The Cost of Cremation in the United States (Spring 2019)

Let’s be honest: 

Losing someone is never easy and organizing a cremation can be downright depressing. In fact, while grieving for a loved one, the last thing anyone wants is to get caught up in funeral arrangements and the cost of cremation.

Nevertheless, someone needs to pull the strings in order to get things done and, on this occasion, we assume that person is you. 

Today we discuss the cost of cremation in the United States and how the many types of cremation are increasingly preferred over a traditional funeral.

Cremation is Increasingly More Preferred Over Traditional Funerals Due to Economic Factors

In recent years, the National Funeral Directors Association reported that approximately 50% of Americans had opted for cremation over a traditional full service funeral. In the states of Maine, Oregon, and Nevada, this figure was more than 70%. It is not a secret anymore that cremation is increasingly more preferred by Americans over traditional funerals.

But why is that?

Well, certain environmental factors are said to contribute to these figures, such as lack of religion or education. But the underlying reason for the rising number of cremations across America is a lot more straightforward. Simply put, the cost of land and traditional funeral expenses are quite high while the cost of cremation is significantly less.

But what does this mean for you?

Well, the cost of cremation is less…but more on that later. 

Research and Negotiate for Better Cremation Cost

As you know, the cost of living varies across the United States and the same can be said about the cost of cremation. For example, the average cost of cremation in New York is more expensive than the cost of a full service cremation in Boston, Atlanta, and Los Angeles combined.

You must remember:

Cremation is a service and part of a business. In other words, when you contact a funeral home, you engage in a sales process which is really no different to any other.

Think about it:

This means that you can compare prices with different funeral homes and even negotiate until you are happy with the cost of cremation.

It sounds hash or slightly insensitive but at the end of the day, the cost is important.

Choose the Cremation Type that Best Suits your Needs

In case you might be asking yourself, recent studies show that the average cost of cremation in the United States is $6,260. Meanwhile, a traditional full service funeral can cost anywhere between $7,500 and $8,500. Needless to say, this cost is a lot higher in New York than it is in Columbus.

By the way, there are three main types of cremation and the price of each reflects the amount of services or expense involved. Fair enough? As already mentioned, cremation is a business.

Here are the three main types of cremation in the United States:

Cremation and Traditional Service –Most Expensive (Approx $5,000+)

This type of cremation combines a traditional funeral with a cremation service. Cremation takes place after the funeral and the cost will take many expenses into account including casket rental, body preparation, transport, and the cremation fee.

Cremation and Memorial Service – Most Common (Approx $3,000 - $4,000)

After the cremation, memorial services are used to honor the memory of someone special. In this sense, the service is quite similar to a traditional funeral but the cost of cremation in this case is a lot less.

But why?

There is no casket or preparation fees needed.

Direct Cremation – Most Affordable (Approx $1,000 - $1,500)

Direct cremation is the most inexpensive option as there no memorial service takes place. Also, this is usually the fastest in terms of process, for there is also no embalming, viewing, or visitation prior to the cremation. As with most cremations, the family or friends will use an attractive urn to hold the ashes.

What does this mean for you?

It means that the cost of cremation will depend on your location and the type of cremation you choose. 

By the way, if you are interested in cremation or keepsake urns, please check out our products. We provide beautiful handcrafted urns for memorial services.

Click here to check them out