Choosing between cremation and burial is one of the most difficult decisions you can make. Many families weigh the pros and cons of both options carefully before they pick one. At Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Home, we have helped clients make this decision and believe the cost is the most important factor to consider outside of the deceased's wishes. Here's a look at cremation vs. burial costs:

Basic Costs of Burial vs. Cremation

The average cost of a traditional burial can range between $7,000 and $12,000. This includes a basic funeral service, casket, transportation for the body, embalming, and other essential funeral home services.

The average cost of a cremation can range between $6,000 and $7,000. It includes basic funeral service, a casket rental, transportation of the body, embalming, and funeral home services that are essential like viewing and memorial services. If you plan to bury the ashes in a cemetery, the cremation service will cost more money. While an urn is included in basic cremation expenses, a unique or fancy urn will cost more money.

When it comes down to it, cremation is more affordable than burial but it can exceed the cost of a basic service if you add some frills.

Direct Cremation

Families can also choose direct cremation, where the body is taken directly to the crematorium instead of going through a formal funeral service. The cremation occurs immediately after death as soon as the funeral home has permission from local authorities to carry it out.

This is a basic service that involves a cardboard container for the body and a basic urn. Basic cremation is suitable for people who have a very limited budget and want to keep the costs as low as possible.

If you want to know more about cremation or funeral services, don't hesitate to contact us at Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Home. We’ll be happy to answer your questions.