By 2045, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) predicts that 82% of families will choose cremation compared to traditional funerals and burial. Already, nearly 62% of families opt for cremation for reasons such as:
- The lower cost of a cremation compared to a funeral and burial.
- Environmental concerns and land usage with burials
- Changing cultural norms and religious acceptance
- A desire for simpler funeral arrangements
While the cost of a cremation is significantly less than a traditional funeral and burial, services and cremation are getting more expensive.
Why End-of-Life Services and Cremation Are Becoming More Expensive
NFDA analysis shows that the average funeral with cremation is rising at about 4% a year, with the average cost of a cremation now at $6,280. Several key factors are driving cost increases in the same way other industries are facing similar concerns.
Cremation providers are seeing increases in:
- Natural gas prices: The cost of performing cremations has gone up due to higher natural gas prices, which directly impacts costs
- Transportation costs: Rising fuel prices affect the expenses associated with collection and transportation services.
- Permitting fees: Some states and counties have increased permitting fees.
- Industry consolidation: Many funeral directors are retiring, and family-owned facilities are being acquired by competitors. In turn, reduced consumer options can increase costs for services and cremation.
- High operating expenses: Inflationary costs over the past few years have made it more expensive for operators.
- Labor costs: Like many industries, employee wages have increased to overcome shortages of qualified workers.
Despite these factors driving up costs, cremation remains a more affordable option. You can find options for direct cremation starting at about $900. Direct cremation typically includes transportation of the deceased, cremation in a simple container, and return of the remains in a temporary container.
Managing Cremation Costs
Besides choosing direct cremation, there are other options you can choose to keep your expenses in line with your budget, without compromising dignity.
Compare Multiple Providers
Each cremation provider sets their own rates, so there can be significant differences even when you evaluate the same level of service. The federal Funeral Rule requires providers to provide you with a General Price List (GPL) which itemizes pricing. This enables you to shop around and compare prices.
Keep in mind, however, that different funeral services and cremation packages may include different options.
Choose Only the Options You Want
In many cases, a package price may be your most affordable option, but you will want to look carefully at what you get from different providers. These packages may include services that you don’t want or need. For example, Rhode Island does not require embalming in most cases if you do not plan to have an open casket or viewing ceremony.
You are also not required to purchase a casket or urn from a funeral service provider. If you plan a viewing ceremony before cremation, you can often rent a casket at a much lower price. You can also skip an urn if you plan to scatter the cremated remains or buy a memorial urn separately.
Consider Pre-Planning
With prices rising, it may be worth considering pre-paying for your arrangements. Most providers offer options for pre-planning which can lock in today’s prices and avoid cost increases in the future.
In Rhode Island, state law requires funeral homes to place prepaid funds into a trust account or insurance. In case the provider goes out of business, the funds can be transferred to another provider.
You can often get payment plans to pay costs over time.
Look for Financial Assistance
You should also explore options for financial assistance. For example, the Veteran’s Administration reimburses families for funeral and burial costs for qualified veterans. The Social Security Administration offers a one-time death benefit for those who qualify.
Host Memorial Services Yourself
Rather than renting a facility at a funeral home, you may want to consider hosting a memorial at a meaningful location. This might include your home or a park, community center, or place of worship. This often allows for a more personalized and meaningful experience while also eliminating or reducing facility fees.
Free Cremation with Body Donation to Science
You may want to consider donating a body to science. This meaningful gift can help medical scientists, researchers, and students study human anatomy, understand disease progression, and develop new treatments and techniques.
In Rhode Island, United Tissue Network (UTN) coordinates the placement of donated bodies with reputable medical research and educational facilities and pays for all of the cost of transportation, cremation, and return of the cremated remains to families upon request.
UTN is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) and upholds the highest ethics, treating donors and families with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Learn more about donating a body to science with United Tissue Network. You can register to become a donor by filling out an online form.
