These days, saving money wherever possible is becoming increasingly imperative, and this is no exception when it comes to arranging a funeral or cremation. Why should you pay thousands of dollars for something you can arrange for much less? You can arrange a low-cost cremation for just $995 in Fresno.
We have compiled this guide to address some of the questions you may have about arranging a funeral or cremation in Fresno. It covers everything from average costs to where to find help with funeral expenses. With approximately 20 funeral homes in Fresno, we aim to help you make a more informed decision about a cremation service provider.
Call (559) 241-8161 for assistance or with any questions about pre-arranging an affordable direct cremation service.
How much does a funeral cost in Fresno?
This is a question that funeral directors often seem to side-step answering! Instead, they like to regale you with stories of how many generations they have been in business or how excellent they are at providing ‘special’ ceremonies.
I have no doubt that this is true, BUT this still does not always justify their pricing. If a funeral director cannot simply answer a question about price…it should ring alarm bells!
According to the online funeral price surveys, the average funeral cost in Fresno is $8,184*.
What is the average cost of a cremation in Fresno, CA?
The first thing to establish is that cremation prices differ considerably between different funeral homes in Baltimore. For this reason, the ‘average’ cremation cost must be put into perspective based on the type of cremation services being assessed.
The average cost of a cremation funeral is $5,739* for a cremation with a ceremony and a mid-range urn. This cost exceeds the national average for cremation services. However, cheaper cremation options are available, as outlined below.
Call (559) 241-8161 now to arrange a direct cremation in Fresno for just $995 complete.
Choosing a Cremation Service in Fresno, CA
A funeral home must have a general price list (GPL) outlining its service charges. However, many funeral homes also offer cremation packages, which include a complete cremation service at a specified price.
When comparing costs and services between funeral homes, it is important to ensure you are comparing like-for-like services, especially when the cremation package price is quoted.
Not all cremation providers quote a fully inclusive price when quoting a cremation package. There are generally three main types of cremation options: direct cremation (a basic, minimal cremation), cremation with a funeral service, or cremation with a memorial service.
The difference is that with a direct cremation, the funeral provider does not conduct a service or ceremony, although you can conduct your own memorial services afterward. This is the most cost-effective option for saving on funeral expenses in Fresno.
A cremation with a funeral service is generally where the deceased is present, and the cremation is conducted after the service. A cremation with a memorial service is a process where the cremation is conducted first, followed by a memorial service that is held with the cremation urn present.
Arranging a direct cremation in Fresno, CA
A direct cremation is the least expensive option. It is sometimes referred to as a simple or basic cremation, or an immediate cremation. It means that just a basic disposition service is offered.
The deceased is collected and prepared for cremation, and all the necessary documentation is completed. The cremation process goes ahead, and then the cremated remains are returned to the family (generally in a temporary urn).
The average cost of a direct cremation in Fresno is $1,520*. This reflects the wide range of pricing in the city, starting from just under $1,000.
How do I choose a cremation services provider in Fresno?
Choosing a cremation provider depends on the type of cremation services you require. Suppose you are looking for a cremation with a ceremony or interment committal. In that case, you will need a funeral home that offers the necessary facilities for a ceremony and is conveniently located for your family.
If you have decided upon a simple, direct cremation at the most affordable price, you may consider the services of a provider who specifically offers direct cremation at a low cost.
The location of the funeral home is not as essential if no services are being held, and many funeral homes have expanded their service area to include direct cremation services.
What if the deceased had no life insurance? Is there any help with cremation costs?
An individual passing without any insurance and a family struggling to meet funeral costs is becoming a more regular occurrence. Not surprising, considering that 76% of American families live paycheck to paycheck [CNN].
Public aid can be a little patchy depending on where you are, but you can consult your local county human services or social services to find out if there is any financial assistance near you.
The state will meet indigent burials for those who become California’s responsibility, but there are generally eligibility requirements for any state funding for funeral expenses.
There is also a $255 Social Security lump sum death benefit available to those who qualify, and various union, faith, and charitable organizations may offer support to families to help cover funeral costs.
Arranging a cremation from the Fresno Coroner’s Office
When a deceased person is taken to the coroner’s office in Fresno, CA, the Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office, guided by California Government Code §27491, initiates an investigation to determine the cause and manner of death, particularly for cases involving unnatural, sudden, or unattended deaths, such as accidents, homicides, or suicides.
The body is typically transported to the coroner’s facility or a contract mortuary by a deputy coroner after being notified by authorities, such as hospital staff or law enforcement, as outlined in local protocols. At the facility, the coroner may conduct an external examination or, if needed, an autopsy to gather evidence.
A body can only be released to a licensed funeral home like those in the DFS Memorials network.
The office works to identify and notify next of kin, a critical step before releasing the body, and prepares a coroner’s report (available for $48.00 upon completion). If unclaimed, the body may be held for 30 days before cremation at a potter’s field, ensuring compliance with state.
The Fresno County Coroner’s office is at 3333 E American Ave, Fresno, CA 93725
Phone 559-600-3400.
Affordable cremation services are available throughout Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, & Tulare Counties.
*Prices obtained from Funeralocity
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.
