How Much Does an Obituary Cost? Understanding Pricing

Obituary costs vary widely depending on where you publish and how long the tribute is. Understanding your options helps you make informed decisions during a difficult time.

Newspaper Obituary Costs

Traditional newspaper obituaries are often surprisingly expensive:

Newspaper Size	Average Cost
Local paper	$100-$500
Regional paper	$300-$800
Major metropolitan	$500-$2,000+

Most newspapers charge by the line or word, with rates from $2-$20 per line. Photos add $50-$300 extra.

Online Memorial Costs

• Legacy.com: $20-$60 for enhanced obituary
• Funeral home website: Often free with services
• Dedicated memorial sites: $0-$100/year

Professional Writing Services

• Freelance obituary writers: $150-$500
• Funeral home writing assistance: Often included in packages
• AI obituary generators: $0–$19 (ObituaryAI is free to create)

Ways to Reduce Costs

1. Start with an online obituary - Free or low-cost
2. Write a shorter newspaper notice - Link to full online version
3. Use AI assistance - Professional quality at fraction of cost
4. Ask about package deals - Funeral homes may include writing
5. Share on social media - Free and reaches many people

ObituaryAI Pricing

We believe everyone deserves a beautiful obituary regardless of budget:

• Free: Create, read, and copy a complete obituary at any length and tone — no account required.
• Premium — $19 one-time: Unlock print-ready Word & PDF downloads, email delivery, unlimited regeneration and edits in any length, and a shareable online memorial page.
• Professional — $29/month: Unlimited obituary generation for funeral homes and professional writers.

Create an affordable obituary that doesn't compromise on quality.