Click here to view Cremation prices by city in California.
California is currently ranked as the state in the United States with the highest population, and cremation is a popular choice among Californians. So, the cremation market is competitive.
Below, we have identified some of California’s best-value direct cremation service packages.
| CITY | CALL NOW | DIRECT CREMATION PRICE |
| Los Angeles | (323) 798-9055 | $1,045 |
| San Francisco | (800) 548-7310 | $1,195 |
| San Diego | (619) 268-1962 | $1,446 |
| Sacramento | (916) 229-6142 | $1,346 |
| Fresno | (559) 241-8161 | $1,346 |
Direct cremation service packages can be arranged for as low as $1,045 in California. Read on to learn more about cremation service options and costs.
Call your local location below, or visit DFS Memorials California to find your nearest location and cremation price, and be immediately connected to your local provider.
It is apparent that cremation is a preferred alternative to burial for families across the West Coast. How has this affected the funeral industry in California? More importantly, has this made cremation a more affordable option for Californians?
The average traditional burial funeral service in California can cost $10,000 or more, whereas the average cremation service ranges from $600 to $3,000. Thus, cremation services offer a more affordable and flexible alternative to traditional funeral services.
How much does cremation cost in Los Angeles, CA?
As mentioned above, cremations can cost between $1,045 and $3,000. This can depend on the type of cremation service and the cremation service provider chosen. A direct cremation is the cheapest option.
Call (323) 798-9055
Direct Cremation $1,045 – Los Angeles
Online sources quote that in LA, the average cost for a cremation memorial service is $5,278*and for a direct cremation is $1,656*.
In the Greater Los Angeles area, a direct cremation can cost as little as $1,045. A direct cremation is a basic cremation that does not include any ceremony or services provided by the funeral home or mortuary.
The deceased is collected directly from the place of death and transported to the funeral home or crematory. The cremation is conducted, and the cremated remains are then returned to the family.
How do cremation prices compare in the Bay Area, CA?
The Bay Area, including San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and Stockton, compares very similarly to LA, with cremation prices ranging from around $1,000 to $3,300. Marin County has one of the highest cremation rates in the country, and cremation is undoubtedly a popular choice for many Bay Area residents.
Several cremation companies have chosen to focus on the demand for simple, low-cost direct cremation, offering arrangements that can be completed without even visiting a funeral home.
Several direct cremation providers compete in the affordable cremation market, offering direct cremation services for around $1,195.
Direct Cremation $1,195
What can you expect to pay for cremation in Sacramento, CA?
The average cost of an affordable direct cremation in Sacramento is $1,346, though cremation providers are offering lower-cost options.
Call (916) 229-6142
Cremation costs in Northern California.
The basic cost rises somewhat in Northern California. A simple direct cremation service costs approximately $1,200 in Redding and around $1,400 in Chico.
Direct cremation in Southern California.
San Diego has a high cremation rate and a low direct cremation price. The average cost for a simple direct cremation is $1,446.
Call (619) 268-1962
Where is the cheapest place to be cremated in California?
Southern California is the cheapest place to be cremated. In Los Angeles and San Diego, direct cremation services cost between $995 and $1,195.
Since both cities have the largest populations in California, there will be growing interest among funeral service providers to capture a larger share of the cremation market as cremation rates continue to rise.
Therefore, the cremation market may become even more competitive, driving prices lower.
What laws govern cremation services in California?
Each state has a licensing body for funerals. It is their responsibility to ensure that state laws governing the disposition of a body are properly implemented and to conduct inspections of licensed establishments.
Before cremation can be performed, a ‘Declaration for Disposition of Cremated Remains Form’ must be legally signed. The legal immediate next-of-kin must sign this form. Alternatively, if you are preplanning, you can sign the form for yourself.
This form is a written authorization for the cremation to proceed. A contract with the cremation service provider should also specify the location and time of disposition, as well as an agreement to pay the cremation service cost.
The funeral director must obtain a ‘Permit for Disposition of Human Remains VS 9’ from the county health department, which is commonly referred to as a cremation permit. Once all the legal paperwork is completed, the cremation process can proceed.
According to California law, a casket is not required for cremation, but a ‘combustible cremation container’ must be used.
How long does cremation take in California?
A cremation can proceed once all the required legal paperwork and permits have been authorized and completed. First, the death certificate must be obtained. How long this takes depends on the doctor signing the death certificate and the nature of the cause.
Once a death certificate is obtained and the Cremation Authorization Form is in order, the funeral director can obtain the cremation permit from the county.
Generally, this all takes a few days, and the cremated remains should be available for you to collect within 7 to 10 days after the deceased is taken into the care of the cremation services provider.
Can you deal directly with a crematory in California?
In California, using a funeral home is not required by law. Therefore, if you choose, you can deal directly with a crematory to handle the cremation. If you are not using the services of a funeral director, you would need to apply for and file the death certificate and obtain the Permit for Disposition from the county registrar.
Arranging a direct cremation & conducting a family memorial or ash-scattering in California
More families are opting for direct cremation and then performing their own memorial service. This is a significant way to make death care affordable and personalized.
Once the funeral home has completed the direct cremation and the family has returned the ashes, a memorial can be organized at an appropriate and meaningful time and place.
All this can be arranged at a fraction of the cost of a cremation or a burial funeral with a funeral home.
Visit our Guide to Scattering Cremated Remains or our Memorialization and Cremation Tribute Ideas to learn more.
What is the cost of an ash scattering at sea off the coast of California?
California has an expansive coastline and therefore attracts many residents who wish to scatter cremated remains along the coast or in the Pacific Ocean. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires a sea scattering to be performed three nautical miles out at sea.
There are numerous charter services from Southern and Central California. The cost for a sea scattering will vary, depending on whether it is accompanied or unaccompanied. Unaccompanied scattering can start at around $200, especially if offered as an ‘add-on’ service by your cremation provider.
Charters for groups to conduct a sea-scattering ceremony will again vary depending on the boat size, the number of attendees, and the requested duration at sea.
What happens if you cannot afford a cremation in California?
Sadly, we are entering an era of ‘funeral poverty’ where too many families find themselves unprepared for funeral expenses. Counties generally have an obligation to cover the costs for indigent dispositions.
However, there is very limited financial assistance for low-income people or those simply living paycheck to paycheck.
A low-cost direct cremation is the most inexpensive option, but most cremation providers will require payment in full before they will collect the deceased and transfer him or her into their care.
If you have any further questions about cremation services in California, call your nearest DFS Memorials affordable cremation provider, who will be happy to assist you.
Sources:
The cremation rate in California
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.
