Planning for End of Life Expenses

Many of the members of our parish will someday have the sad task of making the final arrangements for a loved one. We all know they can be expensive, but how much and what are the alternatives? These documents have been prepared by the Memorial Garden Committee to provide the members of our parish a summary of the costs involved for the funeral home, cemetery, our own Memorial Garden, St. Matthew’s, and miscellaneous other related costs, such as an obituary.

Cost figures listed below are for funeral home services which were obtained from the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Texas (FCACTX) and are for funeral homes in north Austin, west of IH-35. Prices shown are the lowest and highest from the survey. These prices are for planning purposes only and funeral homes should be contacted for firm pricing. The FCA survey includes prices for all funeral homes in Travis and four surrounding counties, and is updated yearly. Included in the survey are definitions, descriptions, and notes related to the services presented in the survey. The cost saving suggestions are particularly valuable

These estimated prices are based on 2019 data collected from the following sources:

Please refer to these resources for up-to-date expense details in subsequent years.

It is very important that all are aware of the fact that funeral homes require payment in full for their services before releasing the remains from their custody, and that reputable funeral homes do not extend credit. There are pre-need insurance policies available, but it is recommended that you obtain the advice of a financial advisor before making such an investment. Take along a trusted friend for assistance when making arrangements for a funeral. A friend who is less emotionally involved with the dozens of decisions to be made can give sound advice and help avoid unnecessary expenses.

FUNERAL HOME PRICES (FCACTX Survey 2019)
Basic Cremation Including Cremation Fee: $1095 to $3190
Immediate Burial With Minimum Casket: $3290 to $5165
Basic Funeral Service, Not Including Casket: $4810 to $9385
Lowest Cost Metal Casket, 20 Gauge: $1395 to $1595
Lowest Cost Metal Casket,18 Gauge: $2195 to $2795
Embalming Option: $625 to $995
One Way Mileage Radius/Charge Per Mile: 35 miles @ $2.25 per mile, 25 miles @ $3.25 per mile 
Refrigeration: $50 per day and higher

CEMETERY PRICES
Prices for City of Austin cemeteries are listed in the link above. The prices cover a complete range of services and spaces.
Prices for cemeteries in Central Texas are listed in the 2018 FCACTX Survey.

MISCELLANEOUS PRICES and FEES

OBITUARIES through the Austin American-Statesman
$43 per inch, column width
Photos: $85 for two inches, column width
$15 to post online to their obituary website; a 3” obituary with photo posted online will cost $226

MONUMENTS
Single markers, granite: $543 to $1,312 + $230 installation
Companion markers, granite: $795 to $1,856 + $300 installation
Bronze markers are approx. double the price of granite markers
Single monuments, granite: $995 to $2,510 + $365 installation
Companion monuments, granite: $1,995 to $4,935 + $465 installation

GRAVE LINERS AND VAULTS
Grave liner (concrete, covers sides and top of casket; may be required by cemetery): $695 to $895 (installed)
Vaults, waterproof: $995 (plain concrete) to $7,195 (asphalt coated concrete & bronze)

FLOWERS
Bouquets: $45 to $123
Casket Sprays: $170 to $423

CREMAIN URNS (Walmart)
$40 to $180

ST. MATTHEW’S
No charge for facilities, order of service, service itself, or reception afterwards (except for special requests for food or decorations)
Organist/Music Director: $200
Musicians/Singers: $50 to $200 each

Note: In Austin, the sales tax is 8.25% for goods (not services)