What is the average cost of a funeral in the United States, excluding cemetery costs?

The average cost of a funeral in the United States, excluding cemetery costs, generally aligns with the figure of $6,000. This amount typically encompasses services such as the basic fee for the funeral home, transportation of the body, embalming, and the use of facilities for viewing and memorial services. Funeral costs can vary widely based on location, the services chosen, and personal preferences, but $6,000 is a widely recognized estimate for the average expense when excluding additional costs like burial plots and grave markers. This understanding is crucial since when discussing funerals, one must differentiate between the costs associated specifically with the service itself versus the cemetery expenses which can substantially increase the overall cost.