Wondering about the burial plot cost and exactly how to buy a burial plot?
This guide covers everything you need to know, whether you are planning a ground burial of the coffin or casket, or planning to bury cremated remains.
We outline the burial plot cost of various options, as well as additional expenses you should be aware of.
This guide also provides practical advice on other important factors to consider (beyond burial plot prices) before making a decision to purchase – for example, cemetery rules and regulations.
Finally, we cover how to buy a cemetery plot in 8 steps.
Purchasing a burial plot, like any other real estate transaction, comes with issues that should be addressed before you sign a purchase contract.
You’ll want to review the 8 steps carefully so that you aren’t locked into an unsuitable or unfair contract.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Burial Plot Cost For Different Types of Burial Plots
- Single Burial Plot Cost
- Companion Burial Plot Cost
- Family Burial Plot Cost
- Cremation Plot Cost
- Urn Garden Cost
Burial Plot Cost – Additional Expenses
Factors to Consider in Addition to Burial Plot Cost
Burial Plot Cost For Different Types of Burial Plots
Here you will the five types of burial plots in a cemetery, along with the burial plot cost for each type.
Regional variation plays a significant role in burial plot pricing.
In large cities, land scarcity and higher real estate values often push cemetery costs toward the upper end of the price spectrum.
By contrast, rural communities generally offer more affordable options due to lower land demand and operating costs.
There is also a difference in cost when it comes to public cemeteries versus private cemeteries.
Private cemeteries are often more expensive than public cemeteries, particularly in urban areas, because they typically operate as for-profit businesses rather than municipally subsidized services.
A private cemetery may invest more heavily in landscaped grounds, decorative features, gated access, on-site chapels, or enhanced maintenance standards, all of which increase operating costs.
Single Burial Plot Cost
A single burial plot accommodates one person in a casket or coffin. This is the most common type of cemetery plot.
The price for a single burial plot varies, depending on the location.
Single Burial Plot Cost — Public Cemetery (Urban Area)
Price Range: $1,500 – $5,000
Public or municipal cemeteries in urban areas tend to be more affordable than private cemeteries, but urban land costs still drive the price up.
In major cities, plots often fall within this range, though high-demand areas (e.g., downtown or historic cemeteries) can exceed it.
Single Burial Plot Cost — Private Cemetery (Urban Area)
Price Range: $3,500 – $12,000+
Private cemeteries generally charge more due to restricted inventory, scenic settings, and perpetual care fees.
In urban markets with limited space, private plots can be significantly more expensive, especially in desirable sections or landscaped garden areas.
Single Burial Plot Cost — Public Cemetery (Rural Area)
Price Range: $500 – $2,000
In rural or less densely populated regions, public cemetery plots are often much cheaper due to lower land values and less competition.
These are usually the most affordable burial options for those choosing ground burial.
Single Burial Plot Cost — Private Cemetery (Rural Area)
Price Range: $1,000 – $4,000
Private cemeteries in rural areas still tend to cost more than municipal ones, but rural land is cheaper overall.
Prices vary depending on cemetery amenities, landscaping, and perpetual care provisions.
Companion Burial Plot Cost
Companion burial plots are two plots that are sold together in order to accommodate a couple, usually a married couple.
The two plots are either side-by-side, or a single plot in which the caskets are stacked (often referred to as “double-depth”).
Double-depth plots are usually more affordable than side-by-side companion cemetery plots, as only one large outer burial container is usually required, instead of two.
However, double-depth plots may incur extra fees for reopening and closing the grave when the second person is buried.
The location of the cemetery also affects the price range of a companion burial plot.
Companion Burial Plot Cost — Public Cemetery, Side-By-Side (Urban Area)
Price Range: $4,000 – $10,000
Public cemeteries in urban settings usually offer the most affordable companion burial options compared to private cemeteries.
Nevertheless, public cemetery prices are still higher than prices in rural areas, given the higher land value.
Companion Burial Plot Cost — Public Cemetery, Double-Depth (Urban Area)
Price Range: $3,000 – $8,000
Double-depth companion plots in public cemeteries often cost less than side-by-side plots, partly because they save space while still accommodating two people.
Companion Burial Plot Cost — Private Cemetery, Side-By-Side (Urban Area)
Price Range: $8,000 – $18,000+
Private cemeteries in high-demand urban areas tend to have higher base pricing.
Furthermore, premium sections (landscaped gardens, views, family areas) may push costs far above the price range that we have given.
Companion Burial Plot Cost — Private Cemetery, Double-Depth (Urban Area)
Price Range: $6,000 – $15,000+
Double-depth companion plots in private cemeteries are typically the least expensive of the partner options in urban markets.
Companion Burial Plot Cost — Public Cemetery, Side-By-Side (Rural Area)
Price Range: $1,500 – $5,000
Rural municipal cemeteries benefit from lower land costs and usually offer the most affordable burial options for side-by-side burials.
Companion Burial Plot Cost — Public Cemetery, Double-Depth (Rural Area)
Price Range: $1,000 – $4,000
Double-depth burial plots in rural public cemeteries are slightly less expensive than side-by-side plots, but still very accessible.
Companion Burial Plot Cost — Private Cemetery, Side-By-Side (Rural Area)
Price Range: $3,000 – $10,000
Private cemeteries in rural areas still carry a premium over municipal plots, but land availability tends to keep prices lower than urban private cemeteries.
Companion Burial Plot Cost — Private Cemetery, Double-Depth (Rural Area)
Price Range: $2,500 – $8,000
Double-depth companion plots in rural private cemeteries are typically priced lower than side-by-side burial plots.
Family Burial Plot Cost
As the name suggests, a family burial plot is a grouping of plots that are reserved for members of the same family.
A family may purchase a defined area within the cemetery. It will feature a large, single headstone that is engraved with the family name, along with smaller headstones for individual graves.
Alternatively, the family may purchase a row of single plots that are arranged side-by-side in single formation.
Here is the family burial plot cost for both public and private cemeteries, and for urban and rural areas:
Family Burial Plot Cost — Public Cemetery (Urban Area)
Price Range: $8,000 – $25,000
In urban areas, public (municipal) cemeteries offer family burial plots at a lower cost than private cemeteries, but prices are still influenced by high land values and limited space.
Urban demand significantly increases the overall cost compared to rural regions, making early planning especially important for families considering this option.
Family Burial Plot Cost — Private Cemetery (Urban Area)
Price Range: $15,000 – $40,000+
Private cemeteries in major cities tend to charge a premium for family burial plots due to exclusivity, landscaping, amenities, and long-term maintenance provisions.
These plots are often located in designated family estates or garden sections and may include enhanced memorialization options.
In high-demand metropolitan areas, prices can greatly exceed this range depending on the number of graves included and the prestige of the cemetery.
Family Burial Plot Cost — Public Cemetery (Rural Area)
Price Range: $3,000 – $12,000
In rural or less densely populated regions, public cemeteries typically offer the most affordable family burial plots.
Lower land costs and greater availability keep prices more accessible.
A rural family burial plot still allows multiple burials in a shared section, but without the premium pricing often seen in urban markets.
For families seeking traditional ground burial at a reasonable cost, rural municipal cemeteries are often the most economical option.
Family Burial Plot Cost — Private Cemetery (Rural Area)
Price Range: $6,000 – $18,000
Private cemeteries in rural areas remain more expensive than public ones, though generally far less costly than their urban counterparts.
These family burial plots may offer landscaped estate sections, memorial gardens, or additional services bundled into the purchase price.
While land is more affordable in rural settings, private cemetery management, amenities, and perpetual care provisions still contribute to the higher overall cost compared to municipal options.
Cremation Plot Cost
Cremated remains may be buried in a standard cemetery plot, alongside a buried casket or coffin, or buried in a standard plot on its own.
Many cemeteries allow multiple urns with cremated remains to be buried in a single burial plot because they are smaller in size than a casket.
Cremation Plot Cost — Public Cemetery (Urban Area)
Price Range: $1,000 – $4,000
In urban areas, public cemeteries typically offer cremation burial plots at a lower cost than full-size casket plots, since the space required for urn interment is smaller.
However, high land values and limited availability in cities still push prices upward.
These plots may be designated urn sections or smaller grave spaces within traditional cemetery grounds.
For families who prefer ground burial of cremated remains in a city setting, this is often one of the more affordable urban burial options.
Cremation Plot Cost — Private Cemetery (Urban Area)
Price Range: $2,000 – $6,000
Private cemeteries in urban areas generally charge more for cremation burial plots due to enhanced landscaping, estate sections, and additional maintenance provisions.
While urn plots require less space than full graves, the prestige and amenities of private cemeteries increase the overall cost.
Some private cemeteries also bundle perpetual care fees into the purchase price, which can raise the upfront investment compared to municipal options.
Cremation Plot Cost — Public Cemetery (Rural Area)
Price Range: $500 – $2,000
In rural areas, public cemeteries often provide the most economical cremation burial plots.
Lower land costs and greater space availability keep pricing relatively affordable.
These plots may be located in designated urn gardens or traditional sections adapted for cremated remains.
For families seeking simple ground interment of ashes without the higher costs associated with urban areas, rural public cemeteries are typically the most budget-friendly option.
Cremation Plot Cost — Private Cemetery (Rural Area)
Price Range: $1,000 – $3,500
Private cemeteries in rural regions remain more expensive than public cemeteries, though still less costly than urban private options.
Cremation plots may be located in landscaped memorial gardens or family estate sections.
Amenities, long-term maintenance programs, and cemetery branding contribute to the higher price point.
Even so, rural private cemeteries often provide a balance between affordability and enhanced presentation.
Urn Garden Cost
Some cemeteries have a special area for cremated remains, which is sometimes referred to as an urn garden.
Plots in an urn garden are usually smaller than a standard sized plot, which could translate into a significant cost saving.
Some urn gardens are elaborately landscaped, with beautiful water features and benches to sit on, while others are simple in their presentation.
You will have to check if the cemetery requires you to purchase a small outer burial container for the urn.
Here is an urn garden cost list that covers all of your options.
Urn Garden Plot Cost — Public Cemetery, Single (Urban Area)
Price Range: $1,000 – $3,500
In urban public cemeteries, single urn garden plots are generally more affordable than full-size burial plots but still reflect higher city land values.
These plots are typically located in designated cremation gardens with uniform markers.
They offer a cost-effective urban interment option for one set of cremated remains.
Urn Garden Plot Cost— Public Cemetery, Companion (Urban Area)
Price Range: $2,000 – $6,000
Companion urn plots in urban public cemeteries allow two urns to be interred in a shared space.
Because they reserve space for two individuals, the price is higher than a single plot, though often discounted compared to purchasing two separate plots.
Demand in metropolitan areas keeps prices elevated.
Urn Garden Plot Cost — Public Cemetery, Family (Urban Area)
Price Range: $4,000 – $10,000
Family urn garden plots in urban public cemeteries accommodate multiple urns within a shared lot.
These are attractive for families planning ahead, but the larger reserved space and city land costs significantly increase pricing.
Urn Garden Plot Cost — Private Cemetery, Single (Urban Area)
Price Range: $2,000 – $5,000
Private urban cemeteries typically charge more due to landscaping, amenities, and perpetual care programs.
A single urn garden plot may include upgraded surroundings and stricter memorialization standards.
Urn Garden Plot Cost — Private Cemetery, Companion (Urban Area)
Price Range: $4,000 – $8,000
Companion plots in private urban cemeteries reflect both premium land values and enhanced presentation.
They often provide coordinated memorial markers and estate-style sections.
Urn Garden Plot Cost — Private Cemetery, Family (Urban Area)
Price Range: $8,000 – $18,000
Urban private family urn plots command the highest pricing due to space allocation, long-term maintenance commitments, and cemetery prestige.
Urn Garden Plot Cost — Public Cemetery, Single (Rural Area)
Price Range: $500 – $1,500
Rural public cemeteries offer the most affordable single urn plots, benefiting from lower land costs and ample space.
Urn Garden Plot Cost — Public Cemetery, Companion (Rural Area)
Price Range: $1,000 – $3,000
Companion urn plots in rural public cemeteries remain reasonably priced and are often significantly cheaper than urban equivalents.
Urn Garden Plot Cost — Public Cemetery, Family (Rural Area)
Price Range: $2,000 – $6,000
Family urn plots in rural public cemeteries provide space for multiple interments at a moderate cost compared to city locations.
Urn Garden Plot Cost — Private Cemetery, Single (Rural Area)
Price Range: $1,000 – $2,500
Private rural cemeteries charge more than municipal ones but remain relatively affordable overall.
Urn Garden Plot Cost — Private Cemetery, Companion (Rural Area)
Price Range: $2,000 – $4,500
Companion plots in rural private cemeteries balance modest land costs with enhanced maintenance and presentation.
Urn Garden Plot Cost — Private Cemetery, Family (Rural Area)
Price Range: $4,000 – $9,000
Family urn plots in rural private cemeteries offer multi-urn capacity with added amenities, though still generally less expensive than comparable urban options.
Burial Plot Cost – Additional Expenses
In addition to the cost of the container and the plot itself, there are other expenses that need to be considered:
Grave Marker
The average cost will depend on the type of material that is used to construct the grave marker and how elaborate the design is.
The average cost of a simple flat granite grave marker is $300 to $800, while the average cost of an upright monument is $1,000 to $3,000+.
Grave Liner or Burial Vault
A private cemetery may require you to purchase a grave liner or a burial vault to protect the casket once it has been buried.
The average cost is $400 to $5,000, depending on the quality of the material that is used to construct the grave liner or burial vault.
Interment Fees
Interment fees are charged by the cemetery to open and close the grave, to replace the sod, and to complete paperwork required for legal records.
The average cost of interment fees in a public cemetery is $350 to $1,000, but in a private cemetery, $600 to $3,000.
If you are considering purchasing a family plot, the interment fees become a very important consideration.
In some cemeteries, the interment fees can exceed the cost of the family plots themselves.
Burial Permit
In some jurisdictions, a burial permit is required to bury, cremate or otherwise dispose of the body of a deceased person.
In this case, a cemetery will not consent to a burial without a burial permit.
There may be a small fee to obtain a burial permit (i.e. less than $20).
Check with your local government or a funeral home director as to whether you need a burial permit and for details on how to obtain one.
Burial Plot Cost Infographic
Here is a helpful infographic that summaries the prices associated with cremation and traditional in-ground burial. It also outlines what you can expect to receive at different price points.
(You can save this infographic to your Pinterest Board for later reference.)
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Factors to Consider in Addition to Burial Plot Cost
Most people solely focus on the burial plot cost, not realizing that there are other factors that should be considered before making a purchase.
Here are additional factors to keep in mind:
1: Cemetery Rules and Regulations
The cemetery rules and regulations will dictate in no uncertain terms what is permitted in the cemetery and what is not.
There will be cemetery rules and regulations for every possible issue.
As examples: what type of grave marker is permitted; whether cemetery staff or the deceased’s family are responsible for maintaining the grave; what can be planted around the grave; what types of personal memorials or decorations can be placed on the grave.
Some cemeteries even have restricted visiting hours.
It is vital that you completely understand the cemetery rules and regulations before you commit to purchasing a burial plot in its grounds.
2: Cemetery Exclusivity
The smaller or the more exclusive a cemetery is, the harder it will be to buy your preferred plot.
You will need to plan ahead to ensure that you and your family secure a plot in the desired location.
3: Cemetery Expansion Plans
Be sure to ask the cemetery about any expansion plans they may have in the foreseeable future.
Their expansion plans may impact your choice of burial plot location within the cemetery.
4: Purchasing Options
You can purchase a new burial plot by contacting the cemetery itself or through the funeral home that is looking after you and your family.
You can also purchase a pre-owned burial plot by hiring a cemetery property re-sale broker, or by reading newspaper advertisements.
Pre-owned burial plots are put on the market when people who purchased a plot in advance (usually so that they could be buried near other family members) run into financial difficulties or move out of the area.
Pre-owned plots are usually sold at discounted prices.
However, before you buy a pre-owned burial plot, you should conduct all the same research as you would with a new plot.
For example, how much the cemetery charges for interment fees and grave maintenance.
5: Religious Considerations
The religious aspects of choosing a cemetery can be straightforward in some cases, but difficult in others.
With companion burial plots, it can be difficult if you and your spouse or life partner have different faiths. The same goes for family plots when family members have different faiths.
Some cemeteries are very strict when it comes to the faith of the deceased, while others are more accommodating.
Gay couples of different faiths often have the hardest time finding a cemetery under religious ownership that will accommodate them.
Here is a brief overview of what you might expect in relation to the following faith-based cemeteries.
5(a): Christian Cemeteries
These cemeteries range from very relaxed to very strict when it comes to rules about the faith of the deceased person.
Cemeteries owned by conservative churches will not bend the rules to accommodate an interfaith couple, while cemeteries owned by progressive churches are likely to do so.
5(b): Jewish Cemeteries
You will most likely need to provide proof that either you or your spouse is Jewish before you can purchase a burial plot in a Jewish cemetery.
A letter from a Rabbi may be sufficient.
However, you should note that you might have difficulty obtaining a letter if you haven’t been active in the religious community.
Also, not all Rabbis are recognized as having status, so you will need to check which Rabbi has the necessary authority to provide the proof that you need.
As with Christian churches, there are different levels of progressiveness when it comes to Jewish Synagogues.
You will have a better chance of gaining acceptance if you choose a progressive Jewish Cemetery than if you try to gain entry into a conservative one (i.e. Hassidic cemetery).
5(c): Muslim Cemeteries
Many Muslim cemeteries are very strict and do not allow non-Muslims to be buried there, even if you are the wife of a Muslim.
They do, however, make exceptions for the burial of children (adult or otherwise) of a Muslim man and a non-Muslim woman.
5(d): Sectioned Cemeteries
A sectioned cemetery is one where there are different sections for different denominations.
This type of cemetery is growing in popularity because of increased religious tolerance and acceptance.
How to Buy a Burial Plot
There are several steps that you should follow when looking for a burial plot for either yourself, your family, or for a loved one who has recently passed away.
How to Buy a Burial Plot Step 1: Create a Short-List
The first step is to write a short-list of cemeteries you are potentially interested in.
Consider your personal preferences, budget, as well as the number and size of plots that are available.
How to Buy a Burial Plot Step 2: Check License Status
State or provincial governments are usually responsible for the licenses of cemetery managers.
Therefore, check with your state or provincial government if the cemetery manager is fully licensed and in good standing.
You should also check with consumer affairs if there have been complaints lodged against the cemetery managers.
How to Buy a Burial Plot Step 3: Do Online Research
See if the cemeteries you are interested in have a website with maps detailing which burial plots are still available for purchase.
You should also check reviews of the cemetery posted by other families.
For example, are they satisfied with the maintenance of the cemetery?
Are there expansion plans that families are concerned about?
What rules does the cemetery have in relation to religion?
How to Buy a Burial Plot Step 4: Visit Potential Burial Plots
You should not purchase a burial plot without first inspecting the cemetery and the plot’s location.
For example, is the cemetery well maintained?
Is the burial plot you are considering purchasing near a maintenance shed or a busy road?
(If the answer is yes, your family might not be able to visit the grave in peace.)
After you have viewed a few burial plots, you will be able to choose one that best fits your checklist.
How to Buy a Burial Plot Step 5: Ask the Cemeteries for a Complete List of Costs
As mentioned previously, you want to make sure that you consider all of the costs associated with purchasing a burial plot.
You should request from each cemetery a complete price list.
It should include the cost for the burial plot, interment fees, and future maintenance charges, so that you are fully informed and are able to compare prices.
Just like with other types of real estate transaction, you can usually save money by forgoing a prime location or a location with a beautiful view.
How to Buy a Burial Plot Step 6: Review Cemetery Rules and Regulations
For the cemeteries that you are interested in, ask for a complete copy of the cemetery rules and regulations.
You will need to make sure that the cemetery rules and regulations are not going to interfere with your wishes.
You also need to take particular notice of whether cemetery staff or you and your family are responsible for maintaining the grave plot.
If you and your family are responsible for maintenance, you need to consider whether this is a realistic proposition, particularly if you and your family do not live close by.
How to Buy a Burial Plot Step 7: Ask if Discounts are Available
Check with the funeral home that you are working with to see if they are affiliated with a particular cemetery and are able to offer you a discount.
You may also be eligible for a discount if you are purchasing multiple plots.
How to Buy a Burial Plot Step 8: Consult a Property Lawyer
As with the purchase of any real estate, you should consult an experienced property lawyer before signing a purchase agreement.
He or she will review the cemetery rules and regulations with you, as well as ensure that your interests are protected in the purchase agreement.
Legal expertise is also needed if you are considering pre-purchasing plots (a pre-need purchase), or purchasing pre-owned plots (a transfer of title).
When it comes to a pre-need purchase, your lawyer will review the pre-need contract to ensure that is clear and fair, and fulfills your expectations.
He or she will consider the following issues:
(i) Instalment Plan
If you can’t prepay the full cost of a burial plot at the time of purchase, most cemeteries will allow you to pay on an instalment plan.
Five-year instalment plans are common, though the number of years will be is determined by the contract.
If you will be paying on an instalment plan, your lawyer will need to check if there are any hidden fees and charges associated with the plan.
As examples: whether interest is being charged and at what rate; or if penalties are charged for late payments.
(ii) Trust Plan
The money that you pay for the burial plot, either in a lump sum or on an instalment plan, will go into a trust fund administered by the cemetery or a funeral establishment.
Your lawyer will want to make sure that the fund will increase in value so that future costs are covered.
He or she will investigate where the money is being invested and who the trustees are.
Your lawyer will also check the pre-need trust contract for written provisions on what will happen to any earnings that are left over after the funeral expenses are paid.
(iii) Cancellation Clause
Your lawyer will ensure that your contract includes a clause that allows you to change your mind and cancel the contract and get a refund.
Your lawyer needs to check if there are any fees associated with cancelling the contract (usually referred to as a revocation fee) and how this fee is to be paid (for example, only from the trust fund earnings).
(iv) Guaranteed Price Plan
In order to protect you and your family from future price increases, the pre-need trust contract should include a guaranteed price plan.
Without it, your survivors may have to make up any difference in burial plot cost, which could be significant.
However, even with a guaranteed price plan, some items or services will probably have to be paid at the time of need.
For example, the costs associated with opening and closing the grave.
There may also be extra fees associated with opening and closing double-depth burial plots.
When items and services don’t fall within the guaranteed price plan, your lawyer should ensure that you have a written estimate of these additional future charges so that your family knows what to expect.
(v) Transfers
Your lawyer should check if the contract allows you to transfer to another funeral establishment or another cemetery should you move.
In the alternative, is the cemetery willing to buy back the burial plot back for the full price that you paid?
(vi) Constructive Delivery
To guarantee the prices of costly cemetery products, such as a vault or a grave marker, your lawyer may recommend that they are purchased and stored at the cemetery until they are needed.
This is called “constructive delivery”.
In this event, your lawyer should ensure that the contract specifies the manufacturer and model number of the items that you have purchased, along with a detailed description of the materials used, and the exact inscription that should appear on the grave marker.
The contract should also include the address where the goods will be stored.
How Love Lives On Can Help
We hope you found our guide on the burial plot cost helpful.
We have endeavoured to give you a comprehensive list of prices, as well as useful step-by-step action plan that clearly explains how to buy a burial plot.
You may be interested to know that Love Lives On has a comprehensive library of articles on funeral planning, grieving, and celebrating your loved one’s life in unique ways.
Here are some other popular posts on our website that you may find helpful:
- A complete guide to casket choices
- All of the burial options that are available today
- The ultimate guide to cremation
- Practical tips for what to wear to a funeral
- Coping with the 5 stages of grief
- Best examples to inspire you when writing a eulogy
- 100+ celebration of life ideas
- 150+ funeral poems to personalize a loved one’s service
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