When a loved one dies, the first and most significant choice you have to make is to decide whether to do cremation or burial. If the deceased didn’t leave instructions, then it’s up to the family or next of kin to decide. However, if it’s your first time organizing a cremation or burial, how expensive they can be might surprise you.
Understanding the basics of each service in advance can help you make an informed decision. Read on to learn the cost of cremation versus burial and a general idea of how high the prices of each choice can be.
What are the absolute lowest cost options for both cremation and burial?
According to the certified funeral directors at Adams Mason Funeral Home, direct cremation and immediate burial are the most affordable options. However, direct cremation is the simplest and cheapest option. The body is cremated shortly after death without a wake, visitation or funeral.
The actual affordable cremation cost varies by state, but the national average is $1,924. Keep in mind that this does not include the cost of final disposition of the ashes.
Immediate burial is the burial equivalent. The body is buried shortly after death without a funeral service or viewing. There won’t be embalming either because there is no viewing or extended storage time.
However, the family can request to view the body before the burial. The average cost of a direct burial in the U.S. is $2,595. Nevertheless, this does not include the costs of a burial plot, casket, headstone or interment fees.
Why is cremation generally less expensive than traditional burial?
Cremation costs less mainly because it cuts out many of the expensive components associated with burial. For example;
- You won’t need a casket for cremation unless there is a public viewing. And if you do, you can rent instead of buying. A casket can cost from $2,000 to over $10,000.
- Cremation does not require a vault to protect the grave from sinking. A vault costs between $1,000 and $2,000.
- You don’t need a burial plot unless you want to bury the ashes.
- You don’t have to pay for embalming and body preparation if there’s not a viewing.
- You don’t have to pay for transportation and ceremony costs, such as hearse rentals, staff and facilities, for a formal funeral. This can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
Are there “hidden costs” in cremation that people often overlook?
Yes. Although cremation is generally cheaper than burial, there are costs that you may not have considered that will add to the overall cost.
- Urn: The funeral home typically includes a basic urn, which you can purchase separately if you prefer a personalized one.
- Memorial services: Cremation doesn’t include a funeral service, so expect to pay for the space, staff and other related services.
- Ash interment: If you wish to have the ashes buried or stored in a columbarium, you can expect to pay for a niche or burial plot.
- Death certificates and permits: A fee is required to obtain these documents. Ask the cremation provider if they are included in the cremation services prices.
Are there “hidden costs” in burial that people often overlook?
Traditional burial costs more than cremation and often has additional costs like:
- Perpetual care fees: These are the costs associated with maintaining a burial site.
- Opening and closing fees: The cost of digging and filling the grave is separate from the cost of purchasing the plot.
- Grave marker or headstone: This can cost between $500 and $5,000, depending on the level of customization.
- Specialized vaults or caskets: Premium caskets and vaults are extremely costly and will significantly increase the overall burial budget.
Does choosing cremation mean we can’t have a funeral service or viewing?
No. Even with cremation, you are allowed to view your loved one and hold a funeral service. Cremation is primarily concerned with how the body is handled and disposed of. Families have the option to:
- View the body before cremation, but you’ll have to pay for embalming
- Hold a memorial service afterward, with or without the urn present
- Hold a celebration of life
- Have a religious service before or after cremation
Can I pre-plan and pre-pay for either cremation or burial, and does this save money?
Yes, you can pre-need funeral arrangements, whether pre-planning a cremation or burial. This allows you to decide how you want your funeral conducted and compare prices.
You can also prepay to lock in today’s prices, which protects you from inflation. This gives you peace of mind and can ease the financial burden on your loved ones after you pass away. Many funeral homes have prepayment plans, or you can opt for funeral or burial insurance.
Parting shot
Cremation is generally more affordable than burial. However, depending on your desired services, the exact cost can still be high. If you want the breakdown of cremation costs versus burial costs, contact the certified funeral directors at Adams Mason Funeral Home for help and advice.
