The cremation rate continues to rise, with more families considering cremation as an alternative to a burial service. So, how much does a cremation cost in Connecticut? And how can you save money on funeral expenses by arranging a cremation service?
The national average cost for a cremation funeral service is $6,260 [NFDA]. This is for a cremation funeral where the deceased is cremated following a funeral service. A cremation memorial service is usually less expensive, as cremation is conducted before the funeral service.
So, let’s look at what you can expect for cremation memorial costs across Connecticut.
What can you expect to pay for cremation in Hartford?
The cost of funerals and cremations is a little above average in Connecticut. Funeral service providers report that gas prices are higher than average, making cremation prices higher than in other parts of the country.
The average price for a cremation memorial service in Hartford is $3,863*, with the average price for a simple, direct cremation service coming in at just under $3,000. This does not account for the fact that several funeral homes offer direct cremations for around $2,000.
The price of cremation in New Haven, CT
The average cremation memorial in New Haven costs $3,718*, with surveys reporting the average price of direct cremation at $2,692*.
Cremation costs in Bridgeport, CT
The average price for a cremation memorial service in Bridgeport is $3,409*, with the average cost reported at $2,370. However, the lowest cost for a direct cremation service is $2,000. This makes a direct cremation the most affordable funeral option in Fairfield County.
Choosing a Cremation Package
A funeral home must have a general price list (GPL) outlining its service charges, but many also offer cremation packages, which include a price 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 three main types of cremation options: direct cremation (a basic minimal cremation), cremation with a funeral service, or cremation with a memorial service.
The difference is that with a direct cremation, the funeral provider does not conduct a service or ceremony, although you can conduct your own memorial services afterward. A direct cremation is the best way to save on costs in Connecticut.
On the other hand, 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 held with the cremation urn present.
Arranging a direct cremation in Connecticut
A direct cremation is the least expensive option. It is sometimes referred to as a simple or basic cremation or an immediate cremation. It means that just a basic disposition service is offered. The deceased is collected, prepared for cremation, and 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).
Call DFS Memorials now at (203) 864-6010 to arrange a direct cremation for $2,000.
There are over 200 funeral homes in Connecticut, so hopefully, this article has given you a better idea of what to expect regarding cremation costs before deciding which funeral home is right for you.
* Prices obtained from online funeral survey 2024 – Parting
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.
