Though there’s an average cost of cremation nationally, the actual price varies widely across the nation by individual state. Though it might seem like a straightforward process, there are many unique details that affect the overall cost of a cremation. In Missouri, it’s important to be mindful of these state-specific costs to prepare in advance.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Average Cost of Cremation in Missouri
- Popular Crematories in Missouri
- Charities, Nonprofits or Government Programs That Help With Cremation Costs in Missouri
Unfortunately, many people find themselves struggling to make ends meet when it comes to cremations and funerals. Though the cost of cremation is cheaper than the cost of a burial, that doesn’t mean it’s affordable for everyone. With more people choosing cremation than ever before, it’s essential to know exactly what you’re paying for when making your decision.
With that in mind, how much does cremation cost in Missouri? This answer might surprise you. It’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of different cremation costs so you can plan ahead. Whether you’re planning a funeral for a loved one or planning your own end-of-life arrangements, consider the costs outlined below.
Average Cost of Cremation in Missouri
First, what’s the average cost of cremation in Missouri? The overall cost depends on factors like your specific city or region, the cremation timeline, and whether or not there’s a viewing. In addition, each state has its own laws about how to handle bodies after death. These laws often affect the prices since they play into preparations, timelines, and more.
In Missouri, the average cost of a cremation is around $2,500. This includes a simple funeral or memorial service, as well as the full cremation. The overall price depends on whether the family chooses a traditional cremation or direct cremation. In Missouri, there are no state guidelines around when a body must be cremated, though it’s commonplace to wait up to 24 hours. Let’s take a closer look at the differences in cost between traditional and direct cremations.
Traditional cremation
To begin, a traditional cremation is what most people are familiar with when they think about cremation. This is when the individual is cremated after a funeral service. There might be a viewing, in which case it’s common for embalming to take place. Whether you choose cremation or burial, embalming is a chemical process that slows down the decomposition, making bodies more presentable to loved ones.
While embalming is optional, it is recommended if you’re holding a formal viewing for funeral guests. Similarly, because the body is typically present at the funeral service, there is a larger time period between death and cremation. All of these factors raise the overall cost of a traditional burial. In Missouri, the average traditional cremation starts at around $3,500 and includes a simple funeral service. It can go up to $5,000 or more, depending on the family’s wishes.
Direct cremation
Alternatively, the family can opt for what’s called a direct cremation. This is when the body is cremated quickly after death, typically only waiting between 1 and 3 days. There is no viewing, and no additional preparation takes place to prepare the body for cremation. The family might choose to hold their own memorial later, but the costs associated with the actual cremation are low.
As this becomes more popular, direct prepaid cremation also becomes more expected as people complete their end-of-life plans. A direct cremation costs around $1,800 in Missouri. This is the lowest-cost option, though add-ons are often available. The price could be more in large cities, while it’s more affordable in rural areas where services are harder to find.
Popular Crematories in Missouri
When choosing cremation, it’s important to consider different crematories. In Missouri, many crematories offer services across the entire state or specific regions. These below are trusted and well-known for their competitive pricing. Never be afraid to shop around to make sure your needs are fully met.
Cremation Society of Missouri
First, the Cremation Society of Missouri strives to bring affordable cremations to all. With inclusive pricing and no hidden fees, this provider makes it easy for families to craft arrangements they’re comfortable with. All of their paperwork can be completed in 30 minutes or less, letting you focus on healing in a time of grief. Better yet, their simple cremations start at just over $1,000.
St. Louis Cremation
Next, St. Louis Cremation services the areas of West County, St. Charles, Florissant, and downtown St. Louis. Starting at $1,195, they offer a no-frills choice for those who want a cremation and nothing else. They have additional cremation services for families who want a more hands-on final sendoff.
Missouri Cremation Services
If you wish to plan ahead and prepay for a cremation, Missouri Cremation Services makes this easy. By providing the best prices in advance, you can commit to a cost you can afford before the time comes. Their “plan now, pay later” service is for all areas of Missouri. Access a free, no-obligation quote online.
Stonegate Cremation
Serving all families and funeral directors within a 50-mile radius of Kansas City or Harrisville, Stonegate Cremation has helped families since 2004. As the flagship affordable cremation and funeral service provider within Kansas City, there’s a reason this is such a trusted provider. They’re the only funeral home in Cass, Bates, and Henry Counties with their own on-site crematories. A direct cremation package starts at $895 and goes upward from there.
Cremation Society of Kansas and Missouri
This online membership service offers cremations at a low cost to residents of Kansas and Missouri. At the Cremation Society of Kansas and Missouri, you can begin your funeral and cremation plans in advance. Their basic cremations begin at just $1,195, and you can find a payment strategy that works for you.
Monarch Cremation
Lastly, Monarch Cremation has some of the lowest cost cremations in Missouri. Starting at $895, you can arrange your cremation plan online in minutes. St. Louis locally owned and family-operated, this is a cremation provider you can trust. Monarch serves the Greater St. Louis metropolitan and surrounding area, including parts of both Missouri and Illinois.
Charities, Nonprofits or Government Programs That Help With Cremation Costs in Missouri
Though it’s possible to find a low-cost cremation in Missouri, that doesn’t always lessen the burden of financing a cremation. Luckily, there are charities that help with funeral costs. These nonprofits, groups, and programs help families of all backgrounds afford a dignified, meaningful sendoff for their loved ones.
Catholic Charities of St. Louis
First, many religious groups are a great resource in times of crisis. The Catholic Charities of St. Louis is known to offer funeral assistance to Catholic families in need, especially for those in dire need. You can submit a request through their website or reach out to a local chapter directly.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul St. Louis
Similarly, the St. Louis chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has a variety of assistance programs for St. Louis families in need. They specifically partner with Calvary Cemetery to provide Christian cremations and burials for families who have no means to afford a final send-off.
Missouri Department of Public Safety
Next, the Missouri Department of Public Safety helps victims of violent crime receive compensation. This includes financial compensation for families, as well as funeral and cremation assistance. Anyone who is a victim of a crime in Missouri is welcome to use the online application. Families can receive up to $5,000 in financial assistance when they need it the most.
St. Louis Salvation Army
The St. Louis Salvation Army has community centers across the state of Missouri. They provide a variety of assistance with emergency services. Though this primarily applies to paying bills and assisting veterans, it’s not limited to this alone. They also help with cremation and burial assistance for those in need.
Whole Body Donation
Lastly, if you’re open to whole-body donation, you can do good while also lowering your final expenses. The Genesis Legacy program services many parts of the US, including Missouri. After death, your body is donated to education centers, medical research, and more to advance science. When no longer needed, the body is cremated and returned to the family free of cost.
Access a Cremation in Missouri
As you’ve discovered, cremation has different costs depending on the location. The good news is that it’s never been easier to pay for only the services you really need. Flexibility makes it possible to create the right final sendoff for your loved one and your budget. Most importantly, it relieves the burden of end-of-life planning on families of all backgrounds.
Now that you know the cost of cremation in Missouri, you’re ready to start your own plans. Whether planning for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to look forward. The better educated you are about your options, the easier it is to make final decisions. Most of all, remember you’re never alone. Planning for the future is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you're a Missouri resident and ready to start preparing your own end-of-life planning documents, Cake has Advance Care Planning forms you can download. To help ease your planning, we have all the documents you need in one place.
Source:
- “Average Funeral Cost in Missouri.” Funeralocity. Funeralocity.com.