End-of-life care is never easy to talk about, but understanding your options can make a difficult time more manageable. In Arizona, cremation is the preferred choice for families seeking a simple, respectful farewell. Yet, even direct cremation can carry costs that are challenging for those with limited means.
There is help available.
We’ll explain the cost of cremation across Arizona and share solutions, including how to get free cremation for low-income Arizona families.
Cremation Costs in Arizona
The cost of cremation in Arizona varies depending on the services included. A traditional cremation with a funeral or viewing can cost $6,000 or more while a direct cremation without a viewing or memorial still costs more than a thousand dollars.
Factors that influence cremation pricing in Arizona include:
- Choice of provider and location
- Whether transportation or permits are needed
- Type of container or urn
- Optional memorial services
Even cheap cremation in Arizona can be out of reach for some families. Here’s a survey of average prices for direct cremation throughout Arizona.
| AVERAGE DIRECT CREMATION COSTS IN ARIZONA | |
| 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
Free Cremation for Low-Income Arizona Families
For those worried about the cost, there are generally two options.
1. Indigent Cremation Services
Arizona counties offer assistance to residents who cannot afford basic cremation services. These publicly funded programs are typically available through local health or human services departments and are intended to provide final disposition when no other resources are available.
Funds are typically reserved for families in severe financial distress and with no visible means of support. You will need to provide documentation proving that you or your family members meet the financial requirements. If accepted into the program, the body is typically cremated without return of the remains or buried in an unmarked grave.
Funds are limited and not always available. Check with your county for more information at these links:
| COUNTY CONTACTS FOR INDIGENT BURIAL OR CREMATION SERVICES IN ARIZONA | ||
| Apache County | Greenlee County | Pima County |
| Cochise County | La Paz County | Pinal County |
| Coconino County | Maricopa County | Santa Cruz County |
| Gila County | Mohave County | Yavapai County |
| Graham County | Navajo County | Yuma County |
2. Free Cremation by Donating Your Body to Science
An alternative is to donate your body to medical science. United Tissue Network (UTN) has helped more than 12,000 families make an important contribution to advancing medical research, education, and testing and get free cremation for low-income Arizona families. However, anyone—regardless of income—can be a whole body donor.
UTN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), and coordinates body donations throughout the state from its Phoenix office. All donations are treated with the utmost care and dignity, with UTN handling the transportation, placement with a reputable medical research or educational facility, cremation, and return of the cremated remains upon request at no cost to the family.
Cheap Cremation in Arizona
For families who don’t qualify for assistance or prefer not to donate, affordable cremation services are still available. Searching online for cheap cremation Arizona will lead to a range of providers offering low-cost options, but it’s important to ensure you choose a licensed and reputable organization.
Make sure any affordable cremation services include:
- Direct cremation packages: Your lowest-cost option, excluding extras like embalming or memorial services.
- Transparent Pricing: Choose providers who list all costs clearly and avoid hidden fees.
- Licensing and accreditation: Verify that the provider is licensed in Arizona and, ideally, holds accreditation through a reputable organization.
- Customer Support: Even affordable providers should offer compassionate, professional guidance.
Additional Support Resources for Arizona Families
Several other resources may also help low-income families in Arizona, including:
- Faith-based organizations: Many churches and community groups offer support for end-of-life costs, particularly when a family member is active in the congregation.
- Veterans’ services: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides burial and cremation benefits to qualifying veterans and their families.
- Legal aid: Some legal clinics provide free guidance on end-of-life planning, power of attorney, and authorizations.
When money is tight, it can make an already emotional time even more difficult. These support systems can help you with the financial and administrative challenges.
If you’re looking for an option that combines no-cost cremation with the chance to give back, we hope you’ll consider whole body donation through United Tissue Network. You can create a legacy of giving and take comfort knowing that your contribution is helping future generations. Learn more about free cremation in Arizona or register online to donate your body to medical science.
