Is Burial or Cremation Cheaper? A Financial Comparison
Understand the financial differences between burial and cremation. Get insights into the various factors that shape overall funeral expenses.
Final arrangements involve significant financial considerations. Understanding the cost implications of different options is important. This article compares expenses associated with traditional burial versus cremation, detailing the components that contribute to the overall cost of each.
Understanding Traditional Burial Costs
Traditional burial involves several distinct cost components. The casket is a primary expense, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, with premium options exceeding $10,000. Prices depend on materials like metal or various woods such as oak, mahogany, or cherry. Families are not obligated to purchase a casket from the funeral home and can find more affordable options from third-party retailers.
Embalming is another expense, averaging $500 to $1,000. While not always legally required, it is generally necessary for public viewings or if burial is not immediate. Refrigeration is an alternative for body preservation, which may incur a separate fee. Additional body preparation costs, such as cosmetology and dressing, typically range from $250 to $400.
A grave plot or crypt is a cost unique to burial. A single plot ranges from $1,000 to $4,500, but can exceed $10,000 in metropolitan areas or private cemeteries. Costs vary based on geographic location, cemetery type, and specific location within the cemetery. Many cemeteries also require a grave liner or burial vault, a concrete container that protects the casket and helps prevent the ground from sinking. These vaults typically cost $1,000 to $3,000.
Further expenses include fees for opening and closing the grave, which involve excavation and refilling. These fees range from $1,500 to $2,300, but can be higher depending on the cemetery and location. Grave markers or headstones are also significant costs, varying by size, material, and design. A flat grave marker costs $200 to $1,000, while an upright headstone typically ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, with custom designs potentially exceeding $10,000.
Understanding Cremation Costs
Cremation involves specific costs. The cremation fee, covering incineration and often a basic container, typically ranges from $600 to $2,000. This fee is paid to the crematory, which may be separate from the funeral home. Direct cremation is the most economical option, where the body is cremated shortly after death without a viewing or formal service, with average costs ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
After cremation, families choose an urn for the cremated remains. Urn prices vary widely by material, size, and design, from $40 for basic options to over $1,000 for elaborate pieces. Common materials include metal, wood, ceramic, glass, and stone. Keepsake urns, designed to hold a small portion of ashes, are also available at lower price points.
Families have several options for the final disposition of cremated remains, each with associated costs. If interred, a smaller burial plot for urns may be purchased, generally less expensive than a full casket plot, ranging from $500 to $2,000. Alternatively, remains can be placed in a niche within a columbarium, an above-ground structure with compartments for urns. Columbarium niches typically cost $300 to $3,000, but can reach $5,000 or more for premium locations or larger sizes. Additional fees may apply for urn placement, plaques, and record keeping.
Factors Influencing Overall Funeral Expenses
Beyond costs unique to burial or cremation, several factors and services are common to both, influencing the total expense. The funeral director’s basic services fee covers administrative tasks, securing permits, and coordinating arrangements. This non-negotiable fee ranges from $2,000 to $3,000, regardless of burial or cremation, and accounts for the funeral home’s overhead and professional services.
Holding a viewing or visitation adds to the overall cost for either option. If a viewing occurs, expenses for body preparation, facility usage, and staff can add several hundred dollars. Memorial or funeral services, whether held before or after disposition, range from simple gatherings to elaborate ceremonies. These services involve fees for facility rental, staff, and often include memorial programs and floral arrangements. A full-service cremation, including a viewing and memorial service, can average $6,000 to $7,000, approaching the cost of a simple burial.
Transportation of the deceased is another common expense. This includes initial transfer of the body from the place of death to the funeral home, typically costing $300 to $500. If a hearse is used for transport to a cemetery or crematory, this can add $350 to $500. Obtaining multiple death certificates is also necessary, with fees varying by jurisdiction but generally ranging from $10 to $30 per copy.
Ancillary items and services further contribute to the total cost. These include officiant fees for religious or secular services, obituary notices, and personalized items like thank-you cards. Flowers and other decorations also add to the expense, with displays ranging from $500 to $700. These common choices can impact the final financial outlay. A simple direct cremation with minimal services is generally the least expensive option, while an elaborate funeral, whether followed by burial or cremation, will incur higher costs.