The cost of dying in New Hampshire could be regarded as higher than the national average, but cremation offers a much more economical alternative to expensive funerals. With a cremation rate of around 65%, it is undoubtedly the preferred choice for many New Hampshire families.
Read on to learn more about different cremation services and how to arrange a low-cost cremation in New Hampshire for as little as $1,195.
Call now for immediate help with a direct cremation – (603) 316-2051
What is the average cost of a cremation in New Hampshire?
The first thing to establish is that cremation prices differ considerably between different funeral homes in New Hampshire. For this reason, an ‘average’ cremation cost must be put into perspective based on the kind of cremation services being assessed.
A direct cremation in New Hampshire can cost between $1,195 and $3,000, whereas a cremation with a service will cost closer to $5,000.
The average cost of a direct cremation service in New Hampshire is $2,190.*
Choosing a Cremation Service in New Hampshire
A funeral home must have a general price list (GPL) outlining its service charges. Still, many funeral homes also offer cremation packages, where a price is provided 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 has NO service or ceremony, although you can conduct your own memorial services afterward.
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 performed first, and a memorial service is held with the cremation urn present.
Arranging a direct cremation in New Hampshire
A direct cremation is the least expensive option. It is sometimes called a simple or basic cremation or an immediate cremation. This 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 proceeds, and then the cremated remains are returned to the family (generally in a temporary urn).
How do I choose a cremation provider in New Hampshire?
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 cremation in New Hampshire, you may consider the services of a provider who specifically offers a low-cost direct cremation. 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.
How do cremation providers compare in New Hampshire?
If you want to arrange a low-cost cremation in New Hampshire, it is always wise to shop around and compare services and costs. We do it with any other large purchase we make, so why not when purchasing end-of-life services?
You will no doubt be surprised by how much funeral services cost can vary between New Hampshire funeral homes.
How to Preplan an affordable cremation in New Hampshire
More seniors are choosing to set up an affordable direct cremation plan now. With a wish to have put in place a simple, no-fuss cremation plan at a low cost, thereby saving their surviving family from the financial burden of funeral expenses and giving them peace of mind that their final wishes are taken care of.
As family authorizations are required for a cremation to be conducted, it can greatly help the surviving family if the Cremation Authorization documentation has already been signed. When prearranging, you can pre-sign authorization, which can save your family the stress at the time of passing.
You can set up a cremation plan directly with a funeral home, complete the necessary paperwork, and put the required funds aside in a Payable on Death (P.O.D.) account for your family to access when needed.
A simple cremation plan can be arranged for around $1,500. If you add a Travel Protection Plan for $450, you would be fully covered if a death should occur away from New Hampshire.
What if the deceased had no life insurance? Is there any help with cremation costs in NH?
An individual passing without any insurance and family struggling to meet funeral costs is becoming a more regular occurrence. It is 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 New Hampshire’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.
*Funeralocity Funeral Price Survey 2024
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.
