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 $1,295.
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 has to be put into perspective based on what kind of cremation services are being assessed.
The cost of a direct cremation in New Hampshire can be between $1,300 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 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 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 conducted 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 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).
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 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
It is always wise to shop around and compare services and costs if you want to arrange a low-cost cremation in New Hampshire. We do it in any other large purchase we make – so why not when purchasing end-of-life services?
You will no doubt be surprised by how much the cost of funeral services can vary between funeral homes in New Hampshire.
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 be a huge help to 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 or 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 $1,600. 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?
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 that become the responsibility of Maryland 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 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.
