Funeral Costs in Chattanooga: 2025 Guide

Understanding funeral and cremation costs in the Chattanooga area. A comprehensive breakdown of what to expect and how to make informed financial decisions.

$7,500 - $12,000

Traditional Funeral with Burial

$2,000 - $5,000

Cremation with Service

$695 - $1,800

Direct Cremation

Traditional Funeral Costs

A traditional funeral in Chattanooga typically includes viewing/visitation, funeral service, and burial. Here is a breakdown of typical costs:

Basic Services Fee$2,000 - $3,500
Embalming$500 - $900
Viewing/Visitation$400 - $700
Funeral Ceremony$400 - $700
Hearse$300 - $500
Casket$1,000 - $5,000+
Burial Vault/Liner$800 - $2,500
Cemetery Plot$1,000 - $4,000
Opening/Closing Grave$500 - $1,200
Estimated Total$7,500 - $12,000+

Cremation Costs

Cremation offers more flexibility in pricing. Here are the typical options and their costs in Chattanooga:

Direct Cremation

The most affordable option - cremation without a formal service.

Cremation Fee$300 - $500
Basic Services$300 - $800
Alternative Container$50 - $200
Total$695 - $1,800

Cremation with Memorial Service

Includes a memorial service before or after cremation.

Cremation Services$695 - $1,500
Memorial Service$400 - $800
Urn$50 - $500
Total$2,000 - $5,000

Know Your Rights: The FTC Funeral Rule

The Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule protects consumers by requiring funeral homes to:

  • • Provide a General Price List (GPL) when you inquire in person
  • • Give price information over the phone
  • • Allow you to choose only the services you want
  • • Accept caskets purchased elsewhere without penalty
  • • Disclose embalming is not required by law in most cases

Always request the GPL and compare prices from multiple funeral homes before making decisions.

Ways to Reduce Funeral Costs

Compare Prices

Prices can vary significantly between funeral homes. Get quotes from at least three providers.

Consider Direct Cremation or Burial

These options eliminate many costs while still allowing for a separate memorial service.

Shop for Caskets Separately

You can purchase caskets from third-party retailers, often at significant savings.

Skip Embalming When Possible

Embalming is not required by Tennessee law in most cases. Refrigeration is an alternative.

Check for Veteran Benefits

Veterans may be eligible for burial allowances and free burial in national cemeteries.

Factors Affecting Price

  • • Type of service (burial vs cremation)
  • • Casket or urn selection
  • • Cemetery location and type
  • • Additional services (flowers, obituary)
  • • Time of service (weekday vs weekend)
  • • Transportation distance

Price Disclaimer

Prices shown are estimates based on typical costs in the Chattanooga area and may vary by provider. Always request a General Price List from funeral homes for accurate, current pricing.