A Guide to Cremation Costs in Texas

What is the average cost of a funeral in Texas today?

Texans are using the internet to compare prices and get ‘fairer ‘best value’ deals.  So why not ensure we apply the same mentality to checking cremation costs?  Traditional funerals are expensive. 

The average cost of a funeral service in Texas is $5,192*, excluding cemetery fees.  Adding cemetery expenses will likely bring the total cost to $7,000-$9,000 for a ‘standard’ funeral service.  More extravagant funerals can cost double this!

In reality, not many families can afford to pay thousands for a funeral service these days. This is a key reason why the cremation rate has increased so significantly in recent years.

Choosing cremation dramatically reduces funeral expenses. In fact, opting for a simple direct cremation can reduce your funeral expense to less than $1,000 in most cities in Texas.

Direct cremation cost comparison in the top cities in Texas

To help families understand and compare cremation costs in Texas, here is a breakdown of direct cremation costs by city.

The table above shows the average direct cremation price compared with a low-cost direct cremation.  As you can see, in many Texas cities, a direct cremation can be arranged for less than $1,000.

What is the average cost of cremation in Texas?

The average cost of a cremation can depend on the type of service. The average price for a simple service is approximately $2,000-$3,000. You can pay more for an elaborate funeral with a gathering or less for a basic cremation service.

Eliminating certain items from the funeral expenses, such as embalming, a casket, a grave liner, and a cemetery plot, does save you money on the full cost of a funeral with burial.

What is the least expensive cremation service in Texas?

A direct cremation service in Texas is the least expensive option. It involves just cremation, with no additional services or ceremony. It is a simple, dignified cremation of the deceased with minimal fuss and at a minimal cost.

The cremated remains are returned to the next of kin once everything is complete.  A family can choose to hold a memorial service if they wish when they are ready.

Are there extra fees added to a low-cost cremation service package?

The service charge for a direct cremation is listed on the funeral provider’s General Price List. It should include the funeral director’s basic services, the deceased’s collection and transfer, the completion of the legal paperwork, and the cremation. It usually includes a simple cardboard cremation container and a temporary urn.

The funeral director will pay the county third-party fees to obtain the death certificate and any permit charges. These fees are added to the direct cremation service fee.

Cremation permit fees vary by county but are generally between $10 and $40 (if a charge is made).

Death certificates cost $20.00 for the initial certificate and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

Other possible additional charges would be:

• Residential collection
• Removal of a pacemaker
• Overweight surcharge (above 250 pounds)
• Family arrangement consultation
• Mailing of cremated remains

What Texas funeral legislation governs cremation arrangements?

Texas has a mandatory 48-hour wait period after death before a cremation can proceed. As cremation is such a final disposition and destroys all DNA, some strict codes and rules govern the cremation of human remains. 

A ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ must be signed by the legal next of kin before the county coroner can issue a cremation permit. 

Can you get a free cremation in Texas?

Unfortunately, very little in life or death is ‘free’!  What is sometimes called a “free” cremation or “no-cost” cremation is a whole-body donation.  Once the donation is made, the remains are cremated at no cost. 

However, some costs are associated with transporting the deceased and obtaining death certificates.  

Read more in this funeral planning guide for Texas.

Is there any financial assistance towards cremation expenses for families in Texas?

Local Texas counties manage their own budgets to assist needy families and address the needs of indigents.  You should contact your local county’s social or human services department to inquire if any support is available.

Other organizations, charities, and church groups may provide financial assistance to families facing funeral expenses. Arranging a basic direct cremation is the most economical option.

What happens if I cannot pay for a funeral in Texas?

If the deceased had no pre-paid funeral plan or life insurance, the immediate next of kin is responsible for paying the funeral bill. This can be very stressful if you lose a family member and become responsible for the funeral arrangements without any resources. 

This resource for County-Funded or Low-Income Cremation Services can offer some guidance.

Do any cremation service providers offer discounts for hospice patients?

Yes, some cremation service providers offer a discount to hospice patients seeking a direct cremation. The discount is often based on the hospice’s relationship with the funeral director and the ease of arranging the collection and completing paperwork. This can reduce the time and manpower the funeral director must allocate to a case, allowing him to offset the cost with a discount on a hospice cremation service.

How much does a cremation cost if the deceased is at the Medical Examiner’s morgue?

If the deceased is at the coroner’s office, you will need to make arrangements with a funeral service provider to collect the body when the coroner signs the release form. You will also need to authorize the funeral director to collect your loved one and transfer him or her into their care.

Because most funeral directors work regularly with the coroner’s office, and the ME issues the authorization and permit to cremate, the process can be easier.  For this reason, some funeral homes can offer a budget direct cremation when handling remains from the Medical Examiner.

* Average direct cremation prices data gathered from Funeralocity 2026.  Low-cost direct cremation prices are obtained from DFS Memorials providers in Texas.