Burial & Cremation Cost Comparison: Understanding The Financial Implications

When a loved one passes away, several decisions must be made for the funeral. For many families, one of the most difficult decisions is whether to bury their beloved or have them cremated—and it often comes down to cost. There are many different facets of pricing for end-of-life services, and this guide will help you consider the costs of both types of services. 

Costs for a Funeral
 

Many people rightly perceive that burials are the more expensive option. From the basic fee for the service (which can usually run around $2,000), you also have lots of other smaller costs that can really add up. For example, you’ll need to transfer the body to the funeral home ($200 to $300), prepare and embalm the body ($200 to $1,000), and hire a hearse ($300 to $400). 
 
Those prices don’t include the use of the funeral home or staff, which can often run to an additional $1,000. 
 
Most families who opt for an end-of-life service also want to commemorate the occasion with printed items for the memorial. These can add up to a few hundred dollars depending on the number and quality of the print materials. 
 
Burial is also more expensive, requiring a grave plot (roughly $1,000), a headstone ($1,500 to $2,500), and a casket (which can vary in price from $1,000 to $10,000). 
 
Generally, a funeral and burial could cost around $20,000 depending on the material selected for the casket, which is the most expensive aspect. 

Costs for Cremation
 

The cost of cremation is typically significantly lower than burial costs. You might incur some of the same charges if you intend to have a viewing and funeral service prior to the cremation. For example, you may still need to rent the funeral home or embalm the body if there is to be an open-casket viewing. You might also opt for print materials like memorials for the service. 
 
The good news is that instead of purchasing a casket, you could rent one for much less money, saving thousands over the purchase of a new one. 
 
Direct cremation is substantially less expensive than burial, between $1,400 and $5,000. Urns can vary in price, but you can get one for as low as $200 in some cases. If you don’t want an urn, services offered by Alterna Cremation can include a simple yet dignified container at no charge. 

 
Learn More About Cost Savings
 

If you want to know more about how you can save with Winnipeg cremation services, be sure to reach out to Alterna Cremation today. We’ll walk you through the process and help you choose the best services for your loved one, their family, and friends. Give us a call today to learn more about our services.