Funeral Costs in California: Prices and Help Paying

The short answer

Nationally, a funeral with viewing and burial had a median cost of $8,300 (2023, NFDA). In California, between 61% and 70% of deaths led to cremation, per early 2025 numbers from the Cremation Association of North America.

Help paying in California

County cremation through the Office of Decedent Affairs

Los Angeles County. Family pays $352, or $466 if pickup is needed. The office cannot waive the fee. Only the Board of Supervisors can. Official page

Medicaid and burial money

Money in an irrevocable trust for a funeral, cremation, or burial is not counted. There is no dollar cap. For a revocable burial fund or prepaid plan, only the first $1,500 is not counted. Medi-Cal started counting assets again on January 1, 2026. The limit is $130,000 for one person plus $65,000 for each extra person through June 30, 2027.

Prepaid funeral plans

The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau regulates prepaid funeral trusts. If you cancel, you get back all you paid plus interest. The funeral home can keep a fee of up to 10% of the first contract price, and only from the interest.

Where to complain

Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, Department of Consumer Affairs. Call (916) 574 7870 or (800) 952 5210. Website

Plan ahead

A small final expense policy can pay these costs so your family does not have to. Final expense in California.

Common questions

How much does a funeral cost in California?

Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023 and $6,280 with cremation. Prices in California vary by funeral home, so ask for the itemized price list.

Is there help paying for a funeral in California?

County cremation through the Office of Decedent Affairs (Los Angeles County).

Who regulates funeral homes in California?

Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, Department of Consumer Affairs. Call (916) 574 7870 or (800) 952 5210.