What is the average cost of a cremation in Arlington, VA?

As the cremation trend continues to soar in Virginia, we find more families turning to the Internet to research information and compare cremation costs.  We have put together this short guide to cremation services in Arlington to assist families who are seeking out an affordable cremation option.

Cremation Packages & costs

The first thing to clarify is that quoting an ‘average’ cost for a cremation should really take into account exactly what type of cremation service is being considered.   All funeral homes and crematories have a general price list which lists their services.  In compliance with the FTC’s funeral rule, they must provide you with pricing information, either by phone or in person.  Many funeral homes now package together basic services into cremation packages to make it easier for a family to select a service and understand the complete cost.

The average cost of a cremation in Arlington is around $3,000 for a cremation with a service and a mid-range cremation urn.  What you need to understand is that the cost of cremation can vary in price between different funeral homes in Northern Virginia for the exact same service.  There are 3 main types of cremation service:

  1. A cremation with a service/ceremony (which is very similar to a traditional funeral service) and is where the service is held with the deceased present and the cremation is performed after the service.
  2. A cremation with a memorial service, which is where the cremation is performed before the service.  The memorial service is held with (or without) the cremated remains present, or as part of an ash scattering ceremony.
  3. A direct cremation sometimes referred to as an immediate cremation.  This is where the deceased is cremated and no services are conducted by the funeral home.

Direct cremation services in Arlington

bajo-costo-de-cremación-chicagoThere are a number of cremation providers offering direct cremation in Arlington and North Virginia.  The cost of a direct cremation can vary by thousands of dollars, so it is important to check around and compare some prices before committing yourself.  Generally a direct cremation should include everything to collect the deceased, prepare the paperwork, a cremation container, the crematory fee and returning the cremated remains in a temporary urn.  Cash advances such as the death certificate and permits are not always included in a quoted direct cremation price – so be sure to check this!

How do cremation providers compare in Arlington

We conducted a survey of funeral service providers in the Arlington are who all offered ‘affordable’ cremation services.  The chart below presents a sample of direct cremation costs from these providers.  As you can see, the cost for a direct cremation can vary depending on the provider.cremation-cost-comparison-arlington-va

Disclaimer: This cremation cost information was obtained from providers in November 2015. Prices are posted to help families make informed decisions. However, periodically providers change their prices. We make every effort to ensure the prices are accurate, but prices must be verified directly with the listed funeral home.

We hope this information can assist families with making informed decisions about purchasing funeral services.

How do I choose a cremation provider in Arlington?

It can help to outline what your specific needs are.  What type of cremation service do you require?  Do you wish to have a service or a short private viewing?  If you are just seeking out the most inexpensive option, a direct cremation provider does not have to be a local company.  Ensure you are dealing with a reputable funeral home with a physical location.  Many cremation societies can appear to be offering discounted services, but this is not always the case.  For example, Service Corporation International (SCI) now owns the Cremation Society of Virginia.

How can you save money by arranging a cremation?

A cremation will save you at least half of the costs of a traditional funeral, if not more.  If you opt for a direct cremation, you can conduct your own memorial services, which can save you even more money.  No casket is required for a cremation.  All Virginia law stipulates is that a ‘rigid, combustible container’ be used for encasing the body during cremation.  Even if you decide to hold a visitation or service prior to a cremation, it is possible to use a rental casket.  Just be aware that some funeral homes can charge $500-$800 just to rent a casket!  Eliminating the need for a casket, and expensive cemetery plots, can mean that a cremation is a much cheaper alternative.

Low cost cremation in Arlington

If you are looking for a low cost cremation, then direct cremation is your lowest cost cremation option.  The DFS Memorials provider for Arlington serves all of Northern Virginia and offers an extremely competitive price for a complete service.

DFS Memorials Northern Virginia – Call (703) 997-9323

Direct Cremation $1,345

Is there any help towards cremation costs in Arlington?

If you qualify you can claim $255 death benefit from Social Security.  Each state and county has its own budget for indigent funerals, although in many areas this is now being cut.  Financial assistance for a cremation can sometimes be obtained from union groups, faith organizations or charities.  To inquire about any public aid for cremation costs, you need to contact your local county Social Services or Human Services.

Serving families in Alexandria, Arlington, Chantilly, Dale City, Fairfax, Falls Church, Herndon, Leesburg, Manassas, Vienna, Warrenton, Woodbridge and throughout Arlington, Caroline, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Greene, King George, Loudoun, Madison, Orange, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Warren Counties.

Provider Direct cremation price
Murphy Funeral Home $3,800
Everly Funeral Homes $2,495
Pierce-Price Funeral Home $1,995
Advent Funeral & Cremation Services $1,995
Funeral Choices $1,825
Northern Virginia Burial & Cremation Society $1,470
Going Home Cremation Service $1,395
DFS Memorials Arlington $1,345

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