Can You Save Money with Cremation Instead of Burial?
Many people don’t realize just how popular cremation has become in recent years. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the cremation rate in the United States is now close to 60%. It’s predicted that the national cremation rate will reach as high as 80% by 2035 or 2040.
There are several reasons for the increase in popularity, such as changing religious landscapes, the desire to keep a loved one’s remains near you at all times, the overall cost of cremation vs. burial, and more. We often get asked, Is cremation cheaper than burial? Given the financial state of millions of Americans, this question never surprises us.
Let’s take a look at how burials and cremations compare price-wise.
Costs of a Traditional Burial
The cost of a traditional funeral and burial has gone up quite a bit over the past few decades, especially in certain areas. As it stands right now, you can expect a funeral and burial to cost $7,000–$10,000 or more. This includes multiple services, including the funeral service itself, viewing, transferring the remains, casket rental, printed materials, embalming (which is optional in Florida), and more.
Costs of a Direct Cremation
Many people wanting to lower costs when burying a loved one have decided on a direct cremation. This involves the least amount of services, and your loved one will be cremated the same day as their passing. Because there isn’t a lot of flair to a direct cremation, you can usually expect to pay under $1,000 for everything. Whether a loved one wants to keep the remains or spread them somewhere, they can honor the deceased’s wishes.
Costs of a Cremation with a Viewing and Memorial Service
Although direct cremations are quite popular, you can also choose to have a cremation with a viewing and memorial service. Although some of the fees associated with a traditional burial won’t be charged, there are still several that you will need to pay for. You can still expect to pay several thousand dollars, often at a cost that’s very close to a traditional burial, depending on the specific details of the service.
Costs of a Cremation with Only a Memorial Service
You can consider this to be a kind of middle-of-the-road cremation. In other words, you’ll save money on several of the charges associated with a viewing, but you still have a memorial service and will pay for the location to host the service. You can usually expect to pay approximately $3,000 for everything, depending on the area and certain details that you’ll work out with the crematorium.
Costs of a Cremation with Family Service
In some cases, you may want to consider a cremation with a family service. This is another midpoint between cremation and a traditional burial. This is where you have the cremation done, followed by a small viewing for family members.
How much it costs will depend on the funeral home and any added services. But in many cases, you’ll be looking at $1,500 or less. This service isn’t always offered right up front, but many crematoriums have begun to offer it to loved ones as an additional option for those who are closest to the deceased.
Is Cremation Cheaper Than Burial?
By and large, a cremation will cost you much less than a traditional burial. Certain services will drive up the cost of a cremation, depending on what you would like to add, but most of those are optional.
If you’re trying to keep your costs as low as possible, then it’s very obvious that you want to choose a direct cremation. Remember, with a direct cremation, this doesn’t mean you can’t hold a funeral service of your own. You can always opt for the direct cremation of your loved one and then hold your own memorial service at someone’s home for a private get-together. This makes cremation cheaper, more flexible, and more sensible.
Contact Florida Family Cremations for Cremation Services in Clearwater
Florida Family Cremations offers affordable cremation services in Clearwater and the surrounding areas. If you have any questions that are similar to Is cremation cheaper than burial?, don’t hesitate to ask. Simply give us a call at (727) 223-5911 today. Also, ask about pre-paying for cremation services and our veteran’s cremation services.