Score Reviews
    Lisle Funeral Home 1605 L St (559) 266-0666 4.9 84
    Wildrose Chapel & Funeral Home 916 E Divisadero St (559) 486-7777 4.2 21
    Yost & Webb Funeral Home 1002 T St (559) 237-4147 3.9 19
    Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home 836 E Nees Ave (559) 227-4048 4.8 116
    Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel 202 N Teilman Ave (559) 268-9292 4.9 96
    Jesse E. Cooley Jr Funeral Home 1830 S Fruit Ave (559) 268-8048 3.4 25
    Fresno Funeral Chapel 1136 A St (559) 233-1174 4.3 11

    How to Finance a Funeral

    Funerals can be expensive, and many families struggle to pay for them. There are several options for financing a funeral, including:

    Burial Insurance, Funeral Insurance, Final Expense Insurance, and Life Insurance

    These types of insurance policies are all essentially the same thing: they provide a lump sum payment to cover funeral expenses when the policyholder passes away. Burial insurance and funeral insurance are specifically designed to cover funeral costs, while final expense insurance and life insurance can be used for any end-of-life expenses, including funeral costs.

    It's important to note that these policies may have restrictions or exclusions, so it's important to read the fine print carefully before purchasing one. Additionally, it's important to keep the policy up-to-date and to inform your loved ones of its existence and location.

    Personal Savings

    If you have personal savings, this can be a good option for financing a funeral. However, it's important to consider whether using your savings for a funeral will leave you financially vulnerable in the future.

    Credit Cards or Loans

    Using a credit card or taking out a loan can be a quick way to finance a funeral, but it's important to consider the interest rates and fees associated with these options. Additionally, taking on debt can be a burden for your loved ones if you pass away before the debt is paid off.

    Prepaid Funeral Plans

    Prepaid funeral plans allow you to pay for your funeral in advance, often at a lower cost than if you were to pay for it at the time of your death. However, there are risks associated with prepaid funeral plans. If the funeral home goes out of business or if you move to a different area, you may not be able to use the plan. Additionally, if the cost of the funeral increases over time, your prepaid plan may not cover the full cost.

    Ultimately, the best way to finance a funeral will depend on your individual circumstances. It's important to consider all of your options and to make a plan that works for you and your loved ones.

    Rikin Shah

    Rikin is the Co-Founder & CEO of GetSure. He is a licensed life, accident & health insurance agent in all 50 states (plus D.C.) and has over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. He holds a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Columbia University and an MBA from The Stanford Graduate School of Business. If you'd like to speak with Rikin to discuss your life insurance options or questions, don't hesitate to email him at hello [at] getsure.org.
    Burial Insurance Rates
    Gender
    Tobacco
    We Sell Burial Insurance
      Cash Payout On Death
      Cash Value (Savings) While Living
    ...Without The Hassle
     NO Waiting Period
      NO Medical Exam
      NO Expiration
     NO Rate Increases