Cremation now accounts for 60% of all funerals in the United States, and industry watchdogs report that by around 2035, the rate will hit just under 80%. The average cost of a cremation ranges between $795 -$3200 depending on which funeral home or cremation provider you choose.
This is a huge shift in the death care industry from traditional burial funerals to cremation. There are several reasons why cremation is gaining popularity, and the lower cost of a cremation is certainly one of the main reasons why more people are opting for it as a disposition method.
The Internet has enabled us to shop and compare prices relatively easily, which can be especially important to funeral consumers. At US Funerals Online, we are often asked, ‘What does a cremation cost?’.
So, we have put together this guide to cremation costs to help you understand what average cremation costs to expect and how to break down how this cost is made up.
Comparing the average cost of a cremation nationally
The problem with quoting the average price for cremation is that the actual costs vary significantly. Some states are generally more expensive for cremation than others. This can be due to higher energy costs, a less competitive cremation market, and a lower cremation rate. Even within a state or city, the cost of cremation can differ by $100 or even $1000.
The company Funeralocity collected basic data from thousands of funeral homes nationwide and published the average price of a Full-Service Cremation, $6,219, and the average cost of a Direct Cremation, $2,184.
Other sources suggest the national average cost of a direct cremation is $1,650.
Direct cremation is a basic cremation with “limited memorialization services and a basic urn.” This demonstrates that you need to compare cremation prices locally and ensure you are comparing like-for-like services.
From our research with the DFS Memorials network of low-cost cremation providers, we discovered that the price of the exact same cremation service can differ by as much as over $2,000.
What Factors Affect Cremation Costs?
Several key factors affect the average cost of a cremation. Here are some to consider:
1. Location: The cost of cremation services can vary based on the location, such as the city or state. Prices may differ in urban areas compared to rural areas due to operating costs and demand variations.
2. Service Provider: Different funeral homes or cremation service providers may have different pricing structures. Researching and comparing prices from multiple providers is advisable to find the most suitable option.
3. Type of Cremation: The cost may vary depending on the type of cremation chosen. Direct cremation, which does not include a viewing or funeral service, is generally less expensive than traditional cremation with a viewing or memorial service.
4. Additional Services and Merchandise: Optional services and merchandise, such as embalming, use of facilities for a memorial service, transportation, urns, or caskets, can add to the overall cost. It’s important to consider which additional services or merchandise you may require and how they will impact the final price.
5. Legal and Administrative Fees: Additional fees may be associated with obtaining necessary permits, death certificates, or any legal documentation required for the cremation process. These fees can vary depending on the location and specific requirements.
6. Urn Selection: The cost of an urn can vary depending on the material, design, and customization options chosen. Some families may opt for a simple urn, while others may prefer more elaborate or personalized options.
7. Pre-planning and Pre-payment: Some funeral homes offer pre-planning and pre-payment options, which can help lock in current prices and potentially save on future costs. This can be a factor to consider when evaluating the overall cost.
Comparing cremation prices locally and for the exact same service
To establish the average cost of a cremation in your area, you must compare prices purely locally and ensure you are comparing ‘apples to apples.’
There are different brackets of cremation providers and funeral homes offering cremation services. As the market for cremation grows, more providers are offering more affordable cremation services, especially in recognition of the need to conduct more cremations to increase their profit margin.
However, there are still funeral homes out there that charge exorbitant cremation fees. It is not uncommon to find that a cremation fee will differ by as much as $2,000 in the same city.
In determining that you are comparing like-for-like cremation costs from a funeral home price list, or when speaking over the phone, ensure you establish that the cremation package they offer is the same.
Establish exactly what kind of cremation you require
A cremation can be conducted even with an elaborate, traditional funeral. It is simply an alternative way of final disposition, in which the deceased is cremated instead of buried.
Cremation can also be conducted when no services are required, and a very simple, no-fuss disposition is desired. Today, many folks are choosing to opt for a very “simple” cremation and then perform their own memorial or life celebration service at a later date, with or without the cremated remains present.
Confusion about the cost of a cremation can arise when funeral homes all use different terms to represent the cremation services they offer.
To have a service, or not to have a service,….that IS the question.
The term ‘simple’ is common and synonymous with basic cremation services. However, it is important to establish whether the cremation offered includes any kind of service.
A cremation with a funeral service will cost more than a very basic disposition cremation. In the trade, a basic disposition cremation is often called a ‘clinical cremation’ or a ‘direct cremation.’
This means that the funeral home collects the deceased and does minimal preparation before cremation. A basic container is used for the cremation, and the cremated remains are returned in a temporary container.
Direct cremation is the cheapest cremation option, as it requires the most limited services of a funeral director. In two states (Florida and California), ‘direct disposers’ are licensed funeral directors who do not even have to be licensed funeral directors and can operate without the large overhead of a funeral home, thus enabling them to offer discounted direct cremation prices.
A basic cremation price does not generally include incremental services such as flowers, funeral stationery, obituary notices, etc. However, you can add ancillary services at an incremental cost.
Consider the differing costs for a cremation container, casket, or rental casket.
A casket is NOT required for cremation purposes. Most states stipulate that a ‘rigid, combustible container’ must be used. This basic container can be a rigid cardboard or simple wooden container to minimize costs. It is going to be cremated anyway.
A simple cardboard container is generally charged at anything between $50 and $400. Some cremation providers include this in their direct cremation price, but others do not, so be sure to check.
If you are opting to hold a service and require a casket, you can rent one. Many funeral homes offer this service and charge a fee for the rental. This helps them cover cleaning and maintenance costs for the rental casket. The cost to rent a casket is anywhere between $300 and $800.
Cremation Packages – average prices to expect
Many funeral homes and crematories offer cremation packages. Some basic services are ‘bundled’ in a cremation package, and the price quoted is inclusive.
The average price of a direct cremation generally varies between $695 and $1,500. This cost varies between areas. You can arrange a direct cremation in Miami, Las Vegas, and Phoenix for as little as $695 – $580. However, in most metro areas across the U.S., a direct cremation costs between $995 and $1,200. You can expect to pay over $1,000 in some areas, even for the most minimal direct cremation package.
A cremation service package can cost between $1,500 and $3,500, although you must check exactly what is included in the price.
Services that can help you compare cremation costs
Trying to compare cremation prices between funeral homes can be a minefield. If you are preplanning, you may have time and some objectivity to approach the task. If you are dealing with the death, or imminent death, of a relative, you may not want to spend time comparing costs.
Everest Funeral Planning and Concierge Service offers a PriceFinder report for a fee ($29 – $48) that compares up to 8 funeral home prices.
The Funeral Consumers Alliance has chapters throughout the United States, and many of these conduct local price surveys that they make available to members. To check if a chapter is near you, visit the Affiliate Directory on the FCA website.
We have also conducted average cremation price comparisons for major cities in each state and compiled detailed guides to cremation costs.
You can visit your State Guide to Cremation Costs in our Resources.
Locating the most affordable cremation service in your area.
If you are researching cremation costs, you are likely looking for an affordable option. The DFS Memorials network is an independent funeral home network offering low-cost cremations.
To find your nearest provider, visit the DFS Memorials website and locate your nearest city/area. All member funeral homes that join the network offer a complete (no hidden extras) direct cremation for between $695 and $1,395 (depending on where you live).
Being a savvy consumer and comparing prices is part of our culture today. When the average cost of a cremation can differ, you must do some homework or use a service that can assist you in determining your best local cremation price.
Understanding more about Cremation Services
If you need to learn more about cremation to understand if it is the right choice for you and your family, whether the need is immediate or you are planning a future, we have several useful resources that can guide you.
Further Cremation Resources:
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Cremation and Understanding Cremation laws and How they Affect Arranging a Cremation.
Our latest post is about Unlocking Affordable Cremation Costs: A Comprehensive Guide.
Our Cremation Resources section also has Guides to Cremation Costs by State in the U.S.
Sources:
- 2023 National Funeral Directors Association – Funeral Service Trends & Statistics
- Funeralocity price survey
- Annual Statistics Report: 2023 Cremation Association of North America.
