What Is a Mausoleum?

A mausoleum is an above-ground structure built to entomb the deceased. Unlike a traditional burial — where the body is interred underground in a plot and typically marked with a headstone — a mausoleum provides an enclosed, sheltered space that can be simple or highly ornate.

Traditional burials involve costs for funeral services, caskets, headstones, embalming (if chosen), cemetery plots, and interment. These costs can add up quickly, making traditional burials a significant financial commitment in many regions.

Mausoleum vs Traditional Burial Cost

Traditional funerals carry deep cultural and emotional importance, but the expenses can be high. Depending on casket choice, headstone, ceremony, and cemetery fees, a traditional burial service can often exceed $10,000 when plot and extras are included. On average, a traditional burial service (excluding plot) is often in the $6,000–$8,000 range.

Private mausoleums start from a few thousand dollars for small crypts, but family or custom mausoleums can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on materials, size, and ornamentation. A modest private crypt might be around $4,000, but elaborate family mausoleums can cost well into six figures.

One comparative advantage: mausoleums can be more environmentally friendly than some traditional burial practices (no vaults or repeated ground disturbance), but they still require materials and land.

Crypts & Columbariums

Mausoleums may contain two types of spaces:

• Crypts — Spaces designed for caskets and full-body remains.
• Columbariums — Niches specifically built for urns containing cremated remains.

Both options provide families with protected, above-ground memorialization that can be visited year-round.

Types of Mausoleums

• Public Mausoleums — Shared structures open to multiple families.
• Private Mausoleums — Built for individuals or families, with restricted access.
• Garden Mausoleums — Outdoor mausoleums often surrounded by landscaped grounds.
• Community Mausoleums — Offer affordability by housing many individuals together.

Cost Factors

Several factors influence the cost of a mausoleum:

• Materials used (granite, marble, limestone, etc.)
• Size and number of crypts
• Design complexity and ornamentation
• Location — urban cemeteries often cost more than rural ones
• Perpetual care or maintenance fees charged by cemeteries

Hidden Costs to Consider

In addition to upfront construction or purchase costs, mausoleums may come with hidden expenses:

• Ongoing maintenance or perpetual care fees
• Insurance or security in some locations
• Land acquisition if a private family mausoleum is built
• Custom engravings, statues, or memorial features