Cremation costs: How can I save money arranging a funeral in Phoenix, AZ?

Frequently Asked Questions about Cremation Memorials

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 that 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 to save money when arranging a funeral or cremation in Phoenix. 

A simple direct cremation service in Phoenix for just $950 complete.

Direct Cremation costs

How much does a funeral cost in Phoenix, AZ?

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 at half this cost by selecting a provider that offers more affordable funeral options. 

A complete traditional funeral can be held in Phoenix for $4,195 (excluding cemetery costs). 

Cremation Authorizations & Requirements

This means you can save thousands 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 for families in Phoenix.

Why direct cremation?

If you wish to save money on funeral arrangements, consider cremation.  Cremation is fast becoming a preferred choice for many families.  We are now choosing cremation as a disposition option for various reasons, but by far the most common is cost!

A cremation will cost you a fraction of the cost of a traditional burial.  In Phoenix, you can typically save up to 75% on what a traditional funeral would cost. 

Cremation eliminates the need for cemetery expenses, embalming, and a casket.  It can also offer families more time to prepare for a memorial service.

Instead of proceeding with a funeral, a cremation can be held, and a memorial service can be 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, AZ, today?

cremation prices

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 significantly between funeral homes, which also applies to cremation providers.  A simple cremation can cost anywhere between $950 to almost $3,000, depending on where you go.

How do you 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 funeral homes use 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 choose, you can purchase a cremation urn from the funeral home.  You can arrange a direct cremation in Phoenix for just $950 complete.

Comparing direct cremation costs in Phoenix, AZ

Cremation prices vary by provider, even within Phoenix, so it is essential to shop around and compare cremation prices between funeral homes today to ensure you get 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 $950, 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 2026. 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.

Comparing direct cremation service providers in Phoenix, AZ

Cremation Memorial Service Different Options

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 arrange the memorialization aspect of the funeral.

This enables the family to ensure that their loved one’s disposition is handled simply, with dignity, and in a timely manner, while 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, AZ?

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, as well as certain benefits for veterans if you qualify.  Other than that, you can try local charitable organizations, unions, and faith groups that may be able to help you raise 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

Sara Marsden-Ille

Sara Marsden-Ille is a writer and researcher specialising in the death care industry. With more than 15 years covering end-of-life services, funeral trends, and consumer funeral planning, she writes for DFS Memorials and US Funerals Online to help families make informed decisions.

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