---
title: Funeral Costs in South Dakota: Prices and Help Paying
url: https://coverfolk.com/funeral-costs/south-dakota
updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Funeral costs in South Dakota

What it costs, who helps families with no money, and the South Dakota rules that protect you.

[Call free (888) 635-3511](tel:+18886353511)

Updated October 8, 2026[Fact checked](/editorial-standards)

South DakotaFuneral costs and help

The short answer

Nationally, a funeral with viewing and burial had a median cost of $8,300 (2023, NFDA).

## Help paying in South Dakota

**County burial of a person with no means (SDCL 28-17)**

The board of county commissioners in the county where the person lived, or where they died. Each county sets the amount by resolution at its yearly meeting. The family or tribe can pick the funeral director and choose burial or cremation. [Official page](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes?Statute=28-17)

## Medicaid and burial money

Up to $1,500 each for you and your spouse set aside for burial is not counted. It must be kept apart from other money. Irrevocable burial plans and small life policies of $1,500 or less lower that $1,500. Interest left in the fund is not counted.

## Prepaid funeral plans

At least 85% of what you pay on a prearranged funeral contract must go into a trust, 100% if the price is not guaranteed. You choose a revocable or irrevocable trust. A revocable contract can be canceled with 30 days written notice, and you get back all money paid into the trust plus interest.

## Plan ahead

A small final expense policy can pay these costs so your family does not have to. [Final expense in South Dakota](/states/south-dakota/final-expense).

## Common questions

How much does a funeral cost in South Dakota?

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

Is there help paying for a funeral in South Dakota?

County burial of a person with no means (SDCL 28-17) (The board of county commissioners in the county where the person lived, or where they died).

Who regulates funeral homes in South Dakota?

The state funeral licensing board.

## Sources

1. [SDCL chapter 28-17 county burial](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes?Statute=28-17)
2. [ARSD 67:46:05:45 to 67:46:05:47 burial funds](https://sdlegislature.gov/Rules?Rule=67:46:05:45)
3. [SDCL chapter 55-11 prearranged funeral trusts](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes?Statute=55-11)
4. [2023 NFDA General Price List Study Shows Inflation Increasing Faster than the Cost of a Funeral (NFDA)](https://content.nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/8134/2023-nfda-general-price-list-study-shows-inflation-increasing-faster-than-the-cost-of-a-funeral)

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