Reducing the cost of a funeral does not mean that it should be any less dignified, or that you have to compromise in quality.  Many more families in the US today are opting for a simple burial or a direct cremation, not only to arrange a more affordable funeral, but to reduce some of the unnecessary rituals associated with a traditional funeral service.  A simple burial may just involve the collection and preparation of the deceased, a basic casket, or even a rental casket and transfer to a burial plot with a simple service.  A simple burial in the US is generally available for around $2,000-$3,000.  The cost of the burial plot in the US is additional.

A direct cremation is the absolute low cost option for a funeral or disposition.  In this case the deceased is collected, the body transferred to a crematory or crematorium for cremation, (usually in a temporary container), and the cremated remains returned to the family in a basic urn.  Families can then arrange their own memorial service.  A direct cremation in the US can be arranged for as little as $695.

We would highly recommend that you compare prices between funeral homes in the US, as general price lists, do vary considerably.  The funeral home should happily quote you a price for their basic funeral services, and if they seem reluctant to specify an exact cost for a cremation or burial, ask for a printed price list.