Pennsylvania Funeral Homes Cost Comparison Tool

Pennsylvania Funeral Homes Cost Comparison Tool

Pennsylvania Funeral Homes Cost Comparison Tool

Find, compare, and make informed decisions about funeral services across Pennsylvania

Find Funeral Services

Funeral Home Location Services Rating Starting Price Actions
Smith Family Funeral Services Philadelphia
Traditional Cremation
★★★★★
5.0
$6,500

Pros

  • Family-owned with 75+ years of experience
  • Excellent customer service with 24/7 support
  • Comprehensive pre-planning options
  • Beautiful, newly renovated facilities
  • Flexible payment plans available

Cons

  • Higher price point than some competitors
  • Limited parking at Philadelphia location
  • Weekend services cost 15% more

Service Details: Full-service funeral home offering traditional burials, cremation services, memorial services, and celebration of life ceremonies. Prices range from $6,500 for basic services to $12,000+ for premium packages. Pre-planning discounts available. Located in central Philadelphia with easy access to major cemeteries.

Riverside Memorial Center Pittsburgh
Traditional Cremation Green
★★★★☆
4.2
$4,200

Pros

  • Eco-friendly green burial options
  • More affordable pricing structure
  • Scenic location near Allegheny River
  • Modern facilities with advanced technology
  • Culturally diverse services available

Cons

  • Can be busy with multiple services per day
  • Limited customization for basic packages
  • Staff turnover reported by some customers

Service Details: Modern funeral center with eco-conscious options. Traditional services start at $4,200, cremation at $2,800. Green burial services available for $5,500. Known for their riverside memorial garden and reception facilities. Offers virtual services for remote attendees.

Heritage Funeral Home Lancaster
Traditional Cremation
★★★★★
4.8
$5,800

Pros

  • Historic building with beautiful architecture
  • Strong connections with local churches
  • Well-regarded grief counseling services
  • Experienced staff with low turnover
  • Exceptional attention to detail

Cons

  • Building lacks some modern amenities
  • Limited availability during peak seasons
  • No green burial options available

Service Details: Locally-owned historic funeral home serving Lancaster County for over 90 years. Traditional burial services range from $5,800 to $9,200. Cremation services from $3,200. Known for personalized services with Amish and Mennonite cultural sensitivity. Free grief support groups offered to all clients.

Keystone Cremation Services Harrisburg
Cremation
★★★★☆
4.0
$1,800

Pros

  • Most affordable cremation in the area
  • Simple, transparent pricing
  • Quick processing times
  • Online arrangement options
  • No upselling tactics

Cons

  • Limited service options (cremation only)
  • No physical chapel for services
  • Smaller staff means less personalized attention
  • Limited memorial merchandise selection

Service Details: Cremation-only provider specializing in affordable, no-frills services. Direct cremation starting at $1,800. Memorial services available with partner facilities for additional cost. All arrangements can be made online or by phone. Serves all of central Pennsylvania with 24-72 hour service completion.

Peaceful Passages Erie
Traditional Cremation Green
★★★★★
4.9
$4,900

Pros

  • Lakeside location with beautiful views
  • Industry-leading green burial options
  • Highly personalized service approach
  • Excellent veteran services with military honors
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Cons

  • Located outside city center
  • Higher demand means scheduling can be difficult
  • Premium pricing for lakeside services

Service Details: Award-winning funeral home on Lake Erie’s shore. Traditional services from $4,900, cremation from $3,200, and certified green burial from $5,400. Features lakeside memorial garden and reception hall. Specialized in veteran services with military honors coordination. Partnership with local conservation trust for green burials.

Understanding Funeral Service Options

When planning a funeral in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand the different options available to you and your family. Below are the main types of funeral services offered throughout the state:

Traditional Burial

Includes viewing/visitation, funeral service, and burial in a cemetery. Average cost in Pennsylvania: $7,000-$12,000.

Best for: Families who prefer traditional customs and religious observances.

Cremation

Body is reduced to ashes which can be kept, scattered, or buried. May include a service. Average cost: $2,000-$5,000.

Best for: Those seeking lower costs and flexibility with final disposition.

Direct Burial

Burial without viewing or ceremony. Body is buried shortly after death. Average cost: $3,000-$5,000.

Best for: Budget-conscious families or when simplicity is preferred.

Green Burial

Eco-friendly option without embalming, in biodegradable containers. Average cost: $4,000-$8,000.

Best for: Environmentally conscious individuals seeking minimal environmental impact.

Memorial Service

Service held without the body present, often after cremation or burial. Average cost: $1,500-$3,000 (service only).

Best for: Allowing time for family to gather and plan a meaningful ceremony.

Pre-Planning

Arranging and often pre-paying for funeral services before death. Costs vary based on services selected.

Best for: Those who want to ease the burden on family and lock in current prices.

Pennsylvania Funeral Law Requirements

Pennsylvania has specific laws regarding funeral services that consumers should be aware of:

  • Funeral Rule Compliance: Funeral homes must provide itemized price lists upon request.
  • Embalming: Not legally required in most cases, but may be required for public viewings.
  • Death Certificates: Must be filed within 96 hours of death.
  • Burial Requirements: Bodies must be buried in established cemeteries or approved locations.
  • Cremation: Requires a 24-hour waiting period and authorization from next of kin.
  • Home Funerals: Legal in Pennsylvania with proper documentation.

Note: This information is provided for general educational purposes and may not reflect recent changes in Pennsylvania law. Always consult with a funeral director or legal professional for current requirements.

How to Use This Comparison Tool

  1. Use the filters at the top to narrow down funeral homes by location, service type, price range, and other factors.
  2. Review the results in the table, which show basic information about each funeral home.
  3. Click the “Details” button to see pros, cons, and detailed service information for each provider.
  4. Compare multiple funeral homes to find the best match for your needs and budget.
  5. Contact the funeral homes directly for the most current pricing and availability.

Remember: Prices shown are starting prices and may vary based on specific services requested. Always get an itemized list of charges before making final arrangements.

© 2025 Pennsylvania Funeral Home Cost Comparison Tool

This tool is for informational purposes only. Prices and services may change. Always verify information directly with funeral service providers.