How Much Does a Mausoleum Cost?

Last Updated on January 15, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Selecting a final resting place for a loved one is an important and deeply personal decision. For those interested in above-ground entombment, mausoleums provide a dignified and lasting memorial option. But mausoleums require major investment, so it’s essential to understand the costs involved before making this choice.

In this detailed article, we’ll explain what a mausoleum is, the different types of mausoleums, considerations that impact pricing, typical cost ranges, and what’s included. We’ll also provide guidance on how to evaluate options and determine if a mausoleum aligns with your budget and preferences. Let’s get started.

How Much Does a Mausoleum Cost?

A mausoleum costs anywhere between $400 and $100,000 depending on its type, how many bodies it can house, the materials it is built of, and so on.

According to Cemetery.com, the cost of a crypt at a public mausoleum ranges from $400 to $800, while the cost of a niche varies between $750 and $2,800.

Dignity Memorial notes that the cost of a two-crypt, stand-alone mausoleum ranges from $50,000 to $125,000.

Mausoleums.com writes that custom mausoleum costs range from several hundred thousand dollars to millions of dollars. A small private mausoleum on the family estate costs significantly less than a large community mausoleum.

According to Rome Monument, private family mausoleums start at $15,000. Walk-in style granite mausoleum prices begin at $85,000.

What is a Mausoleum?

A mausoleum is a freestanding, above-ground structure that contains crypts designed as spaces to entomb casketed remains or cremated remains in urns. The individual crypt spaces are comprised of granite, marble, or bronze and may hold one or more deceased.

Mausoleums can range from public spaces holding hundreds of entombments to private single-family structures. They can be located outdoors or built within climate-controlled indoor facilities. Mausoleum sizes vary widely, from small single person crypts to large combinations holding dozens of families.

Unlike a traditional burial where the casket is lowered into the ground, entombment in a mausoleum involves placing the deceased’s remains into one of the individual crypt spaces. The front of the crypt is then sealed shut with marble or granite. This provides families with a protected, clean resting place to return to visit and memorialize loved ones.

Now that you understand what a mausoleum is, let’s look at the different types of mausoleums and how this impacts costs.

What are the Different Types of Mausoleums?

There are a few main options when it comes to mausoleum type:

Public Mausoleum: A public mausoleum is a shared community burial plot, typically constructed and operated by a cemetery. Families can purchase individual crypt spaces or companion crypts for two entombments. Public mausoleums provide an affordable mausoleum option starting at around $10,000.

Private Family Mausoleum: A private family mausoleum is a customized structure commissioned and used by a single family. It offers complete control over design details including size, materials, features, and location. Private mausoleums allow generations of family members to be entombed in one place. They are the most expensive option starting at around $100,000.

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Community Mausoleum: A community mausoleum is a hybrid between public and private. Sections of crypts are sold to individual families who can select from design options for their section. By sharing space among multiple families, costs are reduced compared to a private mausoleum. Community mausoleums offer more flexibility than public ones.

Garden Mausoleum: A garden mausoleum provides semi-private family spaces typically comprised of 2 to 4 crypts contained within a larger building that houses other garden mausoleums. Families can select from some design options. Pricing starts at around $30,000 for a small garden mausoleum.

The type of mausoleum selected will be a major factor in determining the overall mausoleum cost. Now let’s examine the details around pricing for each mausoleum type.

What Factors Impact the Cost of a Public Mausoleum?

For public mausoleums located within cemeteries, the cost will depend on:

• Type of crypt – Single or companion (holds 2)
• Crypt materials like granite, marble, or bronze
• Location of the crypt within the mausoleum
• Opening and closing fees for entombment

A single crypt space in a public mausoleum can range from $8,000 to $15,000 on average. Some crypts closer to ground level are more affordable around $5,000 while premium locations like end caps and upper rows near eye level are pricier.

Double crypts known as companion crypts that allow for two entombments typically run from $12,000 to $25,000. Crypt covers made from marble or high-end bronze can also increase costs over basic granite.

In addition, opening and closing fees ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per entombment must be paid. These fees cover removing, resealing, and reinforcing the crypt. Overall the total investment for a public mausoleum space generally ranges from $10,000 to $35,000.

Public mausoleums offer the most affordable option for above-ground entombment in a dignified shared space overseen by professionals. Though design choices are limited, public mausoleums provide quality construction and maintenance.

What Determines the Price for a Private Family Mausoleum?

For a customized private family mausoleum, pricing is influenced by:

• Number of crypts – Typically ranging from 2 for a married couple up to 20 or more for extended families
• Construction materials used – Granite, marble, or limestone for walls/roof plus bronze or other metals for decor
• Overall size and footprint of the structure
• Design details like shape, layout, accents, engravings, and features
• Special mausoleum features like lighting, ventilation, chairs etc.
• Real estate required for the private mausoleum site
• Permitting and zoning costs if located on private land
• Crypt materials selected – Granite, marble, bronze
• Opening and closing fees per entombment, usually $2,500 to $5,000+

If you want to purchase a mausoleum, then you can expect to invest a minimum of $100,000 for a basic private family mausoleum, with costs climbing up to $500,000 or more depending on the size, features, materials, construction complexity, location, and design. Opening and closing fees must also be budgeted at a higher amount than public mausoleums.

While expensive, indoor private mausoleums give families complete control over the design and location. They can be sited on private land or within a cemetery. Private indoor mausoleums allow generations to be memorialized together in a specially designed structure tailored for the family.

How Much Does a Garden Mausoleum Cost?

Garden mausoleums fall in the middle of the cost spectrum between public and private options. They contain just a few crypts for family members and offer some level of personalization. Pricing factors include:

• Number of crypts – Typically 2 to 4 family members
• Construction materials for the structure
• Available interior and exterior design options like engravings or decorative metalwork
• Shared garden real estate within a mausoleum building
• Opening and closing charges per entombment, often $2,000 to $3,000

A small 2-4 person outdoor mausoleum will cost between $30,000 to $75,000 depending on location, materials selected, and mausoleum design upgrades. Additional opening and closing fees apply per entombment.

Garden mausoleums allow families to share space while still maintaining some privacy and customization. They offer an affordable middle ground for above-ground entombment compared to public and private mausoleums.

What Does a Mausoleum Entombment Involve?

The entombment process for a mausoleum provides families time for visitation, services, or rituals before sealing the deceased’s remains within their crypt. The key steps include:

• Preparing the remains – Embalming, dressing, and cosmetizing the deceased prior to casketing
• Scheduling the entombment date with the cemetery mausoleum staff
• Transporting the casketed remains to the mausoleum
• Staging visitation, funeral services, or ceremonies within the mausoleum
• Placing the casket into the crypt
• Temporarily sealing the crypt
• Allowing a period for any memorial engravings
• Permanently sealing the crypt front with granite or marble

It is important to work with both cemetery staff and your selected funeral home to coordinate the complete entombment process and associated costs.

What is the Average Cost of a Mausoleum Entombment?

The average cost for a full-service mausoleum entombment ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. This includes:

• Cemetery opening and closing charges to access the mausoleum crypt, seal it temporarily, and seal it permanently ($1,500 – $3,000)
• Funeral home charges for preparation, casketing, transportation, coordination, viewing, and service fees ($2,000-$5,000)
• Cemetery service fees including equipment, staff, and document processing ($500-$1,000)
• Grave marker engraving ($500-1,500)

Additional costs may be incurred depending on the specific mausoleum and cemetery regulations, burial service choices, and other selections. Expect private mausoleums to have higher opening/closing fees.

We recommend using a funeral director to manage arrangements and provide guidance on entombment costs specific for your mausoleum.