Ultimate Guide: Funeral Costs in Mexico Revealed

When a family member passes away in Mexico, the bereaved not only have to grapple with their grief but also the cost of funeral services. These costs can vary significantly depending on the location and the chosen services.

The Day of the Dead in Mexico is typically a time of celebration, joy, and color, with the emblematic figure of La Catrina adding a touch of sparkle to the skeletal figure, symbolizing a lack of fear. However, when a loved one passes away, this festive atmosphere is replaced by the need to make arrangements with numerous agencies to ensure a proper burial.

The Federal Consumer Procurator's Office (Profeco) provides a guide to funeral services available in the country, offering advice on the necessary steps to ensure your loved one can "rest in peace". Profeco has shared the cost of some funeral services across the country, which can range from 42,250 pesos in Tijuana to 4,041 in Oaxaca. These costs typically include services such as a coffin, chapel, mass, and cafeteria, as well as a hearse, vigil equipment, arrangements, and body transfers.

In Cancun, the average cost for a basic service, including a coffin, vigil, and transfer, is around 23,000 pesos. This does not include the cost of a grave. In Campeche, costs can range from 7,000 pesos for a wooden coffin and hearse service to 38,500 pesos for a mid-range coffin, vigil, and transfer.

In Mérida, Yucatan, the cost of funeral services averages between 20,000 and 55,000 pesos, depending on what is included. Pre-paid plans in this region can range from 10,000 to 15,000 pesos, with monthly payments made to the funeral parlor.

In the metropolitan area of Mexico City, the average cost starts at 6,335 pesos for a basic service with a metal coffin, room, and equipment. More comprehensive packages can cost up to 74,711 pesos, which includes a coffin, coffee, and transfer. Mexico City also offers a government program to assist with affordable cremation or burial costs.

Profeco notes that funeral services include the handling, treatment, conditioning, and transportation of the body, the purchase of a coffin, casket, or urn, and the transfer and reception of the body at home or a wake. It also includes the preparation of the body, such as hairstyle, arrangement, and clothing. Additional services include management for the transport and disposal of the body, including the placement of tombstones, monuments, and identification plaques.

As a final note, the cost of dying has increased during the pandemic.