Understanding Cremation Costs in Baltimore, MD

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Sara Marsden

The high cost of dying is becoming a concern for many families today. Not only can many of us not afford an elaborate and expensive funeral, but more people are deciding that they want something more simple and affordable, saving them thousands on funeral or cremation costs.

With over 70 funeral homes in Baltimore, it can be a minefield to identify what a funeral will cost in Baltimore and determine your options. So we have put together this guide to help you understand funeral costs in Baltimore and, more importantly, how to save money arranging a funeral or cremation.

How much does a funeral cost in Baltimore?

This is a question that funeral directors often seem to side-step answering! Instead, they like to regale you with stories of how many generations they have been in business or how excellent they are at providing ‘special’ ceremonies.

I have no doubt that this is true, BUT this still does not always justify their pricing. If a funeral director cannot simply answer a question about price…it should ring alarm bells!

The average funeral cost in Baltimore [a typical traditional burial] is $9,010*.

So, how can you save money on funeral costs by arranging a cremation in Baltimore?

A cremation will likely save you at least half the cost of a traditional burial funeral. You immediately save on some of the largest outlays associated with a funeral. With cremation, there is no need for a casket, embalming, a burial vault, a cemetery plot, or a full-size grave marker.

Eliminating these funeral merchandise items/services can save you a few thousand dollars on funeral costs in Baltimore! Another way that cremation can save money is that it is possible to hold a memorial service (with the cremated remains present) without having to go ahead with a funeral ceremony immediately.

This can allow families time to make decisions. Often, this can mean that money-saving options can be more thoroughly explored. Some families even choose to conduct their own memorial service, which can save on venue and staff costs. Plus it also makes a service so much more personalized.

What are the average cremation costs in Baltimore?

The first thing to establish is that cremation prices do differ considerably between different funeral homes in Baltimore. For this reason, an ‘average’ cremation cost has to be put into perspective on what kind of cremation services are being assessed.

The average cost of a cremation funeral is $3,942* for a cremation with a ceremony and a mid-range urn. This is above the national average cost for cremation services. However, cheaper cremation options are available, as outlined below.

Call (410) 670-4730 now to arrange a direct cremation in Baltimore for just $950 complete.

Choosing a Cremation Package

cremation-cedar-rapids-iowa A funeral home must have a general price list (GPL) outlining their service charges, but many funeral homes also offer cremation packages, where a price is offered for a complete cremation service.

In comparing costs and services between funeral homes, it is important to ensure you are comparing like-for-like services, especially when it is a quoted cremation package price.

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. This is the best option to save on funeral costs in Baltimore.

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.

To learn more about cremation services, cremation laws, and what happens throughout the cremation process – visit our Complete Guide to Cremation.

Arranging a direct cremation in Baltimore

A direct cremation is the least expensive cremation option. It is sometimes called 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, 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).

The average cost of a direct cremation in Baltimore is $2,327*, but you can conduct a direct cremation for just $950. This reflects the huge range of pricing for a direct cremation in the city, starting from just over $950 and going up to $6,120.

How do I choose a cremation provider in Baltimore?

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 direct cremation at the most affordable price, then you may consider the services of a provider who specifically offers direct cremation at a low cost. 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 Baltimore?

It is always wise to shop around and compare services and costs. We do it in any other large purchase, 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 Baltimore.

What if the deceased had no life insurance? Is there any help with cremation costs in Baltimore?

An individual passing without insurance and family struggling to meet funeral costs is becoming more regular. Not surprising when we learn that 76% of American families live paycheck to paycheck [CNN Oct 2022]. 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.

DFS Memorials Baltimore serves families in Annapolis, Baltimore, Barnesville, Beltsville, Bethesda, Bowie, Brentwood, Charlott Hall, Clarksville, Clinton, Columbia, Damascus, Ellicott City, Gaithersburg, Gambrills, Hyattsville, La Plata, Laurel, Laytonsville, Owings, Oxon Hill, Rockville, Silver Spring, Suitland and throughout Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Harford Counties.

*Price Index January 2023

Understanding funeral & cremation costs in St. Louis, MO

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Cremation Advisor

If the high cost of a funeral is a worry to your family, we hope to guide you on how to arrange the lowest-cost cremation service in St Louis.

The Internet provides a great tool to help you find out about funeral prices and cremation costs before contacting a funeral home or crematory in St Louis. To help you understand more about funeral costs and what your options are, we have put together this guide.

It gives you an overview of what cremation costs are in St Louis and, more importantly, how to save money arranging a funeral or cremation.

How much does a funeral cost in St Louis?

This is the vital question that we all want to know…how much is it going to cost me? Indeed we have all become such savvy shoppers today, with an expectation to compare prices and deals. The funeral industry has resisted this, and there are still more funeral home websites that do NOT disclose funeral prices than there are those that do.

The average cost of a funeral is around $9,000 (according to the National Association of Funeral Directors 2022, and this does not include any cemetery costs. So a traditional funeral is likely to cost you somewhere in the region of $8,000 to $12,000. Today when 76% of families are living paycheck to paycheck (CNN Money report), it is hardly surprising that paying out this amount for a funeral can seem insurmountable.

Tip: If a funeral home does not openly disclose cremation prices on its website or over the phone, it should ring alarm bells that they are not likely to be offering services in the ‘affordable’ bracket!

So how can you save money by arranging a cremation?

You will save at least half the cost of a traditional funeral by arranging for a cremation service. Why? Mainly because you eliminate some of the largest expenses related to a funeral service. There is no need for a casket, burial vault, embalming, or cemetery plot. This alone will save you thousands of dollars!

save_money_cremation Another significant way that you can save money by arranging a cremation is that it removes the need to hold a service immediately. A simple cremation can be conducted to deal with the disposition of the body, and the memorialization (the service/ceremony) part of the ritual can always be performed at a later date.

This removes the need to make instant decisions (which can sometimes prove costly) at the time of death and when you are feeling emotionally vulnerable. Of course, you can also choose to hold your own memorial service, which can save you even more money on the overall funeral costs.

What is the average cost of a cremation in St Louis?

It is important to understand that cremation prices do differ considerably between different funeral homes in St. Louis. The ‘average’ cost of cremation has to be put into the perspective on what kind of cremation services are being assessed. The Cremation Association of North America [CANA] records that the cost is $2,250 for a cremation with a ceremony and a mid-range urn. However, cheaper cremation options are available, as outlined below.

Call DFS Memorials now at (314) 200-2604 to arrange a direct cremation for just $1,095 in St Louis.

Choosing the best Cremation Package

A funeral home must have a general price list (GPL) outlining their service charges, but many funeral homes also offer cremation packages, where a price is offered for a complete cremation service. In comparing costs and services between funeral homes, it is important to ensure you are comparing like-for-like services, especially when it is a quoted cremation package price.

Not all cremation providers quote a fully inclusive price when quoting a cremation package. There are generally 3 main types of cremation options – a direct cremation (a basic minimal cremation), a cremation with a funeral service, or a cremation with a memorial service. The difference is that with a direct cremation, there is NO service or ceremony conducted by the funeral provider, although you can conduct your own memorial services afterward.

To learn more about cremation – service options, cremation arrangement laws, and what happens throughout the cremation process – read our Complete Guide to Cremation.

How to arrange a direct cremation in St Louis

Direct cremation is fast becoming the preferred and most affordable cremation option for families today. It offers a dignified yet efficient and cheap way to conduct a disposition.

In the Greater St Louis area, you can arrange a direct cremation for $1,095, which can make handling funeral costs within the means of many families.

How do I choose a cremation provider in St Louis?

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.

The DFS Memorials provider for St Louis is an established funeral home with facilities for ceremonies. DFS Memorials offers families a low-cost alternative in St. Louis.

DFS Memorials ST LOUIS (314) 200-2604 Call with any questions you may have

Lowest cost direct cremation $1,095 complete

How can I compare cremation providers in St Louis?

It is always wise to shop around and compare services and costs. 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 St Louis.

At DFS Memorials, we conducted research to find the best cremation prices in St Louis to save you the task of phoning around to compare prices. This way, we can save you the hassle when you are emotionally fragile.

What if the deceased had no life insurance? Is there any help with cremation costs in St Louis?

An individual passing without any insurance, and family struggling to meet funeral costs, is becoming a more regular occurrence. 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 the State, 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 that qualify, and various union, faith, and charitable organizations may offer some support to families to assist with covering funeral costs.

Provider	Direct cremation price
Cremation Services of Metro East	$1,695
Kutis Funeral Home	$1,395
Kriegshauser Bros. Funeral Home	$1,299
St. Louis Cremation	$1,195
Heartland Cremation & Burial Society	$1,195
DFS Memorials	$1,095

Baue Funeral Homes and Crematory charge $2,795 for direct cremation.

DFS Memorials St. Louis serves families throughout the Greater St. Louis area, Alton, Belleville, De Soto, Eureka, Festus, Granite City, Pacific, Sullivan, Swansea, Warrenton, Washington, Wentzville and St. Charles, Franklin, Warren, Lincoln, Ralls, Audrain, Jefferson, and Washington Counties.

Arranging a simple cremation service for $945 – Tulsa, OK

Posted on October 17, 2019 by Cremation Advisor

If you need to arrange a simple and affordable funeral, you may be considering a cremation service. More families today are choosing cremation as a funeral option.

You may have questions about cremation services and costs, so we have put together this short guide to give you an overview of cremation services in Tulsa.

If you have the immediate need for a low-cost direct cremation, call your local DFS Memorials provider now on (918) 205-2141.

Why choose cremation?

We are hearing the phrase “we just want a simple cremation” so often today. Simplicity is a key aspect. The notion of traditional funeral rituals is diminishing. Families are choosing cremation because it is much more affordable than a traditional burial service. You can save thousands of dollars. No cemetery plot, burial vault or casket is required. There is no need (or requirement) for embalming. So, eliminating these products and services saves you around $5,000.

Cremation can also offer more flexibility in arranging funeral services. Instead of a funeral having to go ahead immediately, a cremation can be conducted, and a memorial service held at a later date (and place).

Also, as people have become more mobile, some family members can pass away from their home state, and it may be easier (and more affordable) to conduct a cremation service at the place of death. Transportation can then be arranged for the cremated remains.

What do you need to know about the legal aspect of cremation?

If you choose cremation, there are some legal requirements that must be complied with. Before cremation can proceed, the legal next of kin must sign a ‘Cremation Authorization Form’. If the deceased had made pre-arrangements he or she may have already authorized a cremation disposition.

If there is any disagreement between siblings or legal next of kin, this may prevent a cremation from going ahead.

You will also be asked to fill out a Personal Information Form for the deceased. This provides the information for the death certificate. It is important to double-check all the information is correct, as once issued, it is very difficult to have a death certificate amended.

The death certificate is obtained by the funeral director, and you can request additional copies if required. Once all the authorizations are complete, the cremation permit will be issued by Tulsa County.

How much does a cremation cost?

Credit: Parting.com

This is a question we are all asking now, but funeral directors will often avoid giving a definitive answer to it. There are different types of cremation services. A funeral cremation with a ceremony held at the funeral home is going to cost more than a simple direct cremation service. The average price for a cremation memorial in Tulsa is priced at $2,855. This is when the cremation is performed first and a memorial service held with the cremated remains.

A direct cremation is the least expensive, and simplest cremation option. The cremation is carried out, but no ceremony or services are provided by the funeral home. The deceased is collected, sheltered, the paperwork is completed and then the cremation is conducted. The cremated remains are returned directly to the family.

A memorial service can be held by the family at a later date. The best price for a direct cremation in Tulsa is $945.

What if the deceased is at the Medical Examiners?

If your loved one was taken into the care of the Medical Examiner and you wish to arrange a cremation, you will still need to employ the services of a funeral director.

Only a licensed funeral director can collect a body from the coroner. You may need to visit the ME’s office to identify the body. Once the Medical Examiner has signed-off of the cause of death, the death certificate and cremation permit will be issued.

The Office of the Medical Examiner is located at 1115 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK 74107. Phone (918) 295-3400.

What if we have no money for a funeral?

Unfortunately, more families are finding themselves struggling with unexpected funeral expenses these days. According to CNBC (July 2019) “many Americans can’t afford a $400 emergency” without going into debt (or further debt). There is limited financial help for families. Medicaid can offer some support, and Tulsa County Social Services has a program to assist with indigent burials. The department can be reached on (918) 596-5560.

Tulsa County Social Services, 2401 Charles Page Blvd, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74127

If you have further questions about cremation services in Tulsa, check out this Oklahoma Guide to Funeral Planning, or feel free to contact us.

$795 Simple cremation in Frisco, TX

Posted on May 8, 2018 by N. G Pelling

If you have an immediate, or imminent, need for a simple low cost cremation then we can help you arrange everything for one low price of $795.

Our attitudes to death and funerals are changing and many families are finding that cremation offers a more simple and affordable option. More families are deciding they just want a simple, “no fuss” option, one that can be delivered at a low cost.

A direct cremation package can help you arrange a low-cost funeral. The direct cremation takes care of the immediate disposition of the deceased, and once the cremated remains are available, a memorial or ash-scattering service can be conducted.

When you can take care of everything for $795, and are dealing with a family-owned funeral business, why should you pay more than this?

What is included in the $795 Simple Cremation Package?

Our simple cremation service includes:

Collection of the deceased from the place of death
Transfer to the funeral facility*
Shelter of the deceased
Filing of death certificate and cremation permit
A cardboard cremation container for the cremation process
The cremation process
Return of the cremated remains in a temporary cremation urn

*an additional mileage fee can apply if outside our basic service area

Are there any extra costs?

The only additional fees are county fees, which are subject to change and payable to the county in order to facilitate the cremation proceeding. Death certificate fees in Texas are $21 for the 1^st certificate and $4 for each additional copy at present.

Can we still have a funeral service if we arrange a direct cremation?

Yes, of course. You can arrange a memorial service once you have the cremated remains returned. A memorial service is the type of funeral service where 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 take the shape of an ash scattering ceremony, or a 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 Frisco, TX

As cremation is becoming a popular choice for residents of Frisco, there are several cremation service providers serving Collin County. The cost of a cremation can vary significantly, for the exact same service, so it is wise to ensure you do compare cremation prices between a few providers to ensure you are benefitting from a value for money cremation service package. The average cost of a cremation memorial service in Frisco is $6,110*, and the average cost of a direct cremation is $3,260* It is important to check that a direct cremation package includes everything.

A cremation significantly reduces funeral costs. The average cost of a funeral in Frisco is $9,592.*

How can you save money when arranging a cremation service?

A direct cremation is the most economical means of disposition there is. In Frisco, a direct cremation can be conducted for $795 complete, making this very affordable funeral option. If you need to keep funeral costs down, then a simple cremation arranged through a cremation provider, is your lowest cost cremation option in Frisco, TX. You can then arrange your own memorial services once you have the cremated remains returned. This significantly cuts down on funeral expenses.

What do I need to know about arranging a cremation? What are the 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 48-hour mandatory wait period after death before the cremation can go ahead.

What help is there with cremation costs?

If qualifying for Social Security, you may be entitled to the 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 off-set funeral costs, but with a direct cremation, the funeral provider will require payment upfront.

There is very limited public assistance support for funeral costs and this can vary by county. Check out Collin County Assistance Programs.

Collin County Human Services Department 210 South McDonald Street, McKinney TX 75069 Phone: (972) 424-1460

How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate?

You can obtain copies of a death certificate from the Vital Records office at: Collin County, 2300 Bloomdale Road 2104 McKinney, TX 75071 Phone: (972) 548-4185

What happens if the deceased is taken to the Coroner’s Office?

If there were circumstances surrounding the death that led to the deceased being taken to the County Coroner’s office, you will need to employ the services of a funeral director as soon as possible to liaise with the Coroner to 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 death certificate & cremation permit, it is generally easy to maintain a low cost to offer a direct cremation service for an individual that has been in the care of the Medical Examiner.

700 Wilmeth Road McKinney TX 75069 Phone: (972)-548-3775

Please contact your local DFS Memorials cremation services provider on (972) 332-0414 with any further questions you have, or to make immediate arrangements for a low-cost cremation service.

*Cost data obtained from funeral price comparison website 2018

Funeral costs: Understand your rights & save money

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Cremation Advisor

This great short animated video from NBC News gives us an insight into how the funeral industry, funeral costs and how funeral homes make money from us as funeral consumers. It covers the FTC’s ‘funeral rule’ and how often it is violated by funeral homes, rules on embalming and purchasing funeral merchandise and the benefits of preplanning a funeral. Definitely worth a watch!