When thinking about dealing with a funeral home, you may have an image of a funeral director who takes advantage of grieving families, preying on their emotions so they overspend. In reality, you’ll find most funeral home operators don’t fit this stereotype. They will be straightforward, provide you with a written price list, and show you options.
However, when asking how much does a cremation cost, you need to be aware of the charges that you may incur.
How Much Does a Cremation Cost?
There are different types of basic cremation packages with varying prices depending on the type of services you choose.
Direct cremation is the least expensive option and includes transportation, cremation, and return of the remains, without any kind of memorial or funeral service. The average price is about $1,500 nationally although it’s slightly higher in Florida. You can find direct cremation costs near you at local providers for around $800.
A cremation with a memorial service generally ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. A more traditional funeral service with open casket, embalming, visitation, and funeral services ranges from $4,000 to $6,000.
Look for Hidden Costs
When you are discussing the costs with funeral homes or cremation providers, some fees may not be obvious. It’s best to ask specifically about any add-on fees that could increase your costs.
In most cases, you will find providers have package prices that include the most common items, but that’s not always the case. Specifically, ask about:
While embalming is not required under Florida law, if you choose to hold a viewing ceremony or open casket, funeral homes will charge for body preparation and embalming for health and sanitation reasons. You can, however, typically rent a casket to avoid having to buy one and adding to your expenses.
Once you settle on a provider and services, you should be presented with a final contract that lists the total costs for cremation. This is a legally binding document that prevents a cremation provider from adding on surprise fees. You should get a breakdown of all of the services you get and the total price.
Why Do Cremation Costs Vary So Much?
Even when choosing the same services in the same community, cremation costs near you can vary greatly. There are several reasons. For example, some funeral homes operate their own crematoriums, which reduces transportation costs and administrative overhead.
Location and competition play a big role as well. Urban areas tend to have more competition, generally resulting in better prices than rural locations with limited options. There can also be differences between the type of service you get. A local, family-owned provider may offer a more personalized service, which may cost a bit more than a corporate chain that has lower pricing due to economies of scale.
How Can I Get Free Cremation?
There are two options to get free cremation. For families in extreme poverty, their county’s Medical Examiner’s Office can help with indigent services, eliminating or lowering their costs.
You can also choose to donate your body to medical science. Body donation programs like United Tissue Network (UTN) will arrange for transportation of the deceased and ensure the body is placed with a reputable research or educational facility at no cost. Once research has concluded, cremation is also provided at no cost. Family members can request the return of cremated remains, or they will be disposed of in an ethical manner.
United Tissue Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that coordinates whole body donations in Florida and is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB).
You can register to become a whole body donor online or call one of UTN’s Donor Coordinators 24/7 with any questions you may have.
