These days, saving money wherever you can is becoming more imperative, and this is just the same 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 $1,195 in Fresno.
We have put together this guide to answer 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 around 20 funeral homes in Fresno, we aim to help you make a more informed choice of funeral home.
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?
The first thing to establish is that cremation prices differ considerably between different funeral homes in Baltimore. For this reason, an ‘average’ cremation cost has to be put into perspective based on the kind 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 is above the national average cost 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 $1,195 complete.
Choosing a Cremation Package
A funeral home must have a general price list (GPL) outlining its service charges, but many funeral homes also offer cremation packages, where a price is offered for a complete cremation service. 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 best option for saving on funeral costs 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 where the cremation is conducted first, and a memorial service 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 called 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 $1,200.
How do I choose a cremation provider in Fresno?
Choosing a cremation provider can depend upon what kind of cremation services you require. If you are looking for a cremation with a ceremony or interment committal, then you will need a funeral home that offers the facilities for a ceremony and that is in a good location 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 locale of the funeral home is not as essential if no services are being held, and many funeral homes have extended their service area for 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 family struggling to meet funeral costs is becoming a more regular occurrence. Not surprising when we learn 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 the $255 Social Security lump sum death benefit for those who qualify, and various union, faith, and charitable organizations may offer some support to families to assist with covering funeral costs.
Affordable cremation services are available throughout Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, & Tulare Counties.
*Prices obtained from Funeralocity (2024)
I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the last fifteen years. End of life services and experiences are something most of us choose not to reflect upon until we are suddenly faced with dealing with it. I have been contributing comprehensive and independent resources for families that explain how the funeral industry operates, and the laws that govern funeral practices. Sara writes for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, as well as contributing to other forums and publications for the death care industry. I have a BA in Cultural Studies. This helps my analysis of cultural death care rituals, alongside a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing an epoch of change and this fascinates me.
