Hawaii: Bothered by Cost of Living? Wait ‘til you see Cost of Dying
from Forbes Advisor, September, 2023
While many Americans are concerned about the cost of living, few realize how high the cost of dying can be. In fact, nearly one in six Americans (15.39%) have taken on more than $1,000 of debt after a loved one’s death, according to a recent Debt.com survey.
In some states, death-related expenses pose a greater financial burden due to the high cost of funerals and end-of-life medical care. So, which states are the most expensive to die in?
To find out, Forbes Advisor analyzed funeral costs and end-of-life medical expenses to calculate the total cost of dying in all 50 states.
We found that Hawaii ranks #2 among the most expensive states to die in.
Top 5 Most Expensive States to Die In:
Alaska:
Total cost of dying: $33,742.17
End-of-life medical care in Alaska amounts to $24,408.38, $7,940.38 more than the national average ($16,468). Alaska funerals with a viewing and cremation cost $9,333.79 on average, $1,597.55 more than the national average ($7,736.24).
Hawaii:
Total cost of dying: $32,722.53
Hawaii funerals with a viewing and cremation cost $13,430.46 on average, $5,694.21 more than the national average. End-of-life medical care in Hawaii costs $19,292.07 on average, $2,824.07 more than the national average.
Massachusetts:
Total cost of dying: $29,481.55
Funerals in Massachusetts cost $11,134.52 on average, $3,398.28 more than the national average . Massachusetts residents spend an average of $18,347.02 on end-of-life medical expenses, $1,879.02 more than the national average.
New Hampshire:
Total cost of dying: $28,279.05
End-of-life medical care in New Hampshire costs $19,650.54 on average, $3,182.54 more than the national average.
Washington:
Total cost of dying: $28,156.20
End-of-life medical care in Washington costs $19,520.19 on average, $3,052.19 more than the national average.
Find the full report, including the methodology and infographics, here.
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PBN: Hawaii ranked No. 2 most expensive state to die in, according to Forbes Advisor - Pacific Business News (bizjournals.com)