The cost of cremation typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 if arranged through a funeral home and from $1,500 to $3,000 if arranged directly through a crematory. Although the cost of cremation differs depending on locale, it's almost always substantially less than the cost of a full body burial -- which is one of the reasons cited for cremation's growing acceptance and popularity.

However, in addition to the cost of the basic cremation service -- processing a body into the ash-and-bones mixtures called "cremains" -- a number of other charges may be added for related paperwork, goods, and services, including:

• Getting an original death certificate and copies.

• Obtaining a certificate releasing the body for cremation, usually issued by a medical examiner or coroner.

• Transporting the body from the place of death to the place of cremation.

• Disposing of the cremains by burying or scattering them.

• Removing a pacemaker.

• Handling charges paid to funeral industry personnel (if involved).

• Purchasing or renting a casket or container.

Although these incidental charges can add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to the cost of cremation, the item that's potentially the priciest is a casket, which can range from $500 for a simple wooden version to $35,000 or more for an ornate style. Many people who choose cremation opt not to purchase a casket, but some prefer to have one during a funeral or memorial service at which the body will be present -- before cremation occurs.

There is no set answer to this question due to the many factors involved. Most cremation plans fit into three main categories:
- having the body present for visiting hours and a funeral with cremation afterward
- having the body cremated first with visiting hours and a funeral afterward (with or without the "ashes" present)
- having the body cremated first and then arranging for any services on your own.

All of these need to be considered for many reasons, not just cost. You can get information on these "packages" and their prices from any reputable funeral director over the phone.

Be careful though. Prices can vary a lot. For example, in some areas one of the above options is called "direct cremation," meaning that the funeral home will have the body cremated without any arrangement for visiting hours or any type of service. Prices in many parts of the country can range from $495 at one funeral home to $2595 or higher at others. Be sure you're comparing apples with apples, but the most important thing is to ask what is included in the price you are given. Ask the person for details, not just prices. What is included in the $495 or the $2595 price? With such a big price difference, there is probably also a big difference in what you're getting. Notice not only if your question is answered, but the tone and the degree of helpfulness you receive. If the person with the low price tries to tell you that they do the same thing as the guy with the higher price, be careful. We've all heard "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

Even if you choose to have visiting hours and services followed by cremation, it is still less expensive than burial for a couple of reasons: - a casket will be necessary; however most funeral homes offer wooden caskets made specifically for cremation, which are less expensive than those used for burial. This is usually because there are no metal handles or other hardware (for obvious reasons) on the outside. Also almost all funeral homes offer a casket that you can rent, and
- there are different costs depending on what will be done with the "ashes" or cremated remains. If they will be buried at a cemetery, the grave will cost less than for a full-size burial, the burial vault will also cost less and in many cases will not even be required. If they will not be buried, there will be no cemetery costs.

Also, keep in mind when you arrange for any type of services with a funeral director, that not all of the charges involved are those of only the funeral home. Most funeral homes include the charges from outside vendors on their bill for your convenience so you won't be overwhelmed with getting a bill from each of them. This includes items like the crematory's fee, the newspaper notice, certified copies of the death certificate, and even flowers and the fee for a speaker, minister, or church.

Most funeral directors will work with you to help you decide what kinds of services are appropriate and meaningful for you and your family, and the really good ones will work within your budget.