How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Wisconsin?

How much does a funeral cost in Wisconsin?

A traditional funeral with viewing and burial in Wisconsin averages approximately $8,034 to $9,004 depending on the source. With cemetery plot, vault, and headstone, total costs typically reach $11,000 to $14,000.

Costs vary by region:

• Milwaukee metro area. The most expensive region, with full costs often at or above the state average.
• Madison, Green Bay, and mid-size cities. Generally near the state average.
• Rural Wisconsin. Typically 10 to 15% below the metro-area pricing.

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How much does cremation cost in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's cremation rate is approximately 62%, close to the national average of 63%.

• Direct cremation. Averages $2,903 to $2,908, notably higher than many other states. Part of this cost is driven by county-level cremation permit fees, which are separate from the funeral home's charges.
• Cremation with memorial service. Typically $2,500 to $6,500 depending on the services selected.
• Full-service cremation. Averages about $6,731, including embalming, viewing, and a traditional service.

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What regulations apply in Wisconsin?

Key rules governing funerals and cremation in Wisconsin:

• Cremation waiting period. Wisconsin requires a waiting period before cremation can occur.
• Cremation permit required. A local medical examiner or coroner must issue a cremation permit. These permits carry fees that vary significantly by county:
  • Dane County: $359
  • Waukesha County: $311
  • Milwaukee County: $393
  • Winnebago County: $170
• FTC Funeral Rule compliance. Itemized pricing is required.
• Death certificate filing. Must be completed before disposition.

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Ways to reduce funeral costs in Wisconsin

• Be aware of cremation permit fees. These county-level fees ($170 to $393) add to the cost of cremation and vary significantly. Factor them into your comparison shopping.
• Compare across counties. If possible, working with a provider in a county with lower permit fees can save hundreds of dollars.
• Choose direct cremation. Even at Wisconsin's higher average, direct cremation ($2,903) is far less than a traditional funeral. Some providers offer lower prices than the state average.
• Buy a casket or urn separately. Online caskets at $1,000 to $2,000 save significantly. Wisconsin funeral homes must accept them.
• Use a VA national cemetery. Wood National Cemetery and other VA facilities in Wisconsin provide free burial for eligible veterans.
• Request only needed services. The basic services fee is the only non-declinable charge. Everything else is optional.

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What makes Wisconsin different?

County-variable cremation permit fees. Wisconsin's cremation permit fee structure is unusual. Fees range from $170 in Winnebago County to $393 in Milwaukee County. This county-level variation can affect total cremation costs by over $200 depending on where the cremation takes place.

Higher-than-average direct cremation costs. At nearly $2,900, Wisconsin has one of the higher direct cremation averages nationally. The combination of permit fees and service charges contributes to this.

Cremation rate near the national average. At 62%, Wisconsin's cremation rate is right in line with the national trend. The market is competitive, and options are widely available across the state.

Related guides for Wisconsin:

• How much does a funeral cost? (national overview)
• How probate works in Wisconsin
• How to get death certificates in Wisconsin

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