Our attitudes to death and funerals are changing, and many families are finding that cremation offers a simpler and more affordable option. More families are deciding they want a “no fuss” option that can be delivered at a low cost, such as a simple cremation in Manhattan.
A direct cremation package can help you arrange a low-cost funeral. Direct cremation takes care of the immediate disposition of the deceased, and once the cremated remains are available, a memorial or scattering of ashes service can be conducted.
Why should you pay more when you can take care of everything for under $495 and deal with a family-owned funeral business?
Call now at (212) 381-6243 for assistance or with any questions.
What is included in the $495 direct cremation package?
Our simple cremation service includes the following:
- Collection of the deceased from the place of death (within mileage service area)
- Transfer to the funeral facility*
- Shelter of the deceased
- Securing the necessary authorizations – Filing of the death certificate and cremation permit
- Basic local transportation to the crematory
- A cardboard cremation container for the cremation process
- Return of the cremated remains in a temporary cremation urn
Are there any extra costs for a simple cremation in Manhattan?
The additional fees are third-party fees. These are the crematory fee, which is $140.00, and the NY permit fee, which is $40.00, plus 1 death certificate and a processing fee. The total full price (including third-party charges) will come in at around $800+.
Death certificate fees in New York are currently $15 for the first certificate and $10 for each additional copy.
For shipping the ashes within any of the 5 Boroughs, the fee is $40.00, and to ship outside of the boroughs, the fee is $75.00
Can we still have a funeral service if we arrange a direct cremation in NYC?
Yes, of course. Once you have the cremated remains returned, you can arrange a memorial service. A memorial service is a type of funeral service in which the deceased’s body is not present.
You can hold a memorial service with or without the cremation urn present. A memorial funeral service can also be an ash scattering ceremony, candlelit vigil, or tribute.
We have some useful resources to help you plan and make your own memorial tributes in our Memorialization section.
Comparing cremation costs in Manhattan, NY
As cremation is becoming a popular choice for Manhattan residents, several cremation service providers serve New York City. The cost of a cremation can vary significantly for the exact same service, so it is wise to compare cremation prices between a few providers to ensure you are benefitting from a value-for-money cremation service package.
Several funeral service providers in NYC now offer affordable direct cremation services. The DFS Provider has the best direct cremation price in NYC at $495.
The closest comparable price is $695, with the typical affordable direct cremation package being around $1,195.
The average cost of a cremation memorial service in Manhattan is $3,915*, and the average cost of a direct cremation is $1,969*.
It is essential to consider the full costs when pricing a direct cremation, as most funeral service providers advertise a price that does not include third-party costs, such as the crematory fee.
Cremation significantly reduces funeral costs. The average funeral cost in Manhattan is $6,841*, excluding cemetery fees.
How can you save money when arranging a simple cremation service in Manhattan?
Direct cremation is the most economical means of disposition. In Manhattan, a direct cremation can be conducted for $495 (Professional Service Charge—Third-Party County fees and crematory fee are additional).
This makes direct cremation a very affordable funeral option.
If you need to keep funeral costs down, a simple cremation arranged through a cremation provider is your lowest-cost cremation option in Manhattan, NY. Once you have the cremated remains returned, you can arrange your own memorial services, which significantly cut down on funeral expenses.
What do I need to know about arranging a cremation? What are NYC legal requirements?
A Cremation Authorization Form must be signed by the legal next of kin for a cremation to proceed. If there are multiple siblings, all must sign and agree for a cremation to be carried out.
There is a 24-hour mandatory waiting period after death before cremation can proceed.
What help is there with cremation costs in NYC?
If you qualify for Social Security, you may be entitled to a lump-sum death benefit payment of $255. The funeral director will generally assist you with submitting the claim to Social Security.
Of course, many people use life insurance policies to offset funeral costs; however, with a direct cremation, the funeral provider typically requires payment upfront.
There is minimal public assistance available to support funeral costs, which can vary by county. Check out New York County Assistance Programs.
US Department Of Health And Human Services Manhattan District Offices Phone: (800) 772-1213
How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate in Manhattan?
You can obtain copies of a death certificate from the Vital Records office at:
New York County Clerk
60 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007-1402
(212) 374-8361
What happens if the deceased is taken to the Coroner’s Office?
Suppose the circumstances surrounding the death led to the deceased being taken to the County Coroner’s office. In that case, you will need to employ the services of a funeral director as soon as possible to liaise with the Coroner and have the body released into their care. Only a licensed funeral director can collect a body from the Coroner’s morgue.
As funeral directors are familiar with the process, and the body is released with a death certificate and cremation permit, it is generally easy to maintain a low cost for offering a direct cremation service for an individual in the care of the Medical Examiner.
You can find the NYC County Coroner’s office details on this link.
Please call your local DFS Memorials cremation services provider at (212) 381-6243 with any further questions or to arrange an immediate low-cost cremation service.
*Cost data obtained from funeral price comparison website 2025
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.
