How Much Does Cremation Cost?

Cremation is chosen more often than burial in the United States, largely because it can cost less. But the price depends on what you include. Here is a clear breakdown.

Types of cremation and typical costs

Type	What it includes	Typical cost
Direct cremation	Cremation only, with no viewing or ceremony; ashes returned to family	Often roughly $1,000 to $3,000, depending on provider and location
Cremation with a memorial service	Cremation plus a service, usually without the body present	Higher, depending on the venue and services
Full-service cremation with viewing	Viewing or funeral service with the body, then cremation	About $6,280 (NFDA 2023 median)

Prices vary by area and by provider, and the figures above are rough. Ask for the General Price List from each provider.

What can add to the total

• An urn, if you want one beyond the basic container
• Cremation permits and death certificates
• Newspaper obituary notice
• A memorial service or gathering
• Scattering or placement of ashes, or a niche in a cemetery

Ways to save

• Compare at least three providers. Prices for the same service can differ by hundreds or thousands of dollars.
• Choose direct cremation and hold a memorial at home or a place of worship.
• Skip the urn from the funeral home and buy one elsewhere, which you are allowed to do.
• Plan in advance and put your wishes in writing.

Paying for cremation

Even a lower-cost cremation is due within days. A small final expense policy can cover it, so your family does not have to cover the bill. See how to pay for a funeral with no money for other options, how much a funeral costs for the full-service picture, and how much burial insurance costs.

Get a quote

Amy Plunkett is an independent insurance agent at Plunkett Insurance Services in Castor, Louisiana. She can compare burial and final expense policies from more than 20 carriers to find the best coverage for your health, including options that pay in full from day one. Contact Amy to see what you qualify for.