The cost of an obituary depends on where you publish it, how much text you submit, and whether you add a photograph or other options.
Here’s how newspaper and online pricing usually works—and what to ask before you send a notice.
How much does an obituary cost?
There is no single standard price.
Newspapers set their own rates, and charges can differ between publications, editions, and locations.
Some charge by word, line, column inch, or a set package; others combine a publication fee with charges for optional features.
A notice in a local paper may therefore cost a different amount from a notice in a regional or national publication.
Many funeral homes can submit an obituary on a family’s behalf, but their process and any related service charges vary.
Ask whether the quoted amount is the newspaper’s fee, a funeral home service fee, or both.
Online memorial pages may be included with a newspaper notice or offered separately, so confirm what the price covers.
What affects the price of an obituary?
- Length: A longer notice may cost more when pricing is based on words, lines, or space.
Newspaper formatting can also affect how much room the final notice occupies. - Publication and location: Rates are determined by each publisher.
The same text may have different prices at two newspapers. - Photographs: Some publications charge extra for a photograph, and requirements such as size or color may affect the available options.
- Publication date: Deadlines and edition schedules vary.
A requested date may affect availability, so check before planning around it. - Additional features: Printed keepsake copies, online placement, links, or extended display periods may be included, optional, or unavailable depending on the publisher.
Newspaper obituary costs
Newspaper notices are often priced according to the publication’s rate card.
A rate card may list a minimum charge, a per-word rate, or a charge based on the space used.
It may also show separate prices for photographs and online placement.
Because publishers set their own rates, it’s best to request a current estimate directly rather than rely on a general online figure.
Before submitting, ask the newspaper how it counts words and whether the headline, dates, punctuation, or photo caption are included in the billed length.
Request an estimate based on the exact draft you plan to publish.
If the notice must be shortened to fit a budget, ask whether the paper can explain its word limit or provide a preview of the formatted version.
Are online obituaries free?
Some funeral homes and memorial websites provide obituary pages without a separate posting charge; others offer paid features or packages.
Newspaper websites may publish a digital version as part of a print notice, while some charge for online-only placement.
The details depend on the service, so check whether a page has a one-time fee, a recurring charge, or optional upgrades.
Also ask how long the obituary will remain available and whether the page can be edited after publication.
If family members want to share the notice, confirm whether the page has a public link and whether photographs or service details can be added.
How to estimate an obituary’s cost
- Choose the publication. Decide which newspaper or online service is appropriate for the intended audience.
- Prepare a draft. Write the essential details first, then add biographical information and service arrangements as desired.
- Check the rate and deadline. Contact the publisher for its current pricing, submission format, and publication schedule.
- Ask about extras. Confirm charges for photographs, online posting, proof corrections, or keepsake copies.
- Request a written estimate. Share the draft and ask for the total cost before approving publication.
- Review the proof. Check names, dates, locations, and contact details carefully before giving final approval.
Ways to manage obituary costs
If the estimate is higher than expected, ask the publication which parts of its pricing are optional and whether a shorter notice would change the total.
You can prioritize the information readers need most, such as the person’s name, key biographical details, and service information, while keeping a longer tribute on a separate memorial page if that option is available.
Compare the total cost and features across a small number of relevant publications.
A lower rate may come with a different audience, format, or publication schedule, so compare what each option includes.
Avoid assuming that a funeral home’s quote matches the newspaper’s own rate; ask for an itemized breakdown.
What information should you confirm before submitting?
Each publisher may have its own submission requirements.
Confirm the preferred file format, word or character limits, photo specifications, payment method, deadline, and whether you will receive a proof.
Ask who can approve edits and whether corrections are possible after publication.
These details help prevent avoidable delays and unexpected charges.
Obituaries often include personal information.
Before submitting, make sure the family is comfortable sharing any addresses, service details, or other sensitive details in a public notice.
Include only information that is appropriate for the intended audience.
Frequently asked questions
Does a longer obituary always cost more?
Not always.
It depends on the publisher’s pricing method.
A paper that charges by word or printed space may charge more for a longer notice, while a fixed-price package may cover a specified length.
Ask how the publication calculates its fee.
Can a funeral home tell me the newspaper’s price?
A funeral home may help arrange submission and provide an estimate, but the publisher sets its rates.
Ask whether the estimate separates newspaper charges from any funeral home service charges.
Is a photograph included in the price?
Sometimes, but not always.
Photo availability, size, color, and fees vary by publication.
Confirm the requirements and cost before sending an image.
Where can I find the exact cost?
Contact the newspaper or online memorial service directly and provide the proposed text and any requested extras.
The publisher can give the most accurate estimate for its current rates and deadlines.