Exactly how to spend for a funeral or cremation According to the National Funeral Directors Organization, the median funeral expense in the USA in 2019 ranged from $6,645 for a cremation with a watching and also memorial service to $9,135 for a funeral with a viewing, service and safe. When burial ground expenses are factored in, the complete average expense of a funeral can surpass $10,000. Also basic cremations without service can go beyond the cost savings a family members has on hand. (Review our full coverage on funeral, cemetery and cremation costs here.).