Average Cost of Cremation: Prices, States & Options

Last Updated on: January 22nd, 2026

Reviewed by Kyle Wilson

Key Takeaways

Cremation is more affordable than burial
Direct cremation is lower cost option
Services and memorials increases total cost
Prices vary by state and city
Texas and Georgia offer lower average costs
California and New York are more expensive
Pet cremation cost, depending on the pet size.

Planning a funeral is so hard and it can be emotionally very difficult for the family members and understanding the cost makes it even more challenging. One of the most common questions that families asked today is what is the average cost of cremation. Cremation has become a very popular choice due with flexibility, flexibility, and simplicity as compared to the traditional burial. In this detailed guide, we will break down the average price of cremation, we also explain the different cremation options for you and compare the prices across the United States. You also help you to understand what factors will affect the average cost of the funeral with cremation, no matter if you are planning ahead or making the immediate arrangements this article will help you to make the best decisions.

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What Is the Average Cost of a Cremation?

The average cost of cremation in the United States can range between $1100 and $3500. These prices, depending on the type of service you have chosen. The cost can increase if the memorial service, viewing or any additional cremations are included. When people ask, what is the average price of cremation then the answer largely depends on whether they choose direct cremation or the cremation funeral service?

Average Cost of Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is the most affordable option and it includes only the important services that are required for the cremation. Let’s have a look at the average cost of direct cremation so you understand better than what it includes

Transportation of the deceased
Cremation process
Basic container
Required paperwork

If you are thinking about the average cost of direct cremation then the average cost ranges from $800-$2000. This option does not include a viewing or funeral ceremony, making it best for families who are looking for a simple and cost-effective solution.

Average Cost Of Cremation Without Service

If you are looking for simplicity, then the average price of cremation without service is similar to direct cremation. There are so many families who can choose to hold a private memorial at home or another location. This option usually costs between $900 and $2200 depending on the provider and location.

Average Cost Of A Funeral Cremation

Cremation funerals include traditional add ons to the service, such as viewing, memorial service, or religious ceremony. The average cost of funeral with cremation is $4000-$7000 and this cost include the following things

Funeral home services
Viewing our visitation
Memorial service
Cremation fee
Urns

Average Cost of Cremation and Memorial Service

Adding a memorial service can increase the total cost, but it allows the families to honor their loved ones meaningfully. The average price of cremation and memorial service ranges for $2500-$6000 depending on the following things

Venue rental
Number of attendees
Service type
Urn selection

Factors That Affect the Average Costs of Cremation

There are so many factors that influence the average price of cremation. Let’s have a look at each for a better understanding.

Location

Prices vary by the state and city.

Type Of Cremation

Prices can also change in direct vs full service.

Funeral Home Fees

Each provider sets its own rate so that the funeral home fees can be different.

Urn Choice

The choice of urn can also change the price. Like basic urn vs premium designs.

Memorial Services

Memorial services are optional but impactful

Additional Documentation

Additional documentations like death certificates and permits can also affect the average cost.

Average Cost of Cremation by State

Cremation prices can be different across the US. Below is the state by state overview using the commonly searched locations so that you can better understand the rates in the different states of the United States.

Average Cost of Cremation in California

The average cost of cremation in California is $1300-$3500. These are the higher costs due to the population density and regulations.

Average Cost of Cremation in Texas

Talking about the taxes, the average cost is $900-$2500. This is one of the more affordable states for cremation.

Average Cost of Cremation in Florida

The cost is $1000-$2800. These are the competitive pricing due to the high demand.

Average Cost of Cremation in New York State

Talking about New York state, the average cost is $1500-$4000. Here urban areas tend to be more expensive.

Average Cost of Cremation in Ohio

The average cost of cremation in Ohio is $1000-$2600

Average Cost of Cremation in NC (North Carolina)

North Carolina average cost is $1100 to $2700

Average Cost of Cremation in PA (Pennsylvania)

Here the average cost is $1200-$3000

Average Cost of Cremation in Michigan

In Michigan it costs $1100-$2800 for the cremation

Average Prices of Cremation in Georgia

Price can vary based on the local funeral homes and the service packages, but the cremation in Georgia can cost $1000 to $2500.

Average Cost of Pet Cremation

There are so many families who want to know the average cost of pet cremation. Pet cremation costs depend on the size of the animal and the type of cremation chosen. Here is the average breakdown of the typical pet cremation cost

Small pets can be $50-$150
Medium pets can cost can be $50-$300
Large pets can cost two $250-$400

If you’re thinking about the private pet cremation, yes this can also be possible, but the private cremation services cost more than the communal cremation options

Cremation vs Burial: Cost Comparison

When you are comparing the options, the cremation is generally more affordable Here is the breakdown of average cost comparison

Cremation cost you $1100-$3500
Funeral with cremation can cost $4000-$7000
Traditional burial can cost $8000-$12,000

Ways to Reduce the Average Cost of Cremation

If budget is a concern, here are some practical ways to lower the expenses

Choose the direct cremation
Compare the multiple funeral homes
Avoid unnecessary add-ons
Plan services independently
Considered prepaid cremation plans

Summary

Understanding the average cost of cremation will help a lot, and it will also help the family to make better and more kind of decisions during the hard time. No matter if you choose direct cremation or full memory service, cremation is flexible, affordable, and respectful procedure. Cremation prices can be different in each state so that you have to visit the provider to get the full information and it is very important to contact the local ones to get.
Planning ahead can save your family stress and money. Let’s compare the cremation options with burial, senior, and understand the cost and choose what feels right for you and your loved ones today.

FAQs

How much does a cremation cost in the US?

In the United states the cost of cremation is usually $1100-$3500. The price depends on the state and whether you include the services like a memorial or any other add-on.

What is the cheapest form of cremation?

The cheapest option is direct cremation . It has no funeral viewing and it usually costs $800-$2000.

What body parts don't burn during cremation?

Most of the body turns to ashes after the cremation process. But the bones do not fully burn and are later processed into fine ashes.

Is it cheaper to be buried or cremated?

Is much cheaper than the can cost over $9000 while cremation cost much less.

Iqra Malik

Senior Writer & Licensed Life Insurance Agent

Iqra is a dynamic and insightful senior writer with a passion for life insurance and financial planning. With over 8 years of hands-on experience in the insurance industry, Iqra has earned a reputation for delivering clear, actionable advice that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their financial future. At Burial Senior Insurance, she not only excels as a licensed insurance agent but also as a trusted guide who has successfully advised over +1500 clients, helping them navigate the often complex world of life insurance and annuities. Her articles have been featured in top-tier financial publications, making her a respected voice in the industry.

Burial Senior Insurance provides information and services related to burial insurance for senior citizens, including policy options and end-of-life support services.

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Burial Senior Insurance provides information and services related to burial insurance for senior citizens, including policy options and end-of-life support services.