As families in northern New England face end-of-life planning, more are choosing cremation for its affordability, simplicity, and flexibility. In both New Hampshire and Vermont, cremation rates are among the highest in the country, topping 70% in Vermont and 80% in New Hampshire
If you’re exploring direct cremation services in New Hampshire or direct cremation services in Vermont, you’ll find that costs are different at nearly every provider. We’ll explain, but first let’s discuss what you get with a direct cremation and what is not included.
What Is Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation is the most basic and affordable form of cremation. It does not include embalming, viewing, or a formal ceremony. Instead, the process typically includes:
- Transportation of the deceased
- Completion of legal paperwork, permitting, and death certificate filings
- Cremation at a licensed facility
- Return of the cremated remains in a basic or temporary container
This streamlined approach offers you a great deal of flexibility. You can hold a private memorial at home, in a favorite outdoor space, or at a later date when more family can gather. It also minimizes the emotional and logistical stress that sometimes accompanies traditional funeral arrangements.
Cost of Cremation in New Hampshire and Vermont
The cost of direct cremation varies across New Hampshire and Vermont depending on location, provider, and optional services. Here’s what you can expect:
Cremation Services in New Hampshire
Direct cremation in New Hampshire averages about $2,400, although you can sometimes find basic packages for about $1,200. Location also plays a significant role in price variances. As an example, you can see the wide range of costs in different cities in the state.
| NEW HAMPSHIRE DIRECT CREMATION COSTS | |
| CITY | AVERAGE PRICE |
| Concord | $3,972 |
| Derry | $1,795 |
| Dover | $2,195 |
| Keene | $2,826 |
| Laconia | $1,350 |
| Manchester | $2,049 |
| Nashua | $2,770 |
| Portsmouth | $2,240 |
| Rochester | $2,397 |
| Salem | $2,435 |
SOURCE: US Funerals Online
Cremation Services in Vermont
Direct cremation in Vermont averages about $2,297, although it ranges slightly higher in Burlington and even in some rural locations.
Each provider sets its own rates, so if cost is a concern, it helps to compare prices at multiple locations. Always request a General Price List (GPL). By law, funeral providers must give you one, allowing you to compare offerings and avoid hidden fees.
Factors That Affect Cost
Several factors affect the cost of a direct cremation:
- Type of Provider: Funeral homes often charge more than standalone cremation providers.
- Additional Services: Rush cremation, upgraded urns, ash scattering, and mailing remains may add costs.
- County or State Requirements: Some municipalities may charge permit or processing fees.
- Weekend or Holiday Needs: Expect potential surcharges outside standard hours.
- Witnessing a Cremation: Typically includes extra fees.
If you want to add additional services, such as a viewing, memorial service, or more traditional funeral arrangement, it can add thousands of dollars. In some cases, this can exceed $8,000 in total. Any post-cremation plans like burial or storage in a columbarium will incur additional fees for plots, locations, and maintenance.
How to Choose a Cremation Provider
Even though New Hampshire and Vermont are relatively small states, there are more than 100 options for cremation services. So, it’s important to evaluate more than just price. Here are some of the key things to look for:
Transparent Pricing
Reputable providers clearly list prices on their websites or provide itemized quotes, without pressure.
Accreditation and Experience
Look for membership in professional organizations like the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) or the Cremation Association of North America (CANA).
Reviews and Testimonials
Online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can help identify providers who treat families with respect and care.
Personalization Options
Even with direct cremation, some families want to add personal touches. Ask if the provider allows family participation, witness cremation, or post-cremation memorial planning.
Preplanning Services
Planning in advance helps lock in today’s prices, reduce decision-making stress, and ensure your wishes are known.
A No-Cost Cremation Alternative in NH and VT
For families looking for an affordable cremation and a meaningful legacy, whole body donation is an option that covers all cremation expenses while advancing medical science. This alternative is especially valuable for families with limited means or those who want their loved one’s final act to contribute to the greater good.
United Tissue Network (UTN) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). UTN provides whole body donation services throughout New England, including New Hampshire and Vermont.
Here’s how body donations work in New England:
- Pre-register online or have the next of kin enroll a loved one at the time of passing.
- UTN provides a brief medical screening to determine eligibility.
- At the time of death, UTN arranges professional transportation to a reputable medical or research facility.
- After medical use, the body is cremated respectfully.
- Cremated remains can be returned upon prior request.
Throughout the process, families and donors are treated with the utmost respect and dignity, following the highest ethical standards. Whether you are in a major city or a rural area, UTN handles the logistics and all of the expenses, including transportation, paperwork, and cremation, at no cost to families.
Eliminate cremation expenses while making a meaningful contribution to medical science. Explore whole body donation in New England and register online to leave a legacy that saves lives.
