The cost of a funeral plot in New Orleans varies widely depending on the cemetery, location within the cemetery, and the type of burial space chosen. Generally, funeral plots in New Orleans cemeteries can range from approximately $1,000 to $5,000 or more. This price range reflects the unique burial practices and cemetery structures in New Orleans, where above-ground tombs and family vaults are common due to the city’s high water table.
New Orleans is famous for its distinctive above-ground burial system, often called “cities of the dead,” where bodies are interred in family vaults or tombs above ground rather than traditional in-ground graves. This practice arose because the city’s water table is so high that in-ground coffins would float during floods. These above-ground tombs are often reused after a year or more, once the remains have decomposed to bones, which are then moved to an ossuary chamber within the tomb, allowing the tomb to be used again. This system affects the cost structure of burial plots, as the space is used differently than in typical cemeteries elsewhere in the United States[4].
The price for a burial plot or tomb space depends on the cemetery’s prestige, location, and the type of tomb or vault. For example, historic cemeteries like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 or Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, which are tourist attractions due to their unique architecture and history, may have higher plot costs. Newer or less centrally located cemeteries might offer more affordable options. Some family vaults or private tombs can be quite expensive, especially if they are large or in prime locations within the cemetery.
Additional costs beyond the plot price include opening and closing the tomb or vault, maintenance fees, and any required permits or administrative fees. Funeral homes and cemetery management often provide detailed pricing, but these fees can add several hundred to a few thousand dollars to the total cost.
Medical considerations related to funerals in New Orleans primarily involve the handling and preparation of the body before burial. Due to the above-ground burial system, embalming is often required to preserve the body for display during funeral services and before placement in a tomb. Embalming costs vary but typically range from $500 to $1,200 nationally, depending on the funeral home and services provided. This is an important medical-related cost to consider when planning a funeral in New Orleans[4].
In summary, while a basic funeral plot in New Orleans might start around $1,000, the total cost including tomb construction or purchase, embalming, opening and closing fees, and other services can easily reach $5,000 or more. The unique above-ground burial tradition and the city’s historic cemeteries contribute to this cost structure. For precise pricing, contacting specific cemeteries or funeral homes in New Orleans is recommended, as prices can vary significantly.
Sources:
[4] Ryan Puzycki, Cities of the Dead
[1][2][3][5][6][7] Various New Orleans cemetery tours and historical information (context on cemeteries and burial practices)
