Planning for end-of-life arrangements can be a sensitive but necessary task. Understanding the costs associated with different burial options, including cemetery plots, is a crucial part of this process. This guide will provide a detailed overview of the various types of cemetery plots available and their associated costs, helping you make informed decisions for yourself or your loved ones.
Types of Cemetery Plots and Their Costs
The cost of a cemetery plot can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of plot, its location, and whether the cemetery is public or private. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of plots and their average costs:
Plots for Cremated Remains
Many cemeteries offer designated areas for the burial of cremated remains, often referred to as urn gardens. These plots are typically smaller and less expensive than those intended for casket burials.
- Urn Plots: These smaller spaces for urns generally range from $350 to $500 in public cemeteries and $1,000 to $2,500 in private cemeteries.
It’s also worth noting that a standard-sized burial plot can sometimes accommodate multiple urns. In some cases, cemeteries may require the purchase of an outer burial container for the urn, adding to the overall cost.
Lawn Crypt
A lawn crypt is a grave lined with durable materials like cement, marble, bronze, or steel. This type of plot offers enhanced protection for the casket, particularly in areas prone to flooding. Lawn crypts are available in single, double-depth, or family plot configurations. Pricing depends on the cemetery and materials used.
Mausoleum Crypt
Mausoleum crypts offer above-ground entombment of remains. These can be indoor, outdoor, or private structures:
- Indoor Crypts (Community Mausoleums): Located inside buildings like churches, these crypts house caskets and urns from multiple families.
- Outdoor Crypts: Similar to indoor crypts but situated in separate buildings within the cemetery grounds.
- Private Crypts: Reserved for a single person or family.
Mausoleum crypts are available in various configurations:
- Single Space: Holds one casket.
- Side-by-Side: Accommodates two caskets next to each other.
- End-to-End: A companion crypt where caskets are placed end to end.
- Westminster (Family Crypt): Designed for multiple family members, with caskets placed side by side, end to end, or on top of each other.
Pricing for mausoleum crypts varies significantly based on location, materials, and the number of spaces. It’s best to inquire with the cemetery for specific pricing.
Columbarium
Columbariums are structures specifically designed for the entombment of cremated remains. They feature niches, or wall spaces, to hold urns. Columbariums can be located either indoors or outdoors and may have locked compartments with glass or plastic exteriors to display the urns.
Private Mausoleum
Private mausoleums are dedicated areas within a cemetery reserved for a single family. These spaces can include a combination of above- and below-ground burial plots or individual buildings for entombment. Families often personalize these spaces with statues, benches, plaques, or custom memorials. These areas are typically enclosed by gates, fencing, or shrubbery for privacy. The cost of a private mausoleum can vary greatly, depending on the size, features, and location within the cemetery.
Veteran Plots
Qualified veterans are eligible for burial benefits through the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which include a burial plot in one of the 144 VA-owned cemeteries. In addition to the burial space, the VA provides:
- Grave opening and closing
- Ongoing gravesite care
- Headstone
- Burial flag
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
Spouses and dependents of veterans may also be eligible for burial alongside the veteran at no cost.
Plots for Green Burials
Green burial plots are designed for unembalmed bodies in natural, biodegradable containers. Both the body and the casket decompose naturally in the ground. These plots typically cost between $1,000 and $4,000 and often include interment, a grave marker, and perpetual care of the site. Cremated remains can also be buried in green cemeteries without an urn for approximately $200 to $1,000.
Pre-Owned Plots
Pre-owned burial plots are those sold by private individuals who had previously purchased them. These plots are often available at a discounted price due to changes in the original owner’s circumstances, such as relocation, divorce, or financial hardship.
Average Plot Cost by Type of Cemetery
The average cost of a cemetery plot is influenced by several factors:
- Whether the cemetery is public or private
- Plot size
- The location of the space within the cemetery
- Geographic location (areas with higher living costs often have higher prices for final arrangements)
Public Cemetery Plot
Public cemetery plots are generally the most affordable option, ranging from $525 to $2,500.
Private Cemetery Plot
Private cemeteries tend to be more expensive than public cemeteries, with plot prices ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. In major urban areas, a single space can cost as much as $25,000, and a double-depth companion plot can reach $50,000.
Conclusion
Understanding the various types of cemetery plots and their associated costs is essential for making informed decisions about end-of-life arrangements. By considering your preferences, budget, and the specific offerings of different cemeteries, you can ensure a meaningful and respectful final resting place for yourself or your loved ones. Contacting local cemeteries directly for detailed price lists and information is always recommended.
