Is Cremation Cheaper than Burial?

It’s no secret that cremation has become increasingly popular in recent years. According to the NFDA, the cremation rate is expected to reach nearly 60% in 2022, with more than half of Americans choosing this as their final option.

Historically, burial was the preferred option for most families. As costs across the country have risen, many have chosen to pursue cremation as a more affordable option. While costs vary widely depending on your region and provider, the median cost of a funeral in 2021 was $7,848, while the average cost of cremation ranges from $1,200 to $3,000. 

At Science Care, our team understands that individuals across the nation are trying to figure out the best option for themselves or their loved ones. While cremation costs can vary dramatically depending on location and level of services, there are 4 primary types of cremation services available: 

Free Cremation with Body Donation to Science

Science Care offers cremation at no cost to you or your loved ones when you decide to donate your body to science. Cremation is a required outcome of the body donation process, and cremated remains not matched with our program are returned to the family within 3-5 weeks of donation.

The benefits of no-cost cremation are robust. With Science Care, your wish to donate your body to science leaves a lasting legacy for future generations. The process to join the registry is simple, and not required prior to death in order to donate.

As long as your loved ones know your wish to donate, they call us at the time of death, and if you are accepted into the program, you will be able to donate.

For all accepted donors, Science Care will help the loved ones coordinate all of the details from transportation from the location of passing to the cremation and filing the death certificate. Our team will send a letter to your loved ones sharing the impact that your donation has made.

Cremation with Traditional Services

A cremation with traditional services, such as a viewing and reception, is typically the highest-cost cremation option available. The cost will vary by region and depending on the funeral home or cremation provider you choose to work with.

Once you select a provider, they will work with you to choose the particular details of the traditional funeral service, including embalming and a casket rental if desired. With this type of service, cremation is performed following the funeral and reception services. 

Cremation with Memorial Services

A cremation with a memorial service can allow loved ones much more flexibility at the time of death. With this type of service, the cremated remains do not need to be present. This option is usually more affordable than a full traditional service as the loved ones can choose exactly how much they would like to spend on the memorial service. Many families and friends choose to host at a favorite park, a family home, or an alternate event space. These are ways to honor the memory of a loved one, and it can be very similar to that of a funeral service.

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation does not include visitation, funeral service or reception and the cost involved is much less than the alternatives. In this situation, the body is typically cremated shortly after passing without embalming, viewing, or visitation. Next to whole body donation, which includes cremation at no cost, this is the cheapest and most affordable cremation option.

Regardless of which option you choose, Science Care is here to help. Just give us a call, and we can direct you to a provider who will meet your needs. We work with some of the best organizations in the country and are more than happy to refer you.