About 70% of people in Arizona choose cremation rather than a traditional funeral with burial. The state is among the top ten in the nation for cremation, topping the national average of about 60%. There are several reasons why cremation has become popular, including simplicity, lower costs, environmental concerns, fewer religious prohibitions, and a more transient population.
The cost of cremation in AZ is well below the average price of a traditional funeral with burial. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) survey of funeral homes, last updated in December 2023, shows the average cost at $8,300.
That compares to an overall average cost of cremation at around $2,500 in Arizona, although fees can vary greatly depending on the location and the type of services you choose.
Average Cost of Cremation in AZ—By Location
Here are the average costs of cremation in Arizona, by location. This assumes direct cremation, which is the lowest-priced option.
| Location | Average Cost OF DIRECT CREMATION |
| Chandler | $1,444 |
| Gilbert | $1,437 |
| Glendale | $1,467 |
| Mesa | $1,444 |
| Peoria | $1,437 |
| Phoenix | $1,437 |
| Scottsdale | $1,444 |
| Tucson | $1,347 |
SOURCE: US Funerals Online
Even within the same community, there can be a wide range of costs. Each funeral home and crematorium sets its own prices.
Average Cost of Cremation in AZ0—Service Type
Costs will also vary depending on the type of services you choose, including:
Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is the simplest and least expensive option. The body of the deceased is cremated shortly after death. There is no formal viewing or funeral ceremony. Families may choose to hold a ceremony at a later date if they wish.
Cremation with Memorial
With this type of cremation, there is a memorial ceremony. It is typically held at a funeral home or religious facility. This allows family and loved ones to say goodbye and share memories in a formal setting before cremation occurs.
Traditional Cremation
Similar to a traditional funeral service, there is typically a viewing and memorial service before cremation. Viewing may involve embalming and a casket along with a service. The key difference here is that cremation occurs rather than burial.
Other Services
There are other services and options that impact the cost of cremation in AZ. For example:
- The choice of urn
- Rent or purchase a casket
- Choice to bury cremated remains or store them in a columbarium
- Cemetery plot if buried, annual maintenance fees
- Flower arrangements, space rental, and ceremonial fees
- Memorial items, such as photos, videos, keepsakes, or printed materials
Other Fees
There may be additional fees for specific circumstances, such as:
- Removing pacemakers or other medical devices
- Mileage charges for transportation outside the immediate service area
- Extra charge for extremely overweight individuals
- After hours services
- Copies of death certificates
Because of the range of services and fees, we’ll quote average prices on a range.
| TYPE OF CREMATION SERVICE | PRICE RANGE |
| Direct cremation | $800 – $2,000 |
| cremation with memorial | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| traditional cremation | $5,000 – $8,000 |
You can to shop around and compare prices. When you contact a funeral service provider, ask for their General Price List (GPL), which contains an itemized cost for each service so you have a clear understanding of what you are getting.
What Is the Lowest Cost of Cremation in AZ?
A direct cremation is the least expensive option and typically includes:
- Coordination and administrative services from a funeral director
- Transportation of the deceased
- Refrigeration until cremation can occur
- A basic cremation container and temporary urn for remains
- Filing of appropriate permits and authorizations
- The cremation process at a licensed facility
Indigent families may qualify for financial assistance through their county health department or medical examiner’s office.
Free Cremation in Arizona with Whole Body Donation
Arizona residents may qualify for free cremation when they sign up to donate their body to medical science. In Arizona, United Tissue Network (UTN) coordinates whole body donations. Once accepted into the program, UTN pays the costs for transportation, placement of the donated body with a reputable medical education or research facility, and cremation when research concludes. UTN will also return the cremation remains to family members upon request.
When you donate a body to science, you are making a meaningful contribution that allows medical students, surgeons, scientists, and researchers to study human anatomy and disease progression, and test medical devices and treatment therapies. Past body donations have led to a string of breakthroughs in treating diseases, including heart disease, lung disease, various forms of cancer, brain disorders, and more.
Learn more about becoming a whole body donor in Arizona by calling United Tissue Network at 877-738-6111 or register online.
