The cost to reopen a grave for a second burial varies widely depending on location, cemetery policies, and the type of grave involved. Generally, reopening a grave involves fees for digging, permits, and sometimes additional charges related to the condition of the grave or the presence of a casket.
In some municipalities, the cost to reopen a grave can be relatively modest. For example, in Emfuleni Municipality, South Africa, the fee for reopening a casket grave is about R575 (roughly $30-$40 USD depending on exchange rates), while a standard adult grave costs around R693 for initial burial[1]. This suggests that reopening a grave can be somewhat less expensive than the initial burial cost but still significant.
In the United Kingdom, specifically Canterbury City Council, the fees are higher. Reopening a single-depth grave (when deeper burial is unavailable) costs £1,141 (approximately $1,400 USD), while a double-depth grave in a single plot costs £1,306 (about $1,600 USD)[2]. These fees reflect the labor-intensive nature of grave reopening and the administrative costs involved.
In Fiji, private graves cost about $36 USD initially, but extra charges apply for reopening plots. The exact reopening fee is not specified but is noted as an additional cost beyond the initial burial fee[3]. This highlights that reopening fees are often separate and can vary based on local cemetery management.
In the United States, costs can be higher and more variable. A reported case in Macon, Georgia, involved a family being asked to pay $1,500 for reburial and grave digging after a cemetery error led to a mistaken exhumation[4]. This example illustrates that reopening a grave can sometimes involve substantial fees, especially if reburial or corrective actions are required.
For military veterans buried in national cemeteries in the U.S., the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides the burial plot, opening and closing of the grave, grave liner, and perpetual care at no cost to the family. However, this benefit typically applies only to the initial burial. If a grave needs to be reopened for a second burial, families may face costs outside the VA’s coverage, such as funeral home services and transportation[5].
Medical considerations related to reopening graves are important, especially when dealing with human remains. The process must comply with health and safety regulations to prevent exposure to pathogens or hazardous materials. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exhumation and reburial require strict adherence to protocols to protect workers and the public from potential biohazards. These protocols include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper handling of remains, and sometimes embalming or other preservation methods before reburial[5]. Such medical and safety requirements can increase the cost and complexity of reopening a grave.
Additional factors influencing cost include:
– **Depth and type of grave:** Double-depth graves designed for multiple burials may reduce reopening costs compared to digging a new grave.
– **Cemetery location and regulations:** Urban cemeteries with limited space often charge higher fees.
– **Condition of the grave:** Older graves or those with deteriorated liners or vaults may require more labor and materials.
– **Administrative fees:** Permits and paperwork can add to the total cost.
– **Special circumstances:** Errors by cemetery management or legal disputes can increase costs significantly.
In very high-demand areas, burial plots themselves can be extremely expensive, such as in Manhattan where plots can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, making reopening costs relatively small in comparison[6].
In summary, reopening a grave for a second burial can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars or more, depending on local fees, cemetery policies, and medical safety requirements. Families should consult the cemetery administration for exact fees and ensure compliance with health regulations to safely manage the reopening process.
Sources:
[1] Pretorianews.co.za, Emfuleni Municipality grave digging costs, 2025
[2] Canterbury.gov.uk, Burial and memorial fees, 2025
[3] FBC News Fiji, Cemetery shortage and burial costs, 2025
[4] WGXA.tv, Macon cemetery reburial case, 2025
[5] Military.com, VA burial benefits and medical safety protocols, 2025
[6] 6sqft.com, Manhattan burial plot prices, 2025
