The ridiculous price of a newspaper obituary

Chris Jones — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:10:48 +0000

Publishing an obituary in a newspaper remains a cherished tradition for many families, serving as a public announcement of a loved one’s passing and a way to share details about their life, funeral services, and survivors. However, the costs can add unexpected financial strain during an already difficult time. As of December 2025, prices vary dramatically based on the newspaper’s size, circulation, and location.

Local vs. Major Newspapers

Local papers, serving smaller communities or regional areas, typically offer the most affordable options. Basic notices in small-town or suburban publications often start around $200–$400 for a short text-only obituary running one day. These rates reflect lower circulation and printing costs, making them accessible for families notifying nearby friends and relatives. In some smaller markets, very brief death notices (just name, dates, and service info) might even be free or under $100, though full obituaries with biographical details push into the higher end of that range.

In contrast, major metropolitan or national newspapers charge significantly more due to higher production expenses, larger audiences, and prestige. For instance, the Los Angeles Times averages $1,000–$1,500 for a standard obituary, with basic placements starting around $205 but escalating quickly. The New York Times begins at about $263 for the first few lines, plus $50+ per additional line, easily surpassing $1,000 for anything detailed. The Wall Street Journal can exceed $1,000 for national runs, with regional options starting lower around $200. These premium papers treat obituaries as paid classifieds, charging per line, inch, or column—often resulting in bills that shock grieving families.

Additional Costs: Photos and Extras

Want to include a photo? That’s an extra layer of expense. Adding a black-and-white or color image typically costs $25–$250, depending on size, quality, and the paper—smaller local ones on the lower end, big-city publications pushing toward the higher. Color photos, larger formats, or multiple images drive prices up further. Running the obituary on premium days (like Sundays) or for multiple days also multiplies the total, sometimes doubling or tripling the base rate.

Why are these costs so high? Newspapers have faced declining print readership and advertising revenue for decades, leading many to monetize obituary sections aggressively. What was once a community service is now a revenue stream, charged like ads. Average U.S. newspaper obituaries in 2025 fall around $200–$500 overall, but longer tributes in urban areas routinely hit $800+.

Emotional and Practical Burden

Who wants to haggle over line counts, photo fees, or deadlines while navigating profound grief? Families often feel pressured to keep obituaries short to control costs, sacrificing heartfelt stories about a loved one’s achievements, quirks, or legacy. This can feel like commodifying a final tribute, adding emotional weight to an already overwhelming process.

Affordable Alternatives: Online Options

Fortunately, modern alternatives exist that are far more affordable and flexible. Online obituaries on dedicated platforms or funeral home sites often cost $50–$100 (or even free in basic forms), with no word limits, unlimited photos, videos, or guestbooks for condolences. These digital tributes reach wider audiences via social media shares, remain permanently accessible, and allow edits anytime. Many newspapers now include online versions with print placements at little extra cost, or families opt for online-only to save hundreds.

Recommendation

Why burden yourself with inflated newspaper fees during such a vulnerable time? Explore user-friendly online options that honor your loved one fully without the financial sting. Hit up this page and see what it really costs for you here—you’ll likely find a compassionate, cost-effective solution that lets you focus on celebrating a life well-lived, not counting characters and worrying about your wallet, purse, or another credit card bill.

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Newspaper Circulation Down – Get The Obit Word Out

Chris Jones — Sat, 19 May 2018 23:44:49 +0000

Obits Online Founders Chris Jones and Jim Cole here – It may be no secret that with Newspaper circulation down, Revenues for those same Newspapers are also down. The continual migration from print to digital for news and information consumption is the reason. Don’t just take our word for it – here are some trusted sources saying the same thing. For the purposes of this article, we are referring to the newspaper industry as simply ‘Newspaper’. Pew Research Center – 2017 WGBH Boston – 2016 Harvard – 2014 The Guardian – 2009 – Wait – 2009? Yes. This is not outdated information. Wow. Ok.

Circulation is Down

The Funeral Industry has long relied on Newspapers to get the word out regarding obituaries. With circulation down, the likelihood of friends and acquaintances missing an obituary and, therefore, missing the opportunity to express their condolences in a timely manner, has become much more prevalent. In addition, the cost of publicizing your loved one’s passing has increased. Less coverage; greater cost. There has to be a better way.

There is a Solution

There is a Solution to this growing problem. Some national websites may rely exclusively on what they get from Newspapers. If the cost of a newspaper obituary keeps rising, who do you think pays for that? Yes, The Consumer. The answer is a greater presence on the internet and placement of obituaries in supplemental ways. Your loved one’s life story is worth telling, in full, not restricted by costs or left out facts. We can help. Call Chris Jones at 518.223.6044 or Jim Cole at 518.260.5332.

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