The cost of an autopsy varies depending on the town, city, state, or country where you live. It also depends on whether it is a legally required autopsy or one for purely medical purposes. Typically, an in-hospital autopsy is a free service, although some hospitals try to discourage you by telling you there are fees of $2,000 to $3,000. In the United States, you may be able to hire a private pathologist to perform an autopsy in the funeral home or other location; costs range between $500 and about $4,000 depending on how thorough an examination is done. Your funeral director can help you find a pathologist, or go online and Google "autopsy services."