The average cost of cremation in Oregon ranges from about $1,277 to $2,107, depending on the provider and location. Providers like After charge as low as $995, which saves Oregon families hundreds compared to the state average.

Oregon families often ask about cremation costs because they need an option that is affordable and respectful. Funeral expenses can be hard to manage, especially with budget constraints during a difficult time.

After offers the most reliable cremation services in Oregon. Our team is here to guide you through your options with care and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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Average Costs of Cremation in Oregon in 2025

Direct cremation in Oregon costs between $1,277 and $2,107 on average. The specific cost of cremation in Oregon depends on the type of service you choose.

A cremation with a memorial service costs about $5,812 and reaches as high as $10,752, depending on the provider and location.

Here's how different service types compare in Oregon:

Providers like After offer more affordable options, with direct cremation packages starting at $995. This is significantly below the state average.

Direct Cremation Costs Across Oregon Cities

Cremation prices vary significantly across Oregon. Here's what direct cremation costs in major cities:

Cheapest Cremation Options in Oregon

The cheapest cremation option in Oregon is direct cremation. This service takes place right after the required waiting period, with no funeral or viewing. Families receive the remains in a temporary urn and can plan their own memorial later.

Many providers advertise low "starting at" prices, but these often don't reflect the full cost. Introductory rates usually include only the basic container and permits. Families discover additional fees once they begin making arrangements.

Common add-on costs include:

• Removal and transportation: About $350
• Non-declinable basic service fee: About $2,300
• Embalming: About $775
• Other preparation (casketing, cosmetology, dressing, grooming): About $275
• Use of facilities for viewing: About $450
• Use of facilities for the funeral ceremony: About $515
• Cremation casket beyond a cardboard container: About $1,310
• Urn: About $295
• Printed materials (memorial package): About $183
• Third-party cremation fees (when outsourced): About $368
• Service car: About $150

These costs add up quickly. A full-service cremation with all these components can reach $6,970 or more, which is why the final price often exceeds the advertised base rate. 

After offers a transparent flat-rate cremation price of $995 in Oregon.

This package includes transportation within 30 miles, permits and paperwork, a basic cremation container, a temporary urn, and support from a care specialist. Families pay one standard price with no hidden fees.

Cremation Urns and Keepsakes

After the cremation process, you'll receive the cremated remains in a basic temporary container. If you want something more personalized, urn prices range from $70 to $2,250 or more, depending on the style, material, and engraving.

Popular options include companion urns for two people ($150–$500+), earth-friendly biodegradable urns ($70–$300+), decorative cremation boxes ($50–$300+), and cremation jewelry or keepsakes that incorporate a portion of the remains.

After offers a curated selection of cremation urns and cremation jewelry to help you find a meaningful way to honor your loved one.

Cremation vs. Burial Costs in Oregon

Cremation costs significantly less than burial in Oregon. Families typically save $3,000 to $5,000 by choosing cremation over traditional burial.

The difference comes down to the individual components. Burial demands expensive items like cemetery plots, caskets, vaults, and grave opening fees that cremation doesn't require.

What drives burial costs higher:

Traditional burial requires multiple expensive components, while direct cremation provides dignified care at a fraction of the cost.

Oregon Cremation Costs vs. National Average

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reports that the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial in 2023 was $8,300, and it’s going up. Oregon cremation pricing runs slightly lower than national rates for direct cremation.

The comparison:

• Oregon direct cremation: $1,277 average
• National direct cremation: $2,000–$2,500 average
• Oregon traditional funeral: $7,835 average
• National funeral median: $8,300 ($9,995 with vault)

Major metros like Portland and Eugene cost more than smaller cities. Cremation-only providers typically charge less than traditional funeral homes offering full-service bundles. 

Our flat-rate pricing of $995 stays consistent statewide, unlike competitors who adjust pricing by location.

What Does a Direct Cremation Package Include?

A direct cremation package includes the basic services needed to complete the cremation process. Most providers cover:

• Transportation within a set radius (usually 30 miles): Providers arrange pickup from hospitals, homes, or care facilities during normal business hours.
• Permits and paperwork: This includes filing cremation permits, obtaining death certificates, and coordinating with local authorities or medical examiners when required.
• Basic cremation container made of cardboard or fiberboard: These meet legal standards and replace the need for costly caskets.
• Temporary urn for the remains: Families usually receive a simple plastic or cardboard urn at no extra charge. This gives them time to choose a permanent option later.

How To Get Death Certificates in Oregon

You'll need multiple death certificates to settle your loved one's affairs. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies all require certified copies.

In Oregon, you must file a death certificate with the county registrar within five days after death. At After, we coordinate the initial death certificate order on your behalf.

The county typically processes these within 3 to 4 weeks of filing. Our team keeps you up to date on the timing.

• How much death certificates cost in Oregon: Death certificates in Oregon cost $25 each. 
• Who can order death certificates: You can order death certificates if you're the deceased person's spouse, registered domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, next of kin, legal guardian, legal representative, or person in charge of disposition.
  You'll need a government-issued photo ID when ordering. For death certificates older than 50 years, anyone can obtain copies.
• Ordering more copies later: You can order additional copies through the Oregon Public Health Division online, by mail, by phone, or in person at your local vital records office.

Where Can You Scatter Remains in Oregon?

You have 4 main options for where you can legally scatter remains in Oregon:

• Your own private property
• Someone else's private property (with permission)
• Uninhabited public land
• Public waterways and seas (at least 3 nautical miles from shore)

National parks and recreation areas:

Oregon's stunning natural landscapes provide meaningful places for scattering. However, regulations vary by location:

• Crater Lake National Park: Oregon's only national park requires a special use permit for scattering. Contact the park superintendent's office before planning a scattering ceremony.
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: The largest coastal sand dune expanse in North America allows scattering in designated areas. Check with the U.S. Forest Service for specific regulations.
• Hells Canyon National Recreation Area: Features the deepest river canyon in the U.S. Contact the recreation area office for scattering guidelines.

Coastal state parks:

Oregon's publicly owned beaches and state parks offer beautiful locations for scattering. Popular coastal areas include:

• Bandon and Pacific City beaches
• Ecola State Park near Cannon Beach
• Harris Beach State Recreation Area
• Oswald West State Park
• Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site

Always check with individual state park offices for specific scattering policies before your visit.

Scattering at sea:

Federal law requires you to scatter at least three nautical miles from land. You must notify the EPA within 30 days of the scattering.

Oregon Burial and Cremation Laws You Should Know

Oregon law protects families' choices while setting basic safety standards. Here's what applies to most cremation arrangements:

• Refrigeration requirements: Oregon requires refrigeration at 36°F or less, embalming, or a sealed container if cremation won't happen within 24 hours of passing. After handles this automatically as part of our standard process.
• No embalming: Despite what some funeral homes imply, Oregon does not require embalming for cremation. Refrigeration serves the same purpose at significantly lower cost.
• No casket required: Oregon law doesn't require a casket for cremation. Federal law actually requires providers to offer alternative containers made of cardboard, fiberboard, or unfinished wood. These meet all legal requirements and cost far less than traditional caskets.
• Death certificate filing: The funeral director or cremation provider must file the death certificate with the local registrar within five days after death or discovery. A physician or medical examiner completes the medical portion.
• Home burial: Oregon allows burial on private property if you meet specific conditions. Usually, you need to own the property or have consent from all owners.
  You may also need to contact and receive written consent from the local planning commission, maintain accurate permanent records of the burial, and disclose the burial upon sale of the property.

Free Cremation Through Body Donation in Oregon

Body donation programs offer free cremation in exchange for donating your loved one's body to medical research or education. The organization covers all transportation and cremation costs, then returns the cremated remains to your family within 4 to 8 weeks.

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Body Donation Program

• Address: 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239
• Phone: (503) 494-8311
• Website: https://www.ohsu.edu/body-donation 
• Requirements: You can register in advance, and the process is separate from organ donation registration on your driver's license. The program is altruistic. It accepts donors aged 18 and over. After the educational use, they return the cremated remains to the family.

BioGift Anatomical

• Address: 17819 NE Riverside Pkwy Suite C, Portland, OR
• Phone: (877) 245-6438
• Website: https://biogift.org
• Requirements: Register before death, then your family contacts BioGift after you pass. BioGift conducts a medical interview, arranges transport, and returns cremated remains with two death certificates within 8 to 12 weeks.

MedCure

• Address: 17908 NE Riverside Pkwy, Portland, OR 97230
• Phone: (866) 560-2525
• Website: https://medcure.org/donor/
• Requirements: Register online before death (pre-screening available for hospice patients), then your family calls MedCure first after you pass. MedCure coordinates with a local funeral home and returns partial cremated remains to your family.

Important considerations about body donation:

Body donation takes several weeks from start to finish. You won't have the option for a viewing or service with the body present. Some religious traditions discourage or prohibit body donation entirely.

If you need a cremation quickly, or want to hold a service with the body present, traditional cremation offers a better fit for your family.

After doesn't arrange body donations, but we help you understand all your options. 

What If You Can't Afford Cremation in Oregon?

If you’re looking for a free cremation in Oregon, several programs help Oregon families cover cremation costs. Here's what assistance you can access:

Social Security Death Benefit

The Social Security Administration pays a one-time $255 benefit to eligible survivors. This amount won't cover full cremation costs, but it reduces what you need to pay.

How to apply: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. You cannot apply online. Bring the deceased person's Social Security number, your Social Security number, proof of death, and your marriage certificate if you're applying as a spouse.

Veterans Benefits for Cremation

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) covers burial and cremation costs for eligible veterans who served in the U.S. military.

What the VA covers:

• Up to $796 for burial and funeral expenses (non-service-related deaths)
• Up to $300 specifically for cremation costs (non-service-related deaths)
• Higher amounts for service-related deaths
• A burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate at no cost

Who qualifies: Veterans who received an honorable discharge and meet specific service requirements. The VA also extends benefits to certain dependents and spouses.

How to apply: Complete VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits). Download it online or call 1-800-827-1000 for help.

Oregon Indigent Disposition Program

Oregon doesn't run a statewide burial assistance program, but the Indigent Disposition Program (IDP) provides partial reimbursement to funeral homes for individuals who have no one to cover funeral costs.

How this works: Funeral homes apply for reimbursement directly through the state. The program covers individuals who died with no family able to pay, or whose family cannot afford services.

What you need to do: Contact funeral homes that participate in the IDP program. Ask whether they accept IDP cases and what documentation you need to provide.

This program reimburses funeral homes, not families directly. You work with participating providers who handle the state paperwork.

More information: Contact the Oregon Department of Human Services at (503) 945-5600 or visit https://www.oregon.gov/odhs for details about the IDP program.

Payment Plans Through After

After partners with LilyPay to offer flexible payment plans with little to no interest. LilyPay helps families spread cremation costs over several months, making expenses more manageable during a difficult time.

LilyPay Community Gardens: This crowdfunding feature lets family members, friends, and community members contribute directly toward cremation costs. You control the campaign and share it privately or publicly.

How to access LilyPay: Our care specialists walk you through the application during arrangements.

For questions about financial assistance or payment options, call After at 1-844-717-5170. Our team explains your options without pressure or sales tactics.

Tips for Finding Affordable Cremation in Oregon

Families can reduce cremation costs in Oregon by following a few key steps:

• Compare multiple providers: Request quotes from several funeral homes and cremation companies. If you're considering cremation vs. burial costs, remember that cremation-only providers often charge less than full-service funeral homes.
• Request an itemized price list: By law, the Federal Trade Commission requires funeral providers to share a detailed price list in person or over the phone. This breakdown makes it easier to see hidden fees and compare true costs.
• Consider prepaid cremation: Prepaid direct cremation plans lock in today's prices and protect against inflation. Many providers offer payment options. Always confirm that funds go into a regulated trust account or insurance policy.
• Choose licensed, reputable providers: Verify crematory licenses through the Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery Board. Check reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings. Established providers follow regulations and carry proper insurance.

Why Families Choose After for Direct Cremation in Oregon

The average cost of cremation in Oregon is $995 through After. We offer a flat, transparent price with no hidden fees. Families know exactly what they will pay upfront, which removes the stress of surprise charges.

The online-first process also makes arrangements easier. You can complete everything from home without the pressure of in-person sales conversations.

This digital approach allows space for thoughtful decisions while still providing access to care specialists for personal support when needed.

We focus only on the cremation process, and let families plan cremations in advance. Service is available statewide, with the same pricing and procedures across Oregon. Families in both large cities and rural areas receive consistent support.

We coordinate transportation and logistics through our immediate services program, ensuring reliable care no matter where families live.

Not sure whether a cremation at After is the right path? Our team is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Cremation Cost Without Services in Oregon?

Cremation without services in Oregon costs between $1,277 and $2,107 for direct cremation, depending on the provider and location. After offers direct cremation starting at $995, significantly below the state average.

Direct cremation skips viewings, ceremonies, and memorial services. You receive your loved one's cremated remains in a temporary urn, typically within 2 to 4 weeks.

Is There Free Cremation in Oregon?

Free cremation is not available in Oregon unless the decedent wanted to contribute toward a body donation program for scientific research. Still, financial assistance programs can help cover costs. County indigent burial programs may assist families who can't afford cremation services.

After offers flexible payment options through LilyPay, which provides payment plans with little to no interest. LilyPay also includes crowdfunding tools through Community Gardens, allowing families to receive donations to help cover cremation costs.

How Much Does Cremation Cost Compared to Burial in Oregon?

Cremation costs much less than burial in Oregon. Direct cremation averages $1,277, while direct burial averages $4,388. This gives you savings of roughly $3,000.

Traditional funerals with burial average $7,835 and can reach $16,532. Families choosing cremation over traditional burial typically save $3,000 to $5,000.

What Is the Cheapest Cremation Option in Oregon?

The cheapest cremation option in Oregon is direct cremation. Providers like After offer direct cremation starting at $995, well below the statewide average. You can find more about what influences cremation costs by comparing providers and requesting itemized price lists.

Can I Still Hold a Service With Direct Cremation?

Yes, you can still hold a service with direct cremation. Families often choose to plan a memorial or celebration of life that takes place once the cremation is complete. While After does not arrange memorial services or celebrations of life, we can refer you to local providers who will help.

Do Funeral Homes in Oregon Have to Give Price Lists?

Yes, funeral homes in Oregon have to give you a general price list by law. The Federal Trade Commission requires them to share detailed prices in person or over the phone.

How Do After's Cremation Services Work in Oregon?

After's cremation services in Oregon work through a simple, transparent online process with flat-rate pricing. Families arrange everything from home, with care specialists available for support.

What Are Low-Cost Cremation Options in Portland, Oregon?

Low-cost cremation Portland, Oregon starts at $995 with After. Our transparent pricing includes all essential services with no hidden fees, making it one of the most affordable options in the Portland metro area.