Your Guide to Arizona’s Affordable Cremation Options

Most people today choose cremation over traditional burial when planning final arrangements. Cremation offers an affordable and flexible alternative, allowing families to honor their oved ones in a meaningful way. This guide provides an overview of cremation costs and options “for low-cost cremations near me in Arizona.”

Arizona Affordable Cremations

The average cost of a basic cremation in Arizona ranges from about $800 to $1,500. This includes transportation of the deceased from the place of passing, storage of the body, the cremation itself, and a basic container for the ashes. Any service beyond this basic cremation, like embalming or a viewing, increases costs.

A full-service cremation with amenities like embalming, viewing, funeral ceremony, urn selection, and ash scattering or interment will add to the cost in Arizona—ranging to $3,500 or more. Even on the higher end, however, cremation is usually thousands less than the average $8,000 to $9,000 funeral with burial.

When researching prices, be sure to understand exactly which products and services are included. Funeral homes are required to provide you with a general price list, detailing services and costs upfront.

Ways to Reduce Cremation Costs

There are several ways you can  reduce cremation expenses in Arizona if cost is a concern:

• Forgo embalming, viewing, and funeral service: These amenities can add $1,000 or more, and there is no legal requirement for embalming.
• Provide your own container: A basic container is required, but you can supply your own simple container or purchase one somewhere other than at the funeral home.
• Shop around and compare prices: You may want to check prices from several area facilities and ask about package discounts.
• Consider a cremation society: Some nonprofits specialize in low-cost cremation with prices even lower.

Simple Cremation Options

If you want an affordable, no-frills cremation, several reputable providers in Arizona offer direct cremation packages for about $800–$1,000. These simple options include transportation, minimal handling and storage of the body, the cremation itself, a basic container, and the release of the remains to the family.

Green and Eco-Friendly Cremation

For those looking to limit environmental impact, green cremation using alternative containers and no embalming fluids is available. Some facilities also recycle medical metals from cremated remains. Costs for eco-cremation depend on the provider but are usually similar to or slightly higher than basic services.

Full-Service Cremations

On the other end of the spectrum, full-service cremations through a funeral home provide everything you would expect from a traditional funeral, just with cremation rather than burial at the conclusion. This includes body prep, a viewing, funeral service, fancier urns, transportation of ashes, and final disposition. Costs vary widely based on selection but can average between $5,000 and $7,000.

Veterans Cremation Benefits

The Veterans Administration (VA) provides several cremation allowances and death benefits like free transportation to a national cemetery and a free headstone or marker. Veterans and spouses are also eligible for burial in a national cemetery at no cost.

Key Things to Ask When Researching “Low-cost Cremations Near Me in Arizona”

When exploring your Arizona cremation options, here are some key considerations:

• What is included in your basic cremation package pricing? Get detailed price lists.
• Are packages and bundled pricing available?
• Do you own and operate your own crematory for direct cremations? Third parties increase costs.
• For full services, what options are available, and at what additional price?
• How much flexibility do I have for urn selection, memorial keepsakes, ash scattering, etc.?
• What measures ensure my loved one is handled with dignity and care?
• Are there additional costs like administrative fees?

Choosing Cremation with Confidence

Understanding your options for Arizona affordable cremations can give you confidence that you are making the best decision for your loved one. How you honor someone’s passing does not depend on how much money you spend to do so.

You may also wish to consider making a whole body donation through the United Tissue Network (UTN). In Arizona, UTN is the only non-profit that handles all of the arrangements for transportation, storage, and cremation at no cost. UTN pays all of the costs, including returning remains to families. Whole body donations are used for the advancement of medical science, helping to uncover new treatments, protocols, and drugs for diseases and to train the next generation of doctors and surgeons.

Many families find comfort in knowing that their loved one’s passing can help others, and find it a noble way to honor the deceased’s legacy.

Find out more about whole body donations in Arizona by contacting United Tissue Network today at 877-738-6111 or viewing UTN’s website.