Choosing a burial plot is an important part of the funeral planning process, and there are several options.
Single Space
A single space holds one casket. It’s the most common type of burial plot in cemeteries.
Companion
Companion plots are two spaces bought together that are used to bury two people next to each other. They’re used most often for married couples. There are two options for companion spaces.
Side-by-Side
These plots lie side by side. You may have to pay the full price of two spaces, but some cemeteries offer a discount on multiple purchases.
Double-Depth
This type of grave is a single space that stacks two caskets on top of each other. They’re usually cheaper than side-by-side spaces, but they may come with added fees for reopening and reclosing the grave if the owners pass away at different times.
Family
A family plot is a group of spaces used to bury multiple family members. Plots may be purchased in a row or in a square- or rectangle-shaped area in the cemetery. Rows feature either one long headstone with the family name along with each individual’s name, or they may feature a line of traditional headstones. Areas usually contain one large headstone with the family name engraved on it and smaller headstones for each family member.
Plots for Cremated Remains
Most cemeteries have urn gardens that contain plots to bury urns. These spaces are smaller than those used to bury caskets, so they’re less expensive.
Plots for cremains are sometimes the same standard spaces bought for caskets. You can sometimes bury more than one urn in a single plot with this option.
In either case, you may be required to buy an outer burial container for the urn.
Lawn Crypt
In this type of plot, cement, marble, bronze, steel, or another solid material lines the grave. Caskets are better protected this way, especially in areas that are prone to floods. This option can be used in single, double-depth, or family plots.
Mausoleum Crypt
Mausoleum crypts hold remains above ground in a tomb, called entombment. There are three different kinds:
- Indoor – These spaces are inside or under churches or other buildings. Many caskets and/or urns from several different families are kept in them, so they’re sometimes called community mausoleums.
- Outdoor – These are individual buildings in cemeteries where many caskets and/or urns from several different families are kept.
- Private – A single person or family uses these indoor or outdoor crypts.
Mausoleum crypts are also available in many different forms, no matter if they’re indoor, outdoor, or private:
- Single space – This holds a single casket.
- Side-by-side – Two caskets lie next to each other.
- End-to-end – This is a type of companion crypt similar to burial’s double-depth plot, but caskets lie end to end rather than stacked on top of each other.
- Westminster – Also called a family crypt, this holds as many people as you wish, usually family members. Caskets may be placed side by side, end to end, or on top of one another. Each one may have its own marker, or there may be one large marker for the whole family.
Columbarium
Columbariums are similar to mausoleum crypts, but they’re only used to entomb cremated remains. They use niches (wall spaces) to hold urns and may be located indoors or outdoors. Columbariums are locked, but they sometimes have glass or plastic exteriors to display urns.
Private Mausoleum
Private mausoleums are large areas in cemeteries devoted to one family, and they contain multiple burial sites. They can be outdoor spaces that include a combination of below- and above-ground burial plots, or they can be individual buildings that hold the remains of a single family. Many people choose to add personal touches, like statues, benches, plaques, or custom memorials. Private mausoleums are blocked off by gates, fencing, shrubs, or other structures to ensure privacy.
Veteran
Qualified veterans can use the burial benefit from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to obtain a veteran plot. In addition to a burial space at one of the 144 cemeteries owned by the VA, families of vets can receive these benefits to bury their loved one free of charge:
- Grave opening and closing
- Ongoing gravesite care
- Headstone
- Burial flag
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
Spouses and dependents of veterans can also be buried alongside the vet at no cost.
Plots for Green Burials
Green burial plots hold unembalmed bodies in natural containers. Both the body and the biodegradable casket naturally decompose in the ground.
Pre-Owned
Pre-owned burial plots are sold by private individuals who pre-purchased a plot. Many people pre-plan their funeral and burial but later change their plans because they divorce, remarry, or move out of the area. Other people run into hard times financially and sell their plot to bring in some money. In any case, you can usually buy them for a discounted price.
Average Plot Cost by Type of Cemetery
The average cost of a plot depends on many factors. These may include:
- Whether the cemetery is public or private
- Plot size
- The location of the space in the cemetery
- Where you live (areas with high living costs also have high prices for final arrangements)
With that in mind, there are national average costs you can use to guide you when shopping for a burial site. These prices are for single spaces, so if you buy a side-by-side companion plot, you may pay double the price.
Prices for mausoleum crypts, columbariums, and private mausoleums usually have costs in the price ranges listed below. However, you’ll pay extra fees for structures, decorations, and extra land, and the price for each varies. If you’re interested in any of these options, ask for a broken-down price list from any cemetery you’re considering working with.
Public Cemetery Plot
Public cemetery plots are best for those with small budgets. They cost an average of $525 to $2,500.
Public Burial Plot for Cremated Remains
Smaller spaces for urns are less expensive, costing about $350 to $500.
Private Cemetery Plot
Private cemeteries cost much more than public cemeteries. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for a space. In some places, especially major urban areas, prices can be as high as $25,000 for a single space and $50,000 for a double-depth companion plot.
Private Burial Plot for Cremated Remains
Burying cremains is also more expensive in private cemeteries, costing between $1,000 and $2,500.
Green Burial Plot
Green burial plots for caskets cost an average of $1,000 to $4,000. Along with a burial space, it usually includes:
- Interment
- Grave marker
- Perpetual care of the site
Cremated remains can also be buried in green cemeteries without an urn. The average price for this type of plot is $200 to $1,000.
You can save a lot of money with green burials. There is no need to embalm or even cremate the body, and biodegradable caskets are much cheaper than traditional options. Cutting these costs trims a lot off the average cost of a funeral, which is between $7,000 and $9,000.
Pre-Owned Burial Plot
The cost of a pre-owned burial plot is set by the owner. The price will vary on factors including:
- The cemetery’s desirability
- The plot’s location within the cemetery and its desirability
- How much the owner paid for it
- How quickly the owner wants to sell it
The more in demand the location of the plot is, the higher the price. However, if the owner is eager to sell it, you may be able to get a better deal.
Additional Burial Plot Costs to Consider When Budgeting
Along with the type of cemetery and the size and type of the gravesite you choose, there are other factors that can impact the cost of a plot. These include:
- Your location – Plots in rural areas are cheaper than those in urban locales.
- Competition – Coveted cemeteries and areas within them have higher prices than less-desirable places.
- Plots for infants and children – These are usually less expensive than spaces for adults.
Plus, there are costs a lot of people think are included in the price of a burial plot, but they usually aren’t. Be sure you’ve included these costs in your funeral planning checklist.