With an average cost of $2,000 to $5,000, it's often the most expensive aspect of a funeral. Getting a casket price list from the funeral home you work with, comparison shopping online, and choosing the right burial or funeral insurance policy are all helpful ways to save money when buying a casket.

Coffins cost between $800 to $4000 while caskets range from around $4000 to $15000. Coffins differ from caskets in their appearance: they typically have six sides, and the top is wider than the bottom. Caskets usually have four sides, and they often come with rails to support them during transportation.

The more expensive metal caskets are made using copper or bronze. In addition to the material used to build the casket, another determinant of the cost is the details incorporated by the craftsman – the more labor, the higher the cost.

A casket often is the single most expensive item you'll buy if you plan a "traditional" full-service funeral. Caskets vary widely in style and price and are sold primarily for their visual appeal.

Sealed caskets, often made of metal and equipped with rubber gaskets, are designed to protect the body from external elements. However, they can also trap gases and moisture, potentially accelerating decomposition in an "exploding casket syndrome" process due to internal pressure build-up.