Glossary
Mausoleum
A mausoleum is an above-ground building that holds caskets in crypts, and sometimes cremated remains in niches. It offers entombment as an alternative to in-ground burial, either in a large community structure or a private family mausoleum.
Community mausoleums contain many crypts and niches arranged in a shared building, while a private mausoleum is built for a single family. Both provide a sheltered, visitable resting place.
Pricing depends on the cemetery, the type of space, and its position within the building. Request itemized costs to compare options.
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Common questions
- How much does entombment in a mausoleum cost?
- Pricing depends on the cemetery, whether you choose a crypt or a niche, and the space's position within the building, with eye-level spaces often costing more. A private family mausoleum is far more expensive than a single crypt. Request itemized costs to compare.
- What is the difference between a mausoleum, a crypt, and a niche?
- A mausoleum is the above-ground building. A crypt is a chamber within it that holds a casket, and a niche is a smaller compartment that holds an urn of cremated remains. One building can contain both.
- Is mausoleum entombment more expensive than ground burial?
- It often is, because crypt space and construction can cost more than a standard plot, though prices vary by cemetery. Comparing itemized costs for both options at a specific cemetery is the clearest way to decide.
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.