Comparing Cremation Costs versus Burial Costs

Comparing cremation and burial costs is one of the most important decisions in funeral planning. The short answer is that cremation is almost always less expensive than a traditional burial. But to understand the true cost difference, you have to look at all the separate items that make up each service. Funeral homes are able to provide you with a cost breakdown and pricing lists, reach out to them by going through the funeralus directory.

The Comprehensive Cost of Burial

A traditional funeral with burial is usually the highest cost option. When people talk about funeral costs, they often cite the funeral home’s basic service fee. The full cost of burial is usually much higher than that. National average costs for a traditional burial often exceed $8,000. This price often does not include key items like a grave marker or a cemetery plot.

The major costs for a traditional burial are easy to define. First, there is the casket. Caskets range widely in price from simple to elaborate models made of costly materials. Second, there is embalming and body preparation. Embalming is often required if there is a public viewing or wake. This service is expensive. Third, there is the burial vault or grave liner. Many cemeteries require a vault to protect the casket and keep the ground from sinking. This is an added expense that can cost thousands of dollars. Fourth, there are the cemetery fees. These include the cost of the actual burial plot, the fee to open and close the grave, and sometimes perpetual maintenance fees. Cemetery plots are costly, and they take up space. These combined costs are why burial is so expensive.

The Comprehensive Cost of Cremation

Cremation is generally the most budget friendly choice. Basic cremation costs often range between $2,000 and $5,000. This is significantly lower than burial.

Cremation removes several high cost items from the bill. You remove the need for an expensive burial casket. Instead, you use a simple, functional cremation container or a basic, low-cost rental casket if you still have a viewing. You remove the need for embalming if there is no viewing. And crucially, you eliminate the need for a cemetery plot and the burial vault. These savings make up the large difference in price.

The costs that remain for cremation include the funeral home’s basic service fee, which covers paperwork and coordination. You pay for the transportation of the body. You pay the actual cremation fee charged by the crematory. Finally, you pay for an urn or a simple container for the ashes. Urns can be inexpensive, starting around $50 for a basic container, or they can be very ornate and custom made, costing thousands.

The Hybrid Cost of Cremation with a Service

Many families want the cost savings of cremation but still want a traditional ceremony. You can absolutely choose cremation but hold a full funeral service beforehand. This is a hybrid option.

When you hold a viewing or service with the body present before cremation, the costs increase. You will likely pay for embalming and body preparation. You will also have to pay for the use of the funeral home chapel. Should you wish to, you might be able rent a display casket for the viewing instead of buying one, which might cut down costs for the viewings.

However, even with a full service, the overall cost is still usually less than a traditional burial. This is because you still save money on the permanent burial plot, the burial vault, and the casket.

Factors That Change the Price

The final price for any service depends heavily on personal choice and region. Funeral homes set their own prices based on their market. A service in a large city like New York or Los Angeles will cost more than the same service in a small town.

In both burial and cremation, optional extras add to the cost. These extras include flowers, obituary placement fees, catering for a reception, and detailed order of service cards. For cremation, unique memorial items like keepsake jewelry or custom urns also add to the final bill. When comparing prices, it is important to get an itemized price list from the funeral home. You can do this by going through the directory at www.funeralus.com and reaching out to funeral homes. This helps you compare apples to apples and avoid packages that seem cheap but lack necessary services. Being smart and choosing wisely can help a lot with the final cost.