Nationally, a funeral with viewing and burial had a median cost of $8,300 (2023, NFDA). In Texas, between 51% and 60% of deaths led to cremation, per early 2025 numbers from the Cremation Association of North America.
Help paying in Texas
The county commissioners court in each county. No dollar amount in the law. Each county sets its own rules. Official page
Harris County Housing and Community Development. Not published. Burial at county cemeteries or cremation. Call 713 696 1952. Official page
Medicaid and burial money
Up to $1,500 per person set aside for burial is not counted. Irrevocable burial plans and some life insurance lower that $1,500. Burial spaces and fully paid plots are not counted no matter the value.
Prepaid funeral plans
The Texas Department of Banking regulates prepaid funeral contracts. For a trust funded plan, the seller can keep up to 10% of the price. The rest must be deposited within 30 days. You can cancel before death. Within 30 days you get what you paid plus half the earnings, minus the part the seller kept. If the seller asked you to cancel, you get everything back.
Where to complain
Texas Funeral Service Commission. Mail the complaint form to 1801 Congress Ave, Suite 11.800, Austin, TX 78701. File within 2 years. Website
Plan ahead
A small final expense policy can pay these costs so your family does not have to. Final expense in Texas.
Common questions
How much does a funeral cost in Texas?
Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023 and $6,280 with cremation. Prices in Texas vary by funeral home, so ask for the itemized price list.
Is there help paying for a funeral in Texas?
County disposition of a deceased pauper (Health and Safety Code 694.002) (The county commissioners court in each county); Bereavement Services (Harris County Housing and Community Development).
Who regulates funeral homes in Texas?
Texas Funeral Service Commission. Mail the complaint form to 1801 Congress Ave, Suite 11.800, Austin, TX 78701. File within 2 years.
