Cost Guide

How much does cremation cost?

Cremation costs vary widely by state, type of service, and funeral home. Here is what to expect — with real price ranges so you can make an informed decision before you call.

National averages

Prices as of 2026. Actual costs vary significantly by location.

Direct Cremation
$700–$1,500
Body transport, cremation, return of ashes. No service or viewing.
Cremation with Memorial
$1,500–$3,500
Includes a memorial service after cremation, with staff and venue.
Cremation with Viewing
$2,500–$5,000
Includes embalming, viewing or visitation, then cremation.

What affects the price?

Location
Urban funeral homes charge significantly more than rural ones. NYC or LA cremation can be 2–3x the national average.
Type of service
Direct cremation (no service) is the cheapest. Adding a viewing, ceremony, or reception increases the cost.
Funeral home overhead
Large corporate chains (SCI/Dignity Memorial) often charge more than independent family-owned funeral homes.
Urn and add-ons
The basic container is usually included. Decorative urns, cremation jewelry, and keepsakes add $50–$500+.
Death certificate copies
Each certified copy costs $7–$30. Order 10–12 upfront — you will need them for banks, insurers, and government agencies.
Transport distance
If the death occurred far from the funeral home or in another state, transport fees can add $500–$3,000.

Cremation cost by state

Ranges represent typical low-to-high for each state. Actual prices vary by funeral home.

StateDirect CremationWith Service
Alabama$700–$1,200$1,500–$3,000State guide →
Alaska$1,200–$2,000$2,500–$4,500State guide →
Arizona$850–$1,400$1,800–$3,200State guide →
Arkansas$700–$1,200$1,500–$2,800State guide →
California$1,200–$2,000$2,500–$5,000State guide →
Colorado$900–$1,500$2,000–$3,500State guide →
Connecticut$1,100–$1,800$2,200–$4,000State guide →
Delaware$950–$1,600$2,000–$3,800State guide →
Florida$850–$1,400$1,800–$3,500State guide →
Georgia$800–$1,300$1,600–$3,200State guide →
Hawaii$1,500–$2,500$3,000–$5,500State guide →
Idaho$750–$1,300$1,600–$3,000State guide →
Illinois$950–$1,500$2,000–$3,500State guide →
Indiana$750–$1,300$1,600–$3,000State guide →
Iowa$750–$1,200$1,500–$2,900State guide →
Kansas$750–$1,300$1,600–$3,000State guide →
Kentucky$700–$1,200$1,500–$2,900State guide →
Louisiana$800–$1,400$1,700–$3,200State guide →
Maine$900–$1,600$1,900–$3,500State guide →
Maryland$1,000–$1,700$2,100–$3,900State guide →
Massachusetts$1,300–$2,200$2,500–$4,500State guide →
Michigan$800–$1,400$1,700–$3,200State guide →
Minnesota$900–$1,500$1,900–$3,500State guide →
Mississippi$700–$1,200$1,400–$2,800State guide →
Missouri$800–$1,300$1,600–$3,100State guide →
Montana$800–$1,400$1,700–$3,200State guide →
Nebraska$750–$1,300$1,600–$3,000State guide →
Nevada$900–$1,600$1,900–$3,500State guide →
New Hampshire$1,000–$1,700$2,000–$3,700State guide →
New Jersey$1,200–$2,000$2,500–$4,500State guide →
New Mexico$800–$1,400$1,700–$3,200State guide →
New York$1,400–$2,500$3,000–$6,000State guide →
North Carolina$750–$1,300$1,600–$3,000State guide →
North Dakota$700–$1,200$1,400–$2,800State guide →
Ohio$750–$1,300$1,600–$3,000State guide →
Oklahoma$750–$1,300$1,600–$3,000State guide →
Oregon$1,100–$1,800$2,200–$4,000State guide →
Pennsylvania$900–$1,500$1,900–$3,500State guide →
Rhode Island$1,000–$1,800$2,100–$3,900State guide →
South Carolina$750–$1,300$1,600–$3,000State guide →
South Dakota$700–$1,200$1,400–$2,800State guide →
Tennessee$750–$1,300$1,600–$3,000State guide →
Texas$800–$1,400$1,700–$3,500State guide →
Utah$850–$1,500$1,800–$3,300State guide →
Vermont$950–$1,700$2,000–$3,700State guide →
Virginia$900–$1,500$1,900–$3,400State guide →
Washington$1,100–$1,800$2,200–$4,000State guide →
West Virginia$700–$1,200$1,400–$2,800State guide →
Wisconsin$800–$1,400$1,700–$3,200State guide →
Wyoming$750–$1,300$1,600–$3,000State guide →

Prices sourced from funeral home surveys and state data, 2025–2026. Verify with your local funeral home.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in direct cremation?

Direct cremation covers transport of the body, the cremation itself, and return of the ashes in a basic container. It does not include a viewing, funeral service, or formal ceremony. It is the most affordable option, typically $700–$2,000.

Why is there such a large price range?

Cremation prices vary based on location (urban areas cost more), the funeral home's overhead, and what's included. A "direct cremation" is bare-minimum. A "cremation with memorial service" includes staff time, facilities, and often a viewing or gathering.

Do I have to use the funeral home where the person died?

No. You have the legal right to choose any licensed funeral home. Shopping around can save thousands of dollars. The FTC's Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide itemized pricing over the phone.

How many urns or ashes containers do I need?

Most families receive the ashes in one container, but you can request division into multiple urns for different family members. Urns range from $30 (basic) to $500+ (custom/decorative).

Can I scatter ashes anywhere?

Rules vary by state and location. Scattering on private property typically requires the owner's permission. National parks require a permit. Ocean scattering must be 3+ nautical miles offshore per the EPA. Many states have no rules for scattering on your own land.