Factors Influencing Obituary Costs

If you choose to place an obituary in a newspaper, there will generally be an associated fee. Most newspapers charge for obituaries, although a very short death notice with just the deceased's name and date of death might be printed for free in some cases. The rates for obituaries are primarily determined by several factors:

• Newspaper Choice: Costs vary greatly depending on the specific newspaper.

• Publication Duration: The number of days you wish the obituary to run in print affects the price.

• Length: The length of the obituary significantly impacts the cost. Longer, more personalized obituaries are more expensive. Many newspapers charge by the line or inch, rather than by the word, which refers to the physical space the text occupies in the printed newspaper.

• Inclusion of Photos: Adding a photograph typically incurs an additional fee.

The average cost for an obituary can range from under $100 to $800 or more for a basic announcement with identifying information. For a longer, more detailed obituary, the cost can be higher, potentially up to $2000 in some metropolitan areas.

Location also plays a crucial role in pricing. Newspapers in smaller metropolitan areas or towns tend to charge less than those in larger cities. For instance, a moderately short 150-word obituary could cost around $85 in Everett, Washington, and $100 in Dover, Delaware. In contrast, the same short obituary might cost $375 in Atlanta, $400 in Los Angeles, $485 in Chicago, and $780 in New York City. A longer 600-word obituary can range from $290 in Everett, Washington, to $1740 in Chicago, with the New York City price for a 430-word version being $1930. Photo fees can also vary widely, from $15-$45 in smaller areas to $100-$250 in larger cities. Online publication of an obituary is generally included at no extra fee or for a small upcharge, and it typically remains online longer, sometimes permanently, compared to print versions.

Average Cost of an Obituary in 5 of the Top Newspapers: Updated 5/27/2025

Cost-Effective Solutions for Honoring a Loved One

If the cost of a full newspaper obituary is a concern for your funeral planning budget, there are effective and more affordable alternatives.

One recommended strategy is to place a smaller, cost-effective notice in the newspaper and link to a digital online platform. This allows you to still inform the local community in print while providing a more comprehensive tribute online.

Legacy.com is highlighted as an excellent option for publishing online obituaries. Tributes, a partner company, offers an extensive collection of adaptable obituary templates to simplify the writing process. Legacy.com's ObitWriter® tool can help you create an obituary draft in minutes by answering basic questions about your loved one's life.

The benefits of utilizing a platform like Legacy.com include:

• No Length Limitations: When publishing online, there are typically no restrictions on how long the obituary can be, allowing for a richer and more memorable life story. This enables you to include extensive biographical details, anecdotes, and stories that truly capture the individual's essence.

• Interactive Guestbook: Online platforms often include features like a guestbook, allowing friends and family to add their own stories, memories, and condolences. This interactive element helps dig up stories about your loved one that you might not have known and gives a platform for people to add those hidden gem photos that you might not otherwise have.

• Unlimited Photos: You can typically include as many photos as you wish with an online obituary.

• Accessibility and Reach: Online obituaries can be easily shared via social media and email, extending their reach to a wider audience. They often remain online permanently, serving as a lasting historical record for future generations.Legacy also has an audience of over 30,000,000 monthly users that exclusively go to the website to find and read obituaries. It is the single largest online audience of people looking to connect with their relatives, classmates and old colleagues in the world.

By combining a concise newspaper announcement with a detailed online tribute, families can effectively share the news of their loss and honor their loved one's life with dignity, while managing costs effectively.