While families have chosen funeral services and burials for centuries, more families today choose cremation for end-of-life. Most major religions now accept the practice of cremation, and cultural attitudes have changed as well.
If you’re planning on cremation, however, you probably have questions about the cost of cremation. We’ll explain the factors that impact the price of cremation, give you a few budgeting tips, and show you an option to get free cremation.
What Impacts the Cost of Cremation?
Several factors impact the cost of cremation in Rhode Island.
Cremation Services
Direct cremation is the most affordable option, which includes transportation and cremation without a funeral service or memorial. A more traditional option might include a wake or viewing ceremony, and a memorial service, which costs more.
Location
Where you live can impact price. As each funeral services provider sets the price of cremation, it can vary depending on several factors:
- Number of available options or competitors
- Whether they operate their own crematorium
- Urban or rural locations
- Transportation distance to the facility
Other Services You Choose
If you plan a viewing ceremony, this typically involves the preparation of the body and a casket you buy or rent. This can add to the cost. You will also incur a fee for a chapel or viewing room for funeral services and any additional products you choose, such as a memorial urn.
If you opt for burial of the remains at a cemetery or for storage in a columbarium, there are typically additional fees for opening and closing a grave and ongoing maintenance fees.
Death Certificates and Permits
There is a cost for obtaining a certified death certificate, and you may need multiple copies to settle an estate or apply for benefits. Rhode Island charges $22 for the first copy and $18 for each additional copy as long as you request them in person and at the same time. You can also request copies by mail for $25 for the first copy through the state’s Vital Records department at the Department of Health.
There is also a fee for a cremation permit through the Medical Examiner’s office. This is typically included in whichever cremation package you choose.
Cost of Cremation in Rhode Island
So, what is the price of cremation in Rhode Island? You can find direct cremation services for as low as $900 in Rhode Island, but here are the average prices for different levels of service according to Funeralocity, compared to a traditional full-service burial.
| SERVICE | AVERAGE COST |
| Direct Cremation | $2,619 |
| Full-service Cremation with Funeral Service | $6,765 |
| Traditional Funeral and Burial | $9,213 |
Budgeting for the Cost of Cremation
You can look online to see the options and types of services available in your area. Some funeral service providers post package prices online to give you a good idea of the costs. If you contact a provider directly, they are required to give you a general price list (GPL) which itemizes costs for each service. This is helpful if you want to compare prices from different providers.
When budgeting, there are a few tips you should consider. For example:
- Consider prepayment or pre-planning services: Lock in current prices by pre-paying or purchasing funeral insurance.
- Create a dedicated savings fund: Set aside a small amount each month in a labeled account specifically for cremation costs.
- Explore life insurance or final expense insurance: Use policies designed to cover end-of-life expenses, ensuring quick access to funds.
- Select a simple or biodegradable urn: Save money by choosing a basic or eco-friendly urn instead of a decorative one.
- Host a DIY memorial service: Reduce expenses by organizing a home-based or informal gathering instead of paying for a venue.
- Inquire about veteran or charitable benefits: Check if veterans or qualifying individuals are eligible for free or reduced-cost cremation.
Get Free Cremation by Donating Your Body to Science
Another option is to consider donating your body to science.
When you make a whole body donation, you contribute to the advancement of medical science, including training for future doctors and surgeons, development of new treatments, drugs, and medical devices, and research into diseases to help scientists find cures. Past donations have led to significant breakthroughs in the understanding of the treatment of diseases including various types of cancer, heart disease, liver and kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.
When you choose United Tissue Network (UTN) in Rhode Island, you can also get free cremation. UTN is a non-profit organization that coordinates body donations in your area and upholds the highest level of ethics. UTN only works with reputable medical education and research facilities and covers all of the costs for transportation of the body, placement with a qualified facility, cremation once research has completed, and return of the cremated remains to family members upon request.
If you would like to learn more about whole body donation for medical science in Rhode Island, contact the Donor Coordinators at United Tissue Network by calling (877) 738-6111.
