CREMATION VS. BURIAL COSTS

What does a funeral cost? What does cremation cost? These are two of the most basic questions people face when deciding about pre-planning funeral options or end-of-life services for deceased family members.

The answer is not as simple as a single number. Generally speaking, there are three options available for families planning a funeral. First is what is called a “Direct Cremation”. This is the most basic service available, that does not include any ceremony, visitation, or service from a funeral director. This is the simplest and least expensive option. This option involves nothing more than transporting a deceased person directly to a crematorium. Additional costs associated with direct cremation could include the purchase of an urn or cremation container. The average cost of direct cremation is typically between $1000 and $3000.

A full funeral service, with embalming, visitation, a casket, vault, and a ceremony at a funeral home, is typically between $8000 and $15,000. Full-service burials can include unique memorialization options, including coral reef construction, scattering services, or green burials (eco-friendly, typically with less embalming).

There is a third option, which is becoming more popular, that is cremation with a service. Cremation with services is usually between $6,000 and $8,000. In this case, the body is cremated, but families can choose to have memorial services either before or after the cremation. In some cases, the deceased person is embalmed, and the family rents a temporary casket for viewing, then the body is cremated after the ceremony.

Each of the options above presents advantages and disadvantages.

Cremation advantages: flexible in timing and planning; most cost effective; allows for unique memorialization (for instance cremation jewelry or scattering).

Cremation disadvantages: some perceive it as less traditional; limited exhumation options; potential for ashes to be misplaced.

Burial advantages: provides a permanent place for family visits; aligns with traditional practices and religious beliefs.

Burial disadvantages: higher cost; higher environmental impact; restrictions could be imposed by cemeteries. Pre-planning your funeral arrangements allows you to make all of the decisions yourself and simplifies the process for your loved ones. Purchasing preneed insurance allows you to pay for your desired funeral choices at a certain price and protects against any future price increases.