Low Cost Burial

in San Diego County

Many families assume that burial is always extremely expensive. However, low-cost burial options do exist when you know where to look and when pricing is negotiated in advance. The San Diego Memorial Society has worked since 1958 to help local families find affordable funeral and burial arrangements. During a time of grief, families should not have to worry about confusing pricing or unnecessary expenses. Our goal is simple: make sure San Diego families understand their choices and do not pay more than necessary.

One of the main reasons people avoid burial today is the cost of cemetery plots. In San Diego County, the average burial plot in 2026 costs around $8,000. That price does not include the funeral service itself. For families trying to arrange a low cost burial, the plot is often the biggest obstacle. One resource that may help is Plot Brokers, a company that buys and sells burial plots. In many cases they can locate plots that are already owned and resold at a lower price. This option can sometimes significantly reduce the overall burial cost.

The San Diego Memorial Society currently offers three cremation packages AND two burial packages designed for families who want dignified services at a reasonable cost. These plans provide essential services while avoiding the inflated prices that many funeral homes charge.

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Plan 2: Graveside Burial Service

Our first option is designed for families seeking a simple low cost burial with a graveside service.

This package includes:

A simple casket
Transport of the deceased to a local cemetery
Services of the funeral staff
A funeral coach to the gravesite for the graveside service

*PLEASE NOTE: The cemetery plot and cemetery expenses are not included, since those costs vary widely depending on the cemetery selected. Families can review available burial locations in San Diego County before making a decision.

Prices for this package range from $2,395 to $4,500 (as of 2026), depending on which of our participating mortuaries provides the service.

One thing families should know is that burials at Miramar National Cemetery and other national cemeteries are often limited to 30 minutes at the gravesite. This timing restriction is set by the cemetery itself, not by the funeral provider.

Plan 3: Traditional Funeral Service with Burial

For families who prefer a more traditional service, the San Diego Memorial Society also offers a second low cost burial option that includes a viewing and visitation.

This plan includes:

A casket suitable for viewing (cloth-covered with lining and a hinged lid)
Embalming
Viewing and visitation at the mortuary or funeral chapel
Staff, facilities, and equipment for a memorial or religious service
Guest register book
Funeral coach and transport to a local cemetery in San Diego County

As with the graveside service package, cemetery plot costs and cemetery fees are not included.

Prices for this traditional burial plan range from $3,695 to $5,500 (as of 2026) depending on which participating mortuary you choose.

What Both Burial Plans Include

Both burial packages through the San Diego Memorial Society include several essential services:

Transfer from the local place of death
Basic service fees of the funeral director
Preparation of the death certificate (certificates are purchased separately for $26 each)
Preparation of the disposition permit ($12 fee)

These services are necessary for every burial, and negotiating them in advance helps families avoid unnecessary markups.

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Why Low Cost Burial Matters

When someone passes away, families are often overwhelmed. Decisions must be made quickly, and many people do not realize that funeral prices vary dramatically from one provider to another. Choosing a low-cost burial option does not mean sacrificing dignity or respect. It simply means making informed decisions and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

People who are grieving need all the help they can get during such a difficult time. That is exactly why the San Diego Memorial Society exists. Our organization has been helping families understand their options and avoid overpaying since 1958.

Membership Makes Affordable Burial Possible

Membership in the San Diego Memorial Society costs only a one-time fee of $65. Once you become a member, you gain access to the discounted funeral and burial prices we have negotiated with trusted, family-owned mortuaries throughout the county.

Our goal is to protect consumers and make sure families receive transparent, fair pricing when the time comes.

Why pay too much? Your loved one probably doesn’t want you to.

If you would like more information about our low cost burial plans, our participating mortuaries, or cemetery options in San Diego County, we are here to help.

Call 858-391-1267 today to learn more or become a member. Or simply fill out the application (2 minutes) and we’ll call you with your membership number.

*Green Burial Options are available at the Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery and through Oceanside Mortuary and their affiliation with the cemetery in Joshua Tree.

*Human composting is also available through one of our mortuaries. They ship the body to Washington state. It will be legal in California in 2027.