How Much Does an Obituary Cost in 2026?

When a loved one passes, families face many decisions—and placing an obituary is one of the practical steps that carries both emotional weight and financial cost. Understanding how much does an obituary cost helps you budget appropriately and avoid unexpected charges. Across our service cost guides, we track pricing patterns for everyday consumer needs, including end-of-life announcements. The price to publish an obituary varies significantly based on the publication you choose, the word count, whether you include a photograph, and the geographic region.

How Much Does It Cost to Publish an Obituary in a Newspaper?

For most families, the local newspaper is the traditional place to announce a passing. The cost to run an obituary in print depends on several factors: the newspaper's circulation size, the day of the week, the total word count, and any additional elements like photos or emblems. Smaller community papers may charge as little as $40 to $100 for a brief death notice, while large-city dailies can bill $400 to $900+ for a full-length obituary with a photograph.

Many newspapers structure their pricing per line or per column inch. A typical rate might be $10 to $30 per line in a mid-sized regional paper, meaning a 20-line obituary could cost between $200 and $600. Weekend editions—especially Sunday—often carry premium pricing because of higher readership. If you're wondering how much does it cost to place an obituary in a specific paper, the best approach is to contact the publication's classified or obituary desk directly, as rates can change quarterly.

How Much Does an Online Obituary Cost?

Online obituary platforms have become a popular alternative or supplement to print notices. Services like Legacy.com partner with hundreds of newspapers across the country and offer memorial pages that stay live indefinitely. The cost to post an obituary online is generally lower than print: a basic online-only listing may start at $49 to $99, while enhanced packages—including photo galleries, guest books, and donation links—can range from $150 to $400. Many funeral homes include a basic online obituary as part of their service package, so it's worth asking before paying separately.

Some families also choose to create a memorial page on a funeral home's own website, which is often included at no extra charge. If you're researching how much does it cost to submit an obituary online, compare the features each platform offers. A simple text-only death notice is far less expensive than a richly formatted tribute page with multiple images and interactive elements.

Cost Comparison: Major US Newspapers

The table below provides general pricing ranges for obituary placement at several well-known newspapers across the United States. These figures are based on publicly available rate information and industry surveys, and should be treated as approximate reference points rather than exact quotes.

Factors That Influence Obituary Pricing

Several key variables affect how much does it cost to run an obituary in any given publication. Being aware of these can help you make informed choices and avoid overspending during a difficult time.

Word Count and Line Count

Most newspapers charge by the line, column inch, or word. A concise obituary of 100–150 words will always cost less than a detailed tribute running 400+ words. If you're working with a tight budget, focus on the essential details—full name, dates, service information, and a brief family mention—rather than an extended biographical essay.

Photographs and Graphics

Including a photograph typically adds $25 to $100+ to the total cost, depending on the publication. Some papers charge a flat photo fee; others bill per column inch the image occupies. Black-and-white photos are standard, though a few publications offer color for an additional premium.

Day of the Week

Sunday editions command the highest rates at most newspapers because they reach the largest audience. A Sunday obituary in a major metro daily can cost 30% to 50% more than the same notice placed on a Tuesday or Wednesday. If the timing is flexible, choosing a weekday can yield meaningful savings.

Geographic Location

Obituary costs in major coastal cities—New York, Boston, San Francisco—tend to be higher than in the Midwest or South. For example, how much does an obituary cost in the Boston Globe is typically higher than what a family might pay at a paper in a smaller Massachusetts town. Similarly, the Houston Chronicle and Chicago Tribune sit at the upper end of the pricing spectrum due to their large circulation and metropolitan reach.

Tips for Saving on Obituary Costs

• Write the obituary yourself: Funeral homes may offer to draft the obituary for a fee. Writing it yourself—or having a family member do so—eliminates that extra charge entirely.
• Choose a shorter format: A brief death notice costs significantly less than a full-length obituary. You can always direct readers to a more detailed online memorial.
• Skip the photo in print: Omitting the photograph from the newspaper version and including it only in the online listing can reduce print costs noticeably.
• Compare weekday vs. weekend rates: Ask the newspaper's classified desk for a rate card. The difference between a Tuesday and a Sunday placement can be substantial.
• Use a free or low-cost online platform: Many funeral homes include a basic online obituary at no extra charge. Standalone platforms like Legacy.com offer affordable digital-only options that reach a wide audience.
• Check for package deals: Some newspapers bundle a print obituary with an online listing on their website or a partner platform at a discounted combined rate.

How Much Does It Cost to Write an Obituary?

If you choose to hire a professional writer to compose the obituary, expect to pay between $75 and $300, depending on the writer's experience and the length of the piece. Many families opt to write the obituary themselves, which costs nothing but time. Funeral homes sometimes include obituary drafting as part of a broader service package. If you're paying separately, ask for a sample and a firm quote before committing.

For those handling other end-of-life paperwork, you might also find our guide on how much it costs to fax documents at the library useful—many families need to fax death certificates, insurance forms, and legal paperwork during this period, and knowing those costs upfront can reduce stress.