The cost of dying these days is becoming as much of a concern as the cost of living! Funerals can end up costing thousands of dollars of money we don’t have or simply do not want to spend on death care.
With traditionalism in decline and families seeking alternative funeral options, especially those driven by cost, this article aims to help you understand some options that you have to save money when arranging a funeral or cremation in Phoenix.
A simple direct cremation service can be conducted for just $850.
How much does a funeral cost in Phoenix?
All funerals are NOT created equal! Yes, believe it or not, funeral prices differ dramatically, and you can end up completely confused by the array of prices and services! Funeral costs in Phoenix vary significantly, depending upon the funeral provider you select and the type of services you opt for.
The average funeral cost is around $9,000 (according to the National Funeral Directors Association). This is for a typical burial service, including a viewing, ceremony, all associated professional services, and a standard casket. This does not include any cemetery fees or cash advance items.
However, it is possible to arrange a traditional burial for half this cost by selecting a provider who offers more affordable funeral alternatives. A complete traditional funeral can be conducted in Phoenix for $4,195 (not including cemetery costs).
Immediately, this means you can save thousands just by shopping around and choosing a more affordable funeral home in Phoenix.
All funeral homes in Phoenix have a General Price List (GPL) that discloses all their services and itemized funeral prices. By law, they must disclose prices to you, either in person or by phone, although you may find that not all funeral homes are willing to do so.
If a funeral provider is not open about disclosing prices when you make an initial inquiry – it should ring alarm bells!!
Cremation: the low-cost funeral option.
If you wish to save money arranging a funeral – consider cremation. Cremation is fast becoming a preferred choice for many families. There are various reasons why we are now choosing cremation as a disposition option, but by far, the most common reason is the cost!
A cremation will cost you a fraction of the cost of a traditional burial. In Phoenix, typically, you can save up to 75% of what it would cost you for a traditional burial funeral. Cremation removes the need for cemetery expenses, as well as the need for embalming and a casket. It can also offer families more time to prepare for a memorial service.
Instead of having to proceed with a funeral, a cremation can go ahead, and a memorial service arranged later with the cremation urn present. This can be another way to save money and make the tribute much more personal.
What is the average cost of a cremation in Phoenix?
According to the Cremation Association of North America CANA, the average cremation cost is $2,250. This is, of course, a national average cost, and the average cost of cremation also depends not only upon where you live but also on exactly what services are included with any cremation package.
As mentioned above, prices vary so much between funeral homes, which also applies to cremation providers. A simple cremation can cost anywhere between $850 to almost $3,000 – depending on where you go.
How to arrange a low-cost cremation in Phoenix, AZ?
If you are worried about funeral costs, then a simple cremation service is the cheapest option. It offers a simple and affordable solution for families seeking to arrange a disposition on a budget.
Direct cremation is a term used by a funeral home to refer to their basic cremation service. This is a cremation without any services. The deceased is collected and prepared for cremation. All the necessary documentation is completed, and the cremation proceeds.
A basic cremation container is used, and the ashes are generally returned in a temporary box. If you so choose, you can purchase a cremation urn from the funeral home. You can arrange a direct cremation in Phoenix for just $850 complete.
Comparing cremation costs in Phoenix
Cremation prices vary by provider, even within Phoenix, so it is important to shop around and compare cremation prices between funeral homes today to ensure that you have obtained the best cremation possible. Telephoning around or conducting online research on cremation pricing can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That is why we have conducted our own cremation cost research, so you don’t have to! The provider we work with in Phoenix offers an exceptional value cremation package.
The DFS Memorials provider offers a direct cremation for $850, a direct burial for $995
and a complete traditional funeral for just $4,495
Call (602) 638-1151 – Providing affordable funeral options for families in Phoenix.
Disclaimer: This cremation cost information was obtained from providers in January 2024. 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.
Direct cremation services in Phoenix
As mentioned, a direct cremation is the lowest-cost cremation option. Most funeral homes offer a direct cremation on the General Price List (GPL). It is a simple process that manages the ‘mechanics’ of the disposition. With the cremated remains returned, the family can then arrange to conduct the memorialization aspect of the funeral.
This enables the family to ensure that their loved one’s disposition is handled in a simple, dignified, and timely way whilst not overspending on funeral costs. The family can gather for a memorial service later if they choose or arrange a simple ash scattering ceremony.
I cannot afford a funeral. Is there any help with funeral costs in Phoenix?
Sadly, more and more families are struggling to meet funeral expenses today. Any financial assistance with funeral or cremation costs is managed at the county level, and the funding varies by state/county. Contact your Local County human or social services to find out what may be available near you and if you qualify. They can advise you on what help is available and whether or not you are eligible to claim.
There is also the $255 Social Security death benefit if you qualify and certain benefits for veterans. Other than that, you can try local charitable organizations, unions, and faith groups that may be able to assist you in raising funds for a funeral.
Serving families in Maricopa County, Arcadia, Biltmore, Central Ave, Copper Square, Desert Ridge, East Side, Golden Gate Barrio, Maryvale, Maryvale Village, North Phoenix, Northwest Phoenix, South Phoenix, & Southwest Phoenix
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.
