As the cremation trend continues to soar in Virginia, more families are 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 seeking an affordable cremation option.
Cremation Packages & Costs
The first thing to clarify is that quoting an ‘average’ cost for 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 that 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 services:
- A cremation with a service/ceremony (which is very similar to a traditional funeral service) is where the service is held with the deceased present, and the cremation is performed after the service.
- A cremation with a memorial service 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.
- 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
There 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 return 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 area 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 of a direct cremation can vary depending on the provider.
Disclaimer: This cremation cost information was obtained from providers in November 2023. 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 option, direct cremation is your best 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 a $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 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 |
I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the past fifteen years. End-of-life services and experiences are topics most people avoid thinking about until they must face them. My work provides comprehensive and independent resources for families, explaining the workings of the funeral industry, the laws governing funeral practices, and the death care trends that impact consumers. With a BA in Cultural Studies, I bring a unique perspective to analyzing cultural death care rituals, complemented by a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing significant changes, which I find fascinating. The shift towards cremation services and the emergence of sustainable alternatives like aquamation and human composting are of particular interest. I am also intrigued by how technology is reshaping the funeral planning process and experience. I write for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, and contribute to various forums and publications within the death care industry.
