Cremation vs. Burial Costs

Cremation is an option that has been around for centuries but is not widely chosen in the United States. Many people are curious about cremation because it offers an alternative to costly and time-consuming funeral services. Many of our clients at Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home have told us that cremation is more affordable than burial.

Comparing Cremation vs. Burial Costs

Here we compare the prices of cremations vs. burials.

Many people falsely assume huge savings when choosing cremation over burial. This depends on whether the family decides on a specific or elaborate cremation service. Some of the reasons why cremation may be more affordable than a traditional burial are as follows:

• Funeral services are typically held before a body is laid to rest in a traditional cemetery, and memorial services are sometimes held after. Cremation families, on the other hand, typically prefer less formal, smaller, and simpler services that can save them between $500 and $1,000.
• Most families who choose cremation do not participate in the viewings or visitations that typically precede a traditional funeral. In this way, you can avoid the time and money spent on beauty treatments, embalming, staffing, and facility fees commonly associated with a funeral home. A potential $1500–$1700 savings is possible.
• Transportation and graveside facilities, a burial vault and casket, a marker, opening and closing fees, and the cost of cemetery property are all expenses associated with a traditional burial. If a family decides to have a cremation, they can keep the ashes in an urn or scatter them at sea without spending any money. They can save between $4,000 and $4,500 here.

If you want information about our services here at Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, contact us or call us at 318-640-1375 today.