The cost of being cremated can vary widely depending on location, funeral home, type of cremation, urn selection, and other factors. On average, cremation costs between $1,000-$4,000 in the United States. Cremation is typically cheaper than traditional burial since you avoid the costs associated with embalming, a casket, vault, grave plot, headstone, and funeral service. However, there are still costs involved with a cremation such as transportation of the body, cremation container, crematory fee, urn, and arrangement of final disposition. Let’s take a closer look at what contributes to the total cost of cremation.
Cremation Cost Factors
Transportation fee
The deceased will need to be transported from the place of death to the crematory. Most funeral homes charge a transportation fee for this, which can range from $200-$400 on average. This covers the funeral director’s time, vehicle use, staff, and fuel. If a funeral procession is desired before the cremation, additional transportation fees may apply.
Crematory fee
This covers the actual cremation process, which involves placing the body into a cremation chamber or retort where temperatures reach 1400-1800 degrees Fahrenheit. The body is reduced to bone fragments, which are then pulverized to create the ashes. Crematory fees average $250-$500. Higher charges may apply for overweight bodies which require extra fuel and time.
Cremation container
A rigid combustible container is required to hold the body during cremation. The simplest version is an unfinished wood box made of cardboard or particleboard. More decorative options are available such as fiberboard containers molded to resemble caskets. Cremation container costs typically range from $100-$700+. Rental containers are also an option for a lower fee.
Urn
An urn is used to hold the ashes after cremation. Urns come in many materials like wood, marble, brass, glass, and ceramic. Some are personalized with engravings and designs. Basic plastic or wood urns cost $50 or less while more ornate decorative urns can be $200+. Unique urn types like bio-degradable or multiple-portion urns impact the price as well.
Other potential costs
– Cremation permit fee: $10-$15
– Death certificates: $10-$25 each
– Obituary notices
– Funeral flowers
– Clergy honorarium
– Funeral home basic services fee: $500-$1000 to coordinate arrangements
– Cremation vault for urn: $250-$600+
Cost of Direct Cremation
A direct cremation is the most basic, lower-cost option without ceremonies. It typically includes:
– Transfer of remains to crematory
– Crematory fee
– Basic cremation container
– Basic plastic urn
– Minimum funeral home services like paperwork
National average cost
The national average cost for direct cremation is around **$1,750**.
Cost range
Most direct cremations fall in the range of **$895 to $3,000**. The cost can go below or above this range depending on your location and funeral home.
| State | Average Direct Cremation Cost |
|---|---|
| California | $770 |
| Florida | $1,400 |
| New York | $4,000 |
| Texas | $1,200 |
As shown in the table, New York has the highest average direct cremation cost at $4,000 while California has the lowest at $770. Even within the same state, costs can vary widely between different funeral homes and locations like urban versus rural.
Cost Difference from Full Funeral Service
Choosing direct cremation rather than a full funeral service with burial often saves 40-60% on end-of-life expenses.
A full funeral usually includes charges for:
– Embalming
– Visitation room rental
– Casket
– Vault
– Funeral service
– Gravesite plot
– Headstone
– Limousine
The national average cost for a full funeral and burial is **$9,135**. For direct cremation, it’s $1,750. This represents over 80% in savings.
Even just opting for a basic cremation service with memorial instead of a full funeral lowers costs significantly. A basic cremation service averages around **$3,700** – over $5,000 less expensive than the full funeral and burial average.
Factors that Increase Cremation Costs
While cremation is typically less expensive than traditional burial, there are some factors that can increase the overall cremation costs significantly:
Memorial service
Having any type of service – whether elaborate or simple – adds extra charges for the funeral home to coordinate. Common costs include:
– Rental fee for venue
– Funeral officiant
– Printed service programs
– Additional staffing
– Hearse rental
– Service flowers
Just having a small memorial service at the funeral home can add $500-$1,500+ to the cremation expenses. Larger ceremonies increase costs further.
Premium urn
Fancy urns made from expensive materials or with custom designs can range into the thousands of dollars. Opting for a basic urn or purchasing elsewhere can curb this expense.
Premium cremation casket
While a basic cremation container runs around $100-$300, some families opt for more visually appealing cremation caskets that can be rented for services. These range from $1,000 all the way up to $5,000+.
Additional charges
Other charges that increase the overall cremation costs include rush fees for expedited service, extra charges for overweight bodies, paying a cremation society membership fee, certified copies of the death certificate, and selecting a specialized type of cremation.
How to Lower Cremation Costs
If the estimated cremation cost seems too expensive, there are ways to potentially lower the total bill:
Shop around
Costs can vary dramatically between funeral homes, even in the same town. Get price estimates from at least 3 providers. Ask specifically for their direct cremation price.
Avoid add-ons
Decline any extra services, merchandise upgrades, or middleman fees that are not essential. Say no to the funeral home trying to upsell flowers, programs, limousines, etc.
Consider a crematory alternative
Some third-party crematories offer direct cremation without any funeral home markup for half the price or less. This avoids the funeral home’s service fees.
Use an alternative container
Ask if the crematory allows alternative containers like unfinished wood boxes instead of cremation caskets. This can sometimes lower the container cost to under $100.
Provide your own urn
Opt for a basic temporary urn from the funeral home then purchase an urn separately. Or provide your own urn if allowed. Just ensure it meets the crematory’s size requirements.
Prepay
If you’re planning ahead, look into prepaying at today’s cremation costs to lock in savings. Prepaid funeral plans can cover most or all cremation expenses.
Cremation Payment Options
There are several ways to pay for cremation services:
Cash
Paying the funeral bill completely in cash, either from savings or contributions from family and friends.
Credit card
Many funeral homes accept major credit cards. This allows you to pay off the balance over time.
Prepaid funeral plan
Prepay for services ahead of time through cremation or funeral insurance plans. Your wishes will be outlined and paid for in advance.
Life insurance payout
A life insurance policy may provide funds that can be put towards cremation costs. Ensuring you have proper coverage is wise.
Crowdfunding
Sites like GoFundMe allow you to crowdfund donations from friends and the community to cover expenses.
Questions to Ask the Funeral Home
When researching cremation prices and services, here are some key questions to ask:
– What is your direct/basic cremation package price?
– What does your basic package include?
– What additional charges might there be beyond the base price quote?
– Do you require embalming for cremation? (It’s not mandatory)
– Is the crematory onsite or will there be transportation fees?
– Do you allow alternative containers for cremation?
– Do you allow families to provide their own urn?
– Can you provide a price list of urn selections?
– Do you offer any discounts or ways to lower costs?
– Can I prepay today to lock in pricing?
Getting clear, detailed answers to these questions will allow you to accurately compare prices and maximize savings on cremation services. Don’t be afraid to ask funeral directors to explain any vague fees or unfamiliar terms.
Conclusion
The national average for direct cremation is around $1,750 but can be higher or lower depending on your location, funeral home choices, and whether you opt for a memorial service or any upgrades. Overall cremation costs typically range from $1,000 to $4,000. While not free, cremation provides significant savings of 40-60% over the average cost of a full funeral service and burial. Taking the time to research and compare prices, avoiding unnecessary add-ons, asking questions, and looking into prepaying arrangements are all strategies to lower your cremation costs.