How Much Does Cremation Cost?
The average cremation cost is between $4,000 and $7,000 depending on the type of cremation. Direct cremation costs between $2,000 and $5,000. Funeral costs are rising and more people are turning to cremation instead of burials to save money. But many don’t realize a cremation can cost as much as a burial once all of the service fees are calculated. For those looking to save as much money as possible, direct cremation is a good option, and families can save even more money by providing their own urn and cremation container. Funeral homes will often provide cremation packages that include a memorial service and viewing casket. Cremation package prices depend on the funeral home and location, but typically range between $2,000 and $10,000. According to the NFDA Cremation & Burial Report, the cremation rate is projected to reach 70% by 2030. As more consumers choose cremation, prices will continue to increase.
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Low-Cost Cremation
The least expensive way to pay for cremation is to arrange for a low-cost cremation called direct cremation. A direct cremation happens when you only ask for cremation and doesn’t require a funeral or memorial beforehand. The body is typically cremated immediately, and the funeral home gives the ashes to surviving loved ones. Direct cremation is the most affordable final arrangement.
The direct cremation cost varies, but you should expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on the city you live in and how much the funeral home charges. In some cases, you can engage the services of a crematory directly without having to go through a funeral home which can save you a significant amount of money. Besides the financial benefits, families use this form of low-cost cremation if they intend to hold a memorial service at a later date.
When planning a direct cremation, you have the following rights:
- You aren’t required to purchase a casket from the funeral home
- The funeral home or crematory is required to make alternative containers available
- You aren’t required to purchase an urn from the funeral home
Below are some example direct cremation rates by district from the National Funeral Directors Association Member GPL Study:
| New England District (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT) | |||
| Arrangement | Median Cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $2,515 | $1,325 | $4,745 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,618 | $125 | $4,990 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,765 | $125 | $5,731 |
| Middle Atlantic District (NJ, NY, PA) | |||
| Arrangement | Median Cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $2,273 | $320 | $5,165 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,343 | $60 | $5,360 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,678 | $895 | $5,165 |
| South Atlantic District (DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, WV, VA) | |||
| Arrangement | Median Cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $2,195 | $700 | $3,765 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,295 | $50 | $4,255 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,620 | $200 | $5,490 |
| East South Central District (AL, KY, MS, TN) | |||
| Arrangement | Median Cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $2,043 | $799 | $3,400 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,080 | $185 | $3,700 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,498 | $395 | $8,160 |
| West South Central District (AR, LA, OK, TX) | |||
| Arrangement | Median Cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $2,175 | $945 | $4,106 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,195 | $250 | $4,090 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,673 | $995 | $8,610 |
| East North Central District (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI) | |||
| Arrangement | Median Cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $2,375 | $799 | $5,325 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,473 | $50 | $5,800 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,760 | $500 | $5,900 |
| West North District (IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, SD, NE) | |||
| Arrangement | Median Cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $2,700 | $775 | $5,665 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,803 | $775 | $6,055 |
| Direct Cremation | $3,133 | $785 | $7,345 |
| Mountain District (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NE, NM, UT, WY) | |||
| Arrangement | Median Cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $1,885 | $620 | $3,790 |
| Direct Cremation | $1,983 | $750 | $3,400 |
| Direct Cremation | $2,460 | $1,120 | $5,000 |
| Pacific District (AK, CA, HI, OR, WA) | |||
| Arrangement | Median Cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $1,595 | $620 | $3,285 |
| Direct Cremation | $1,705 | $620 | $3,560 |
| Direct Cremation | $1,795 | $698 | $6,445 |
Cremation Cost vs. Burial Cost
The difference in cost between a cremation and a burial can be substantial depending on where you live, the funeral home you use, and the services you request. For instance, while a direct cremation can cost as little as $800 in some states, a cremation with a full funeral can cost almost $10,000. The average cost of a funeral is between $7,000 and $12,000, but can often cost more depending on additional fees and services.
Below are detailed maps comparing the median cost of a funeral with the median cost of a cremation by district:
As the average funeral cost continues to rise, more and more people are turning to cremation. In 1960, just over three percent of people used cremation when a loved one died, but today more than 50 percent of people choose cremation.
You can reduce your loved ones' burden by planning for your cremation or burial costs in advance with final expense insurance. Doing so will ensure they don’t experience the stress of an unexpected financial burden while grieving.
No-Cost Cremation: Donate Your Body to Science/Organ Donation
It’s possible to have your body cremated for no cost. If you donate your body to science and allow researchers to use it, your body will be cremated for free and returned to your family. The same is true if you decide to donate your organs. By becoming an organ donor, your body will be cremated and the remains returned to your family.
And while most people can donate their body to science, there are some exceptions. For instance, if you have a communicable disease like HIV, tuberculosis, edema, or hepatitis, or if your body has been traumatized or has decomposed, researchers won’t accept it.
How Much Does a Funeral Cost with Cremation?
If you choose to be cremated and have a funeral so your loved ones can gather and celebrate your life, you should expect to pay between $6,000 and $8,000. The cost will be higher if you add extras like flowers, an expensive urn, or anything that will make the funeral more personal.
Below is a chart outlining the national median cost of an adult funeral with a viewing and cremation in 2021 according to the National Funeral Directors Association. Costs have most likely increased since the following figures were released:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Non-declinable basic service fee | $2,300 |
| Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home | $350 |
| Embalming | $775 |
| Other Preparation (e.g. casketing, cosmetology, dressing, grooming) | $275 |
| Use of facilities/staff for viewing | $450 |
| Use of facilities/staff for funeral | $515 |
| Service car | $150 |
| Printed materials (basic memorial package) | $183 |
| Cremation fee (third party) | $368 |
| Total without cremation casket and urn | $5,365 |
| Cremation casket | $1,310 |
| Urn | $295 |
| Total with cremation casket and urn | $6,970 |
Average Funeral Costs
Today, the average funeral costs between $7,000 and $12,000. Expenses vary depending on several things, such as:
- The funeral home used
- Whether a graveside service is performed
- The casket cost
- Whether items are purchased directly from the funeral home or through a third-party
- The burial plot cost
- The grave marker, headstone, or vault used and where it is purchased
- Whether the body is embalmed or stored in refrigeration before final arrangements are made
- The cemetery’s grave opening and closing cost
- Transportation costs, floral costs, obituary notices, etc.
Researching funeral homes is often the number one way families can save money on burial costs. For the same service, Funeral Home “A” may charge hundreds of dollars more than Funeral Home “B”.
In addition, most funeral items like caskets, flowers, and grave markers can be purchased outside of the funeral home. Buying from third-party sellers can result in substantial savings.
Below is a chart outlining the national median cost of an adult funeral with a viewing and burial in 2021 according to the National Funeral Directors Association. Costs have most likely increased since the following figures were released:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Funeral home basic service fee (non-declinable) | $2,300 |
| Transporting remains to funeral home | $350 |
| Embalming | $775 |
| Preparing the body in other ways, such as makeup and hair styling | $275 |
| Facilities and staff to manage a viewing | $450 |
| Facilities and staff to manage a funeral ceremony | $515 |
| Hearse | $350 |
| Service car | $150 |
| Basic memorial printed package | $183 |
| Metal Casket | $2,500 |
| Median cost of funeral with viewing and burial | $7,848 |
| Vault | $1,572 |
| Cost burial vault | $9,420 |
Cremation Caskets
Most people don’t realize a casket is used during the cremation process. Cremation caskets are different than traditional caskets because they have no metal parts such as hinges or handles, they consist of wood and/or reinforced cardboard, and they have no extra finishes. It’s essentially a standard, pine box that will easily disintegrate in the cremation chamber. You can expect to pay between $120 and $600 for one of these caskets.
If you plan on having some sort of viewing or visitation before the cremation, most funeral homes allow you to rent a traditional casket. Rental caskets are reused by the funeral home, but they will typically use a special sheet to line the casket so it is completely sanitary. Rental caskets cost between $400 and $600 (or more).
Cremation Urns
An urn is where the ashes of a cremated body are stored. After the body undergoes cremation, the funeral home or crematory will provide your loved ones with a basic container, but if you or your loved ones want something more presentable, you can purchase your own urn through the funeral home or a third-party business. Urn prices range from $70 to $2,250 or more depending on the style you choose, the material the urn is made of, whether it is engraved, and the relative size, making them a big factor in your overall cremation cost.
Here are some of your options:
Companion urns: These urns are larger because they hold the ashes of two people. For instance, you can use them to hold the ashes of a husband and wife. Expect to pay $150 to $500 or more for a double urn.
Earth-friendly urns: If you’re conscious about the environment, a biodegradable urn might be the right choice for you. You can choose between water urns that disintegrate into the water or a biodegradable urn made from natural materials that will degrade naturally into the earth. Prices range for this type of urn from $70 to $300 or more.
Cremation boxes: If you think your loved ones will want to keep your ashes in their home, a cremation box is the right choice. These decorative wooden boxes are designed to hold ashes for long periods of time. They take the place of the traditional vase urns and the prices vary depending on how elaborate the box is. You can expect to pay $50 to $300 or more for a cremation box.
Jewelry, keepsakes, and mementos: Many businesses exist today that can take a portion of your loved ones ashes and create a piece of jewelry for you, such as a necklace or ring. There are many unique options, including mixing a portion of the ashes with clay, paint, or ink to create a sculpture or work of art.
Approximate Cremation Costs in the US
The standard cremation cost varies across the country, and yours will depend on where the cremation takes place. Also, the cost will rise or lower depending on whether you want to include a viewing, funeral, flowers, or a more expensive casket or urn.
The National Funeral Directors Association conducted a survey and found that the average direct cremation in the US costs $2,300, and a cremation with a memorial service costs, on average, $6,078.
Here is a chart that shows the average cremation cost for the top cities and states.
| City | Lowest Cremation Cost | Highest Cremation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $675 | $4,600 |
| Dallas, TX | $755 | $6,300 |
| Fort Meyers, FL | $795 | $2,200 |
| Houston, TX | $675 | $6,800 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $850 | $6,100 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $495 | $2,240 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $625 | $2,900 |
| Louisville, KY | $795 | $3,390 |
| Miami, FL | $596 | $2,340 |
| Nashville, TN | $995 | $4,400 |
| New Orleans, LA | $1,550 | $2,930 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $639 | $2,370 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $695 | $3,895 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $750 | $2,595 |
FAQs
How much does it cost for a basic cremation?
Basic cremation cost varies from $800 to $3,000. The funeral home you choose, products and services you buy, and where you live all impact the price. This cost can increase fast when adding things like a viewing or visitation, memorial, flowers, music, and expensive cremation caskets or urns.
What is the cheapest cremation?
The cheapest cremation is a direct cremation. When you choose direct cremation, your loved ones won’t have a funeral, memorial, or viewing beforehand. The crematory will cremate your remains and give them your ashes.
How much does cremation cost in 2021?
A cremation can cost between $2,300 and $6,078 according to the National Funeral Directors Association. But keep in mind every city and state is different, and the funeral homes dictate average cremation cost in your area.
What happens when a family can't afford a funeral?
Some municipalities offer assistance for families who can’t afford a funeral. You should check with yours to determine if they offer such a program. Government benefits and the VA offer funeral assistance to qualified applicants.
You also have the choice of donating your body to science in exchange for a free cremation. Your family will receive your ashes after a few weeks. Some organizations even plant a tree in remembrance of your generosity.
What does the Bible say about cremation?
The Bible doesn’t address how believers should bury a body. While the Catholic Church once forbade cremations, it has softened its stance and now allows it as long as the cremated remains are present during the funeral. There are many different stances on cremation, so check with your local institution to see how they view this type of final arrangement.
How is a body prepared for cremation?
The staff first verifies the identity of the deceased, and then authorization is obtained from the family or others. The staff will remove all jewelry and medical devices from the body. Finally, the body is placed in the cremation container and moved to the area where the cremation will take place.
Do organ donors get free cremation?
Yes, if you donate your organs you will receive a free cremation. Afterward, the researchers will give your ashes to your loved ones.
Is it cheaper to cremate or bury someone?
It is cheaper to cremate someone than to bury them, even if you have a cremation memorial service. That’s because you won’t have to pay for a burial casket, which is one of the most expensive items at a funeral.
Can you be cremated without a coffin?
Yes, funeral homes can cremate a body without a coffin. Most states allow you to use an alternative container as long as it is combustible. For instance, you can use a rigid cardboard box, a plywood box, or a laminate container, all of which save on cremation cost.
Can you prepay for a cremation?
Yes, you can prepay for cremation just as you would purchase a prepaid funeral plan. You can work directly with a funeral home to arrange your cremation, or you can purchase burial insurance so that your loved ones will have the available money to make the arrangements you want.
Your Next Steps
Whether you are arranging for your cremation or thinking about an aging parent, it’s smart to understand your options for covering cremation cost expenses. Each family is unique and has different concerns for their loved ones. No one understands this more than Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company®. For more than 55 years, we’ve helped protect families from the high cost of cremations and other expenses.
Our product – Funeral Advantage – is designed to protect your loved ones from emotional overspending by helping them understand the pricing options available to them. We helped save policyholder families thousands of dollars last year alone.