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 that saves them spending thousands on funeral or cremation costs.
With over 70 funeral homes in Baltimore, it can be a minefield trying to identify exactly what a funeral will cost in Baltimore and work out 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 cost of a funeral 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 is likely to 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. 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
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. 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 referred to as a simple or basic cremation or called 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*. This reflects the huge range of pricing for a direct cremation in the city, starting from $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 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 Baltimore.
What if the deceased had no life insurance? Is there any help with cremation costs in Baltimore?
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 are living paycheck to paycheck [CNN 2023].
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 2024
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.
