✓ Updated February 2026951+ Listings

Funeral Homes in North Carolina

Compare funeral homes in North Carolina. Average funeral cost: $8,136. Embalming is not required, but refrigeration must begin after 24 hours. Home burial requires a map r...

Avg. Cost
$8,136
Full service incl. burial
Typical Range
$6,509–$9,763
Varies by county
Direct Cremation From
$0
Most affordable option
Licensed Director
Required by law
State mandated
Total Listings
951+
Statewide providers
Top Providers

Top-Rated Funeral Homes in North Carolina

Ranked by verified customer review score from real families.

★ #1 Top Rated
★★★★★5.0(226 reviews)
📍 Raleigh
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★ #2 Top Rated
★★★★★5.0(197 reviews)
📍 Concord
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★ #3 Top Rated
★★★★★5.0(172 reviews)
📍 Weddington
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#4
★★★★★5.0(165 reviews)
📍 Monroe
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#5
★★★★★5.0(156 reviews)
📍 Lenoir
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#6
★★★★★5.0(152 reviews)
📍 Goldsboro
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#7
★★★★★5.0(151 reviews)
📍 Franklin
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#8
★★★★★5.0(144 reviews)
📍 Lexington
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Funeral Costs

How Much Does a Funeral Cost in North Carolina?

Funeral costs in North Carolina vary widely by location, provider, and service type. Below is a typical cost breakdown to help you budget and compare.

Average Full-Service
$8,136
Incl. casket, viewing & burial
💸 Direct Cremation From
$0
Most affordable option
Typical Range
$6,509–$9,763
Varies by county

Service-by-Service Cost Breakdown

Basic service fee
$2,848
Embalming & preparation
$814
Casket (mid-range)
$2,441
Viewing / visitation
$651
Funeral ceremony
$651
Graveside service
$407
Transportation
$325
Direct cremation (all-in)
$0
💡
5 Ways to Reduce Costs
  • Request a full itemized price list — it's your legal right
  • Compare at least 3 providers before committing
  • Direct cremation can save $6,000+ vs. full burial
  • Pre-planning locks in today's prices against inflation
  • You may supply your own casket — homes must accept it
⚖️
FTC Funeral Rule

Federal law requires every funeral home to provide a complete itemized price list on request — by phone or in person. You cannot be required to purchase a bundled package. This applies in all 50 states, including North Carolina.

📈
What Drives the Price Up
  • · Premium or luxury caskets — the single biggest variable
  • · Metro-area viewing facilities command higher room fees
  • · Multiple certified death certificates at $15–$30 each
  • · Cemetery opening & closing fees (often $1k–$2.5k)
  • · Headstones and monument costs are separate
State Laws & Requirements

North Carolina Funeral Laws & Requirements

North Carolina has specific regulations governing funerals, burials, and cremations. Understanding these before making decisions can save time and prevent complications.

Embalming is not universally required by law. However, certain conditions like public viewing or interstate transport might require it.
Many states require a licensed funeral director to oversee final dispositions and file the death certificate.
Home funerals are permitted, but you must still comply with local health regulations and paperwork requirements.
Embalming is not required, but refrigeration must begin after 24 hours. Home burial requires a map recorded with the Register of Deeds.
Licensing Authority
Funeral directors in North Carolina are licensed and regulated by the state's Department of Health or designated regulatory board.
Quick Reference
Embalming required?No (Usually)
Licensed director required?Yes
Home funeral permitted?Yes
Service Types

Types of Funeral Services Available

Every funeral home offers different packages, but most fall into these five standard categories.

⚖️

Traditional Burial

The most comprehensive option. Includes embalming, a viewing/visitation, funeral ceremony, and graveside committal. Highest cost due to casket, facilities, and staff time.

🕊️

Direct Cremation

The deceased is cremated shortly after death without a viewing or formal ceremony. Ashes are returned to the family. Often the most affordable option available.

🕯️

Cremation + Memorial

Direct cremation followed by a memorial service at a later date, with or without the ashes present. Offers flexibility to plan the gathering when the family is ready.

🌳

Graveside Service

A shorter, simpler service held entirely at the cemetery right before burial. Skips the funeral home chapel ceremony and formal viewing.

⚰️

Immediate Burial

The deceased is buried shortly after death without embalming, public viewing, or a graveside service ceremony. A more affordable burial option.

Trusted Partners

Need help planning in North Carolina?

Our network of trusted planning advisors can help you navigate costs, understand your rights, and connect with reputable funeral homes in your specific county — completely free of charge.

  • Free, unbiased cost comparisons
  • Locate providers that accept Medicaid
  • Assistance negotiating package pricing
Speak to an Advisor
💬 Available 24/7

Frequently Asked Questions

Always check for an active state license, read verified customer reviews, and ask for a complete General Price List (GPL) upfront. Reputable homes belong to professional associations like the NFDA or their state affiliate.
The FTC Funeral Rule is a federal law guaranteeing your right to choose only the goods and services you want, rather than accepting a package. It requires homes to provide transparent pricing over the phone or in writing.
Yes. Under federal law, the funeral home cannot refuse a casket you bought elsewhere (e.g., online or from a third-party retailer) and they cannot charge you a fee for using it.
Typically, the funeral director you hire will handle the filing of the death certificate with the local vital records office after obtaining the medical certification from a doctor or coroner.