2024 Cremation Cost in the United States: A State-by-State Guide
Looking for a simple guide on cremation cost in all 50 states? You’re in the right spot.
When a loved one passes away, family members are left with a myriad of decisions to make, not the least of which is deciding between a traditional burial or cremation
More people are choosing cremation instead of the usual burial. It’s often cheaper, and there’s even insurance for it.
Cremation uses heat to turn the body into ashes. These ashes can go into a special container or be spread somewhere meaningful.
People pick cremation for many reasons like saving money, it’s easier, or just personal choice.
Even though cremation might be less expensive than a burial, prices can change based on where you live.
In this article, we’ll talk about the average cost of cremation in different states, how to get cremation insurance, and things that might change the price.
Types of Cremation In the United States
What is a Full Service Cremation
Recent trends show an increase in the cremation rate in the U.S., with more families opting for cremation over traditional burials. This could be due to various factors, including perceived cost-effectiveness or cultural shifts
A full service cremation refers to a type of cremation that includes a traditional funeral service before the cremation takes place.
This cremation method is similar to a traditional funeral, but it involves cremating the body instead of burying it.
Typically, a full service cremation includes a viewing or visitation period, during which friends and family can pay their respects to the deceased.
This can be held at a funeral home, mortuary, or other location.
A religious leader or celebrant usually leads the funeral service, which takes place at a church, chapel, or other place of worship. The service may include eulogies and other tributes to the deceased.
After the funeral service, the body is cremated. The ashes can be returned to the family in an urn, or they can be buried or scattered in a location of the family’s choosing.
A full service cremation offers the same traditional funeral experience as a burial, but with cremation as the final disposition, which can be more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly.
Direct Cremation
Direct cremation option is a type of funeral service where we cremate the deceased without a formal viewing or visitation.
We typically transport the body directly from the place of death to the crematorium and perform the cremation as soon as possible.
After the cremation, the ashes are usually returned to the family or a designated individual for final disposition.
People often choose direct cremation as it is a more simple or low-cost option for honoring their loved one.
Costs of Cremation in Each State
The average price for cremation varies from state to state, but typically it ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. However, this is just the basic cost. Depending on the services and items you choose, additional costs may arise.
Below, you’ll find a list of cremation costs in each state, organized alphabetically, and cost difference between a direct cremation or full service cremation.
These estimates are based on data from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and are current as of 2021.
These estimates may vary depending on your location and the cremation provider you choose.
Cremation Costs By State
| State | Full Service Cremation | Direct Cremation |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,141 | $2,016 |
| Alaska | $6,317 | $1,935 |
| Arizona | $5,255 | $1,430 |
| Arkansas | $5,489 | $1,674 |
| California | $5,417 | $1,580 |
| Colorado | $5,719 | $1,683 |
| Connecticut | $7,097 | $3,150 |
| Delaware | $6,817 | $2,616 |
| Florida | $5,881 | $1,685 |
| Georgia | $6,321 | $1,920 |
| Hawaii | $7,166 | $1,547 |
| Idaho | $5,480 | $1,700 |
| Illinois | $6,697 | $2,552 |
| Indiana | $6,373 | $2,284 |
| Iowa | $7,227 | $2,992 |
| Kansas | $6,476 | $2,525 |
| Kentucky | $6,087 | $2,019 |
| Louisiana | $6,394 | $2,314 |
| Maine | $6,270 | $2,347 |
| Maryland | $6,767 | $2,425 |
| Massachusetts | $7,105 | $2,696 |
| Michigan | $6,530 | $2,245 |
| Minnesota | $7,459 | $2,914 |
| Mississippi | $5,837 | $1,983 |
| Missouri | $5,954 | $1,846 |
| Montana | $5,710 | $2,478 |
| Nebraska | $6,530 | $2,969 |
| Nevada | $6,061 | $1,444 |
| New Hampshire | $6,393 | $2,176 |
| New Jersey | $6,865 | $2,505 |
| New Mexico | $5,583 | $1,940 |
| New York | $6,291 | $2,392 |
| North Carolina | $5,848 | $1,914 |
| North Dakota | $6,791 | $3,183 |
| Ohio | $5,651 | $2,045 |
| Oklahoma | $5,662 | $2,141 |
| Oregon | $5,074 | $1,274 |
| Pennsylvania | $6,515 | $2,456 |
| Rhode Island | $6,764 | $2,613 |
| South Carolina | $5,971 | $1,940 |
| South Dakota | $6,667 | $2,826 |
| Tennessee | $5,930 | $1,933 |
| Texas | $6,391 | $2,109 |
| Utah | $5,803 | $1,625 |
| Vermont | $5,912 | $2,295 |
| Virginia | $6,077 | $2,484 |
| Washington | $5,206 | $1,458 |
| West Virginia | $5,848 | $2,257 |
| Wisconsin | $6,705 | $2,864 |
| Wyoming | $6,058 | $2,533 |
Now that you know the price of cremation range, let’s look at the factors.
Factors That Affect Cremation Costs
In addition to the state you live in, several other factors can impact the cost of cremation. Some of the most common ones include:
Basic cremation services
A standard cremation package might include the collection of the body, the cremation process, and the return of the cremated remains to the family. Some packages may also include a basic urn or container for the remains, along with any necessary paperwork.
Cremation container
You’ll need to choose a container for the cremation, which can range from a simple cardboard box to a more expensive casket.
Memorial service
If you plan to have a memorial service or celebration of life, this will add to the overall price of cremation.
Final disposition of ashes
After the cremation, you’ll need to decide what to do with the ashes. Options include burying them, placing them in an urn, or scattering them in a special location.
Additional services
The cremation provider may offer additional services, such as grief counseling or help with creating an online tribute. These services will add to the overall cost.
Cremation Cost Breakdown
| SERVICE TYPE | LOW | HIGH | AVERAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| FULL SERVICE CREMATION | $2,555 | $19,300 | $6,220 |
| Basic Services | $15,000 | $2,119 | N/A |
| Transfer to Funeral Home | $1,600 | $368 | N/A |
| Embalming | $3,500 | $759 | N/A |
| Dressing & Casketing | $1,650 | $262 | N/A |
| Viewing & Visitation | $2,800 | $461 | N/A |
| Funeral Service | $3,800 | $543 | N/A |
| Transfer to Crematory | $1,095 | $98 | N/A |
| Crematory Fee | $2,860 | $409 | N/A |
| Cremation Casket* | $1,200 | N/A | N/A |
| SERVICE TYPE | LOW | HIGH | AVERAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECT CREMATION | $275 | $9,800 | $2,185 |
| Basic Services | $240 | $9,300 | $2,088 |
| Transfer to Crematory | – | $795 | $5 |
| Crematory Fee | – | $2,500 | $92 |
Tips for Saving on Cremation Costs
Cremation is cheaper than traditional burial, but it is important to compare prices before you decide.
Here are a few tips to help you save on cremation costs:
Compare prices
Get quotes from multiple cremation providers in your area to find the best deal. Stay away from State Farm cremation insurance.
Consider a direct cremation
A direct cremation is a basic cremation service that doesn’t include a memorial service or viewing of the body. It’s typically the least expensive option.
Choose a simple cremation container
A cardboard box or other simple cremation container will be much less expensive than a casket.
Plan ahead
Preplanning your cremation can help you lock in today’s prices and avoid any last-minute expenses.
Consider alternatives
Scattering ashes or burying them in a natural setting is often a more affordable option than placing them in an urn or burying them in a cemetery.
In addition, other alternatives are donating to science or if you are more of a enviormentalist, the green burial suit may make sense.
Here are other Tips for cremation in states
All Types Of Cremations
There are several types of cremation in the United States, including:
- Traditional Cremation: This is the most common type of cremation. They place the body in a casket or container and cremate it in a cremation chamber.
- Direct Cremation: They offer a simple and affordable option where we cremate the body shortly after death, without a funeral service or viewing.
- Cremation with a Memorial Service: This type of cremation involves a funeral service or viewing before the cremation takes place. The body may be present in an urn or cremation casket, or it may be absent.
- Cremation with a Funeral service: This type of cremation is similar to a traditional funeral, but we cremate the body instead of bury it.
- Alkaline Hydrolysis: Also known as water cremation, the process involves the use of water, alkali, and heat to reduce the body to bone ash.
- Green Cremation: Also known as bio-cremation, this is a relatively new process of cremation in which the body is dissolved into liquid instead of burned.
FAQ’s
Hidden Funeral Expenses
It’s essential to be aware of potential hidden funeral expenses. For instance, a death certificate, which is a legal document stating the cause of death, may come with its own fee. Additionally, if a family chooses to hold a viewing or funeral service, they might consider rental caskets, which are used for the ceremony but not the cremation itself.
Cremated Remains – What Happens Next?
Once the cremation is complete, family members receive the cremated remains. They can decide to keep them in a memorial urn, scatter them in a special place, or even create jewelry or art pieces with them. It’s a personal choice, and options are plentiful.
Saving on Cremation Costs
While cremation can sometimes be more affordable than a full burial, families can still feel the pinch of unexpected funeral expenses. It’s advisable to be well-informed about the costs and ask questions. For example, you can inquire if there are any discounts for direct cremation, where the body is cremated shortly after death without a viewing or ceremony.
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Conclusion
Cremation is an increasingly popular option for final disposition, and it can be a more affordable choice than a traditional burial.
However, the price of cremation can vary significantly depending on where you live and the specific services you choose.
By comparing prices, considering a direct cremation, and opting for a simple cremation container, you can help save on cremation costs.
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