What is the difference between burial and entombment?

Burial places the casket in the ground, typically inside a vault and marked with a headstone. Entombment places the casket above ground in a sealed crypt within a mausoleum. Both are forms of casketed final disposition; the difference is in-ground versus above-ground.

Is entombment more expensive than burial?

Often, yes. A single mausoleum crypt commonly costs more than a standard in-ground plot, though prices vary widely by cemetery and location. Entombment does avoid the separate cost of a burial vault, since the crypt itself seals the casket.

Can cremated remains be entombed?

Yes. Cremated remains can be placed in a columbarium niche, which is the cremation equivalent of entombment, or interred in the ground. A niche is usually much less expensive than a full-body crypt.

Comparison

Burial vs Entombment

By Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa · Updated June 2026

Both lay a casket to rest, but the location differs. Burial places the casket in the ground, usually with a vault and a headstone. Entombment places the casket above ground in a sealed mausoleum crypt. Entombment typically costs more than a standard in-ground plot but skips the separate burial vault and keeps the casket out of the earth.

Burial vs Entombment, side by side

Location
Burial
In the ground
Entombment
Above ground, in a crypt
Vault needed?
Burial
Usually yes
Entombment
No — the crypt seals the casket
Marker
Burial
Headstone or flat marker
Entombment
Crypt plate / inscription
Typical cost
Burial
Plot + vault + marker
Entombment
Often higher than a standard plot
Best for
Burial
Traditional in-ground resting place
Entombment
Above-ground preference, family crypt

	Burial	Entombment
Location	In the ground	Above ground, in a crypt
Vault needed?	Usually yes	No — the crypt seals the casket
Marker	Headstone or flat marker	Crypt plate / inscription
Typical cost	Plot + vault + marker	Often higher than a standard plot
Best for	Traditional in-ground resting place	Above-ground preference, family crypt

Figures are typical national ranges and vary widely by area and provider. Under the FTC Funeral Rule you're entitled to an itemized price list — always confirm prices directly.

Choose Burial

Choose burial for a traditional in-ground gravesite and headstone.

Choose Entombment

Choose entombment to rest above ground in a mausoleum crypt.

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Common questions: Burial vs Entombment

What is the difference between burial and entombment?: Burial places the casket in the ground, typically inside a vault and marked with a headstone. Entombment places the casket above ground in a sealed crypt within a mausoleum. Both are forms of casketed final disposition; the difference is in-ground versus above-ground.
Is entombment more expensive than burial?: Often, yes. A single mausoleum crypt commonly costs more than a standard in-ground plot, though prices vary widely by cemetery and location. Entombment does avoid the separate cost of a burial vault, since the crypt itself seals the casket.
Can cremated remains be entombed?: Yes. Cremated remains can be placed in a columbarium niche, which is the cremation equivalent of entombment, or interred in the ground. A niche is usually much less expensive than a full-body crypt.

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