For families wondering how much direct cremation costs, the national average is $2,199. The actual price depends on your location and provider, and prices vary widely even within the same city.

In Arizona, you might pay around $1,433, while families in Connecticut often face prices starting around $3,150 for the same service. Direct cremation remains the most affordable option for families who need immediate arrangements without the added expense of ceremonies or viewings.

After offers direct cremation packages starting at $995. 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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Direct Cremation Cost by State

Prices shift dramatically depending on where you live. States with higher cremation rates and more competition tend to have lower prices. Areas with fewer providers or lower cremation adoption see higher costs.

Here’s what direct cremation costs across the United States:

Even in high-cost states, affordable options exist. The difference between the average provider and the lowest-cost provider can exceed $1,000, sometimes in the same zip code.

What Is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation is the simplest form of cremation. The cremation facility receives the decedent and performs the cremation shortly after death, without any viewing, funeral service, or embalming. Afterward, the facility returns the remains to the family in a simple container.

This option costs less because it eliminates services that increase traditional funeral expenses, such as embalming, facility rentals, viewing caskets, and elaborate ceremonies.

Many families choose direct cremation and then hold a memorial service later, in their own way and on their own schedule.

What Does Direct Cremation Include?

A standard direct cremation package typically includes:

• Transportation from the place of passing (usually within 30-50 miles)
• Refrigeration until cremation takes place
• Basic cremation container (rigid cardboard or simple wood)
• The cremation itself
• Return of remains in a temporary urn
• Filing of necessary permits and paperwork

What a direct cremation usually doesn’t include:

• Death certificates (typically $10-$25 each)
• Upgraded urns or keepsakes
• Memorial service coordination
• Extended transportation beyond the included mileage
• Obituary writing or newspaper placement

Always ask providers exactly what the quoted price includes. Some bundle death certificates and delivery, while others may charge separately for each item.

What Affects Your Final Direct Cremation Cost?

Many factors affect your final direct cremation cost, like the choice of containers, transport distance, and more. Even when two providers quote similar base prices, your final bill can differ by hundreds of dollars. 

Understanding the variables helps you compare quotes accurately and avoid surprise charges. 

Here's what actually moves the price up or down:

The Cremation Container

You don't need an expensive casket for cremation. State laws require only a "rigid, combustible container", usually reinforced cardboard or simple wood. Basic containers cost between $120 to $600. 

Death Certificates

You'll need multiple certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer property. 

The cost per certificate is about $10 to $25, depending on the state. Most families order 5 to 10 copies. Some cremation packages include 1-2 death certificates. Others charge separately for each one.

Transportation Distance

Most providers include transportation within 30-50 miles. Beyond that, you can expect additional charges. Many providers charge a per-mile fee beyond the included radius. 

After offers transportation within 30 miles on our basic package, and up to 75 miles on our other packages.

Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Funeral Costs

The cost difference between direct cremation and a traditional funeral is substantial. 

According to 2023 data from the National Funeral Directors Association, a traditional funeral with viewing and burial costs $9,995 (including vault), while a funeral with viewing and cremation runs $6,280.

Direct cremation, by contrast, costs around $2,000 on average. 

With traditional funerals, the costs accumulate quickly. 

According to the NFDA’s funeral prices:

• The non-declinable basic service fee alone averages $2,495.
• Embalming costs $845.
• Facility use costs $475.
• Adding a ceremony costs $550.
• Transportation costs $570.
• Metal casket costs $2,500.

Families choosing direct cremation save $5,000 to $9,000 on average. That money can fund a meaningful memorial on your own terms, or simply stay with your family during a difficult time.

How to Find the Lowest Direct Cremation Cost in Your Area

If you’re looking for ways to save on cremation costs, there are a few strategies that you can use, based on our experience.

Compare at Least 3-5 Providers

Prices vary by $500 to $2,000 within the same city. Call multiple funeral homes, cremation societies, and online providers. 

Ask each one for their total direct cremation cost, including:

• Basic service fee
• Transportation
• Cremation container
• The cremation itself
• One death certificate
• Return of remains

Request Itemized Price Lists

Funeral homes must give price information over the phone and must hand a GPL to anyone who asks in person. This document breaks down every service and product cost. Review the GPL carefully.

Some providers bury costs in "non-declinable fees" that you can't avoid, even for simple services.

Check Online Cremation Providers

Companies like After operate in multiple states with transparent, published pricing. You can compare costs without calling around or visiting facilities.

After's cremation packages start at $995 and include everything you need for a simple, dignified cremation.

Ask About Payment Plans

Facing a $1,500 bill when you're already dealing with grief adds financial stress to emotional pain. After partners with LilyPay to offer payment plans (3, 6, 9, or 12 months) with little to no interest, just a flat fee.

LilyPay also enables crowdfunding through Community Gardens, helping families cover costs through donations from friends and family.

Consider Pre-Planning

Pre-planning your own cremation gives you time to research, compare, and choose the best value. You'll make decisions calmly instead of during a crisis.

After's pre-planning services let you arrange everything online, lock in current prices, and spare your family from making rushed decisions later.

What You Don't Need to Pay For

Funeral homes sometimes suggest services that sound necessary but aren't required for direct cremation. Here are some of the hidden costs you may come across.

Embalming

Embalming preserves the body for viewing. Direct cremation skips the viewing, making embalming unnecessary. Some states require refrigeration if cremation doesn't happen within 24-48 hours. Refrigeration costs far less than embalming.

Expensive Caskets or Containers

This isn’t necessary unless your family chooses it. A simple cardboard or wood container meets legal requirements. Plus, the container is usually cremated anyway. Be wary of any funeral home that pressures you toward expensive caskets for cremation.

Elaborate Urns from the Funeral Home

Providers include a basic temporary urn (usually thick plastic or cardboard). That container works perfectly for storing or scattering remains. If you want something more decorative, you can purchase urns online, often for much less than funeral home prices.

What Happens If I Can't Afford Cremation?

If you can’t afford a cremation, there are several options for families to consider. Most counties offer indigent cremation programs for qualifying families. 

For families of veterans, the VA provides burial or cremation allowances for eligible veterans.

Families can also consider crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, which help to raise money quickly. 

The Bottom Line on Direct Cremation Costs

Direct cremation costs between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on your location and provider. The key to getting the best price is to compare multiple providers, ask for itemized pricing, and understand exactly what the package includes before committing.

After simplifies the process with transparent pricing, compassionate support available 24/7, and packages designed to give families what they need. We're available 24/7 to help you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure.

You can contact our team at 1-844-717-5170.

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