4 Things To Know About Paying For Cremation

The cremation process is a complex one with many different aspects. It can get costly and confusing, especially for those who have never experienced it before. Some people prepay for their cremations to lessen the burden on their family. We understand many cannot make that happen and will be expected to pay at the time services are completed. At the risk of paying too much, we want you to know a few details before making those important cremation decisions. Follow this guide for a brief overview of what you should expect when the time comes.

1. There are different types of services.

Cremation and Traditional Service

This option combines a traditional funeral service with a cremation service. You can expect embalming and a casket viewing. The cremation is done after the complete funeral service. This is usually the most expensive type of service. 

Cremation and Memorial 

A memorial service is much like a traditional funeral service, without the urn or casket. This may be less expensive and can be personalized to fit your loved one. Some prefer to host a celebration of life.

Direct Cremation

With direct cremation, cremation occurs a few days after death. There is no funeral service beforehand. This is the least expensive option.

2. The average price varies by state.

Many fine points play into the exhaustive cost of cremation. Where you are located, the type of service, the urn, and much more. Every state and city cost is different. It is important to do your research before purchasing anything to make sure it is a fair price. Below is a compiled list of the average cost of cremation by state. Use this as a general idea of the price you may pay based on your state. Keep in mind, if you plan on doing a direct cremation with no service the price may be less. In contrast, if you are having a full funeral service it could be much more. 

Alabama: $1500

Alaska: $3300

Arizona: $2500

Arkansas: $1395

California: $1300

Colorado: $2250

Connecticut: $2200

Delaware: $5000

Florida: $3400

Georgia: $1808

Hawaii: $2000

Idaho: $2000

Illinois: $1385

Indiana: $2000

Iowa: $2500

Kansas: $2000

Kentucky: $1000

Louisiana: $2500

Maine: $2000

Maryland: $2500

Massachusetts: $1500

Michigan: $2300

Minnesota: $2000

Mississippi: $3000

Missouri: $2700

Montana: $2000

Nebraska: $1000

Nevada: $1000

New Hampshire: $2000

New Jersey: $3000

New Mexico: $3200

New York: $3000

North Carolina: $3000

North Dakota: $2495

Ohio: $2000

Oklahoma: $2500

Oregon: $3000

Pennsylvania: $2000

Rhode Island: $3000

South Carolina: $1500

South Dakota: $2000

Tennessee: $2000

Texas: $3500

Utah: $1500

Vermont: $1500

Virginia: $2250

Washington: $1500

West Virginia: $2000

Wisconsin: $2500

Wyoming: $3000

3. There may be additional products and services that cost extra.

Funeral Home Services

You may choose to work with a funeral home. Funeral homes are very helpful and can take away some of the stress of executing a whole service yourself. 

Cremation Casket

A cremation casket holds the body while it undergoes cremation. They are usually made of wood or cardboard.

Embalming and body preparation

Embalming is the process of preserving a body after death by preventing the break down of cells. If you want to have an open casket viewing or service, this process is a good idea. Additional costs for body preparation before a viewing may be applied.

Casket rental for viewing

Many funeral homes offer the option to rent a casket. You will use the casket for the funeral service, viewing, or ceremony and return it. This option will save you money and stress of bringing your own casket.

Urn

The urn is where the cremated ashes will be stored after cremation. If you are working with a funeral home, they may have urns available for purchase. We offer a wide selection of beautiful, handcrafted, wooden urns that ship right to you. What you decide to do with the urn and cremations is up to you. Learn more about your options here.

4. You are protected under the Funeral Rule.

The FTC enforced Funeral Rule allows you to purchase only the services and goods you wish. These arrangements can be made before or after death. You are protected to compare prices of funeral arrangements at the home of your choice. The thorough details of your rights can be found here.

The Federal Trade Commission also offers a funeral checklist to use for comparing prices between funeral homes. You can make copies of this page and check with several funeral homes to compare costs before you commit.

“Simple” disposition of the remains:

Immediate burial __________

Immediate cremation __________

If the cremation process is extra, how much is it? __________

Donation of the body to a medical school or hospital __________

“Traditional,” full-service burial or cremation:

Basic services fee for the funeral director and staff __________

Pickup of body __________

Embalming __________

Other preparation of body __________

Least expensive casket __________

Description, including model # __________

Outer Burial Container (vault) __________

Description __________

Visitation/viewing — staff and facilities __________

Funeral or memorial service — staff and facilities __________

Graveside service, including staff and equipment __________

Hearse __________

Other vehicles __________

Total __________

Other Services:

Forwarding body to another funeral home __________

Receiving body from another funeral home __________

Cemetery/Mausoleum Costs:

Cost of lot or crypt (if you don’t already own one) __________

Perpetual care __________

Opening and closing the grave or crypt __________

Grave liner, if required __________ “