The Funeralocity Manifesto
In the past few years, more Americans are choosing cremation over a traditional funeral when a loved one dies. Affordability is one of the reasons for this shift; cremations are often cheaper than conventional funerals and burials. Though other factors have also fueled the rise in cremation rates, its lower price point can have a significant impact on a family’s budget and cannot be ignored.
General prices for cremation vary depending on location, additional service, and customized options. Funeral homes also offer competitive packages and personalized services for cremations based on each family’s preferences. At Funeralocity, we work with thousands of funeral and cremation providers across the country to evaluate what’s most important to families when they search for funeral services or plan funeral arrangements. We compiled pricing data from approximately 17,000 funeral homes to calculate the average cost of a cremation. Here’s what we found:
- In the U.S., the average price of a full-service cremation (an adult funeral with a viewing followed by a cremation service) is $4,977.
- In the U.S., the average price of a direct cremation (cremation occurs immediately after death without a viewing or ceremonial service) is $2,145.
The Average Cost of a Full-Service Cremation
During a full-service cremation, the body is present at the service before the cremation itself. This makes a full-service cremation similar to a traditional funeral service in that family and friends gather together to view the body of their loved one and say their final goodbyes. The average cost of a full-service cremation is based on various services provided by the funeral home, including the following:
- Basic services of the funeral director and staff
- Transfer of the remains from place of death to the funeral home
- Embalming
- Preparation of the body (dressing and casketing)
- Viewing service
- Funeral ceremony
- Transporting the remains to the crematory
- Cremation fee
Please note that the average cost of a full-service cremation does not include the average price of a casket ($1,200) or a cremation urn ($295).
The Average Cost of a Direct Cremation
A direct cremation (also called simple or low-cost cremation) does not include a formal viewing or funeral service, and the body is not embalmed. Cremation usually occurs very soon after death, which makes direct cremation an affordable option for families.
The $2,145 average cost of a direct cremation generally includes the following services:
- Basic services of the funeral director and staff
- Transporting the remains from place of death to the crematory
- Cremation fee
A direct cremation can be arranged with a funeral home or a crematory depending on location and overall cost.
Planning for end-of-life services can be an overwhelming process, especially when it comes to covering all of the costs. At Funeralocity, we have pricing information for cremation providers and funeral homes across the country. By using our website to shop around, you can save money while having a service that honors your loved one. Find a funeral home in your area today.
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