Question 1

How much does burial cost in Santa Monica, California?

Accepted Answer

Prices vary by provider in Santa Monica. Ask each provider for an itemized price list — they're required to give you one under the FTC Funeral Rule.

Question 2

Do I have to use a funeral home in Santa Monica?

Accepted Answer

No. In California you can compare and choose any licensed provider, and you only pay for the goods and services you select. You're never required to buy a package.

Question 3

Which providers in Santa Monica publish their prices?

Accepted Answer

1 of the 7 Santa Monica providers Calla tracks has a published price list on file, and the lowest published starting price is $995 at Gates Kingsley & Gates Moeller Murphy Funeral Directors. For the rest, ask for the itemized general price list — under the FTC Funeral Rule every funeral provider must give you one in writing.

Question 4

How do I compare providers in Santa Monica?

Accepted Answer

Compare the all-in price for the specific service you want — not just the lowest headline number — and weigh it against reviews and what's included. In Santa Monica, published starting prices begin at $995 (Gates Kingsley & Gates Moeller Murphy Funeral Directors). The providers listed above show their prices so you can see the real differences before you call.

Question 5

Is the cemetery plot included in the burial price?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. The plot, opening-and-closing fee, and headstone are billed by the cemetery, separately from the funeral home's charges. Budget for both.

Question 6

Do I need a burial vault?

Accepted Answer

No state law requires one, but many cemeteries require a vault or grave liner to keep the ground level. The cemetery, not the funeral home, sets that rule, so ask before you choose a plot.

Question 7

What's the difference between burial cost and funeral cost?

Accepted Answer

Funeral cost covers the services and goods from the funeral home — staff, preparation, casket, and the ceremony. Burial cost adds the cemetery's charges: the plot, opening and closing, vault, and marker.

How much does a burial cost in Santa Monica?

What does the price usually include?

Which providers serve Santa Monica?

Gates Kingsley & Gates Moeller Murphy Funeral Directors

Santa Monica Veterans Memorial

Grave of Marilyn Monroe

City of Santa Monica Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum & Mortuary - Funeral Home, Cremation & Burials

Grave of Doug McClure

Grave of Kirk Douglas

Grave of Paul Henried

Common questions about burial in Santa Monica

Guides for planning burial

Cremation vs. burial: cost and how to decide

Green burial, explained

What a funeral really costs, line by line

Terms to know