Cremation is taking off in popularity across the country, and Nevada is especially leading the way. In fact, Nevada has the highest cremation rate in the US, and over three-quarters of all deaths result in cremation. Though the national cremation rate is rising each year, Nevada is clearly a trendsetter when it comes to final wishes. With that in mind, how much does cremation cost in Nevada?
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Average Cost of Cremation in Nevada
- Popular Crematories in Nevada
- Charities, Nonprofits or Government Programs That Help With Cremation Costs in Nevada
The cost of cremation is one of the leading reasons so many people across the country are choosing cremation vs. burials. You can get a cremation and basic urn for significantly less money than a traditional burial. This means choosing between a cremation or burial has never been easier, especially for those hoping to reduce the economic burden of final plans.
With that in mind, how much does a cremation cost in Nevada? The more you know about end-of-life planning, the better. Let’s pull back the curtain on this industry to reveal the real cost of cremation in Nevada compared to the rest of the country.
Average Cost of Cremation in Nevada
First, more people are choosing cremation than ever before. With a high number of retirees in Nevada, this means there is a lot of competition to offer low-cost services to families in the end. The cost of an average cremation in Nevada is around $1,400. This price depends on the city, resources, and any add-on services.
With more people choosing prepaid cremation than ever before, it’s important to be aware of the full cost of cremation. Compared to the national average cost of cremation ($3,000), Nevada offers competitive pricing. However, the total you pay depends on whether you choose a traditional cremation or a direct cremation. Like all things final arrangements, there is no one-size-fits-all.
Traditional cremation
To begin, a traditional cremation is what most people are familiar with when they think of cremations. This typically includes any of the following:
- Funeral: A traditional cremation usually includes a funeral or memorial service to honor the deceased. This comes at an additional cost.
- Embalming: It’s also commonplace for families to have their loved one embalmed, especially if they plan to hold a viewing. While embalming is entirely optional in Nevada, it can prepare the body for a viewing.
- Preparations: Additional preparation might be taken to prepare the body for viewing, like hair, makeup, and so even cosmetic reconstruction. Again, this is optional.
- Preservation: Depending on how long the timeline is between death and cremation, the body is preserved in a mortuary for days, weeks, or even months.
- Casket: A traditional casket is also used for the viewing, though the family might rent this casket. A special casket might be purchased for the cremation itself, depending on the family’s wishes.
- Urn: Lastly, the family typically chooses an upgraded urn to honor their loved one after the cremation.
A traditional cremation involves additional steps for remembrance, but none of these are required. A traditional cremation costs between $1,400 and $4,000, depending on the family’s needs. It’s very flexible, and it brings many people peace after a loss to honor their loved one this way. However, it’s not the only option.
Direct cremation
On the other hand, families can skip a traditional cremation and opt for what’s known as a direct cremation. A direct cremation skips all of the middle steps, cremating the body relatively quickly after death. Because there is no expensive casket, embalming, viewing, or additional preparations, this is the most low-cost option.
A direct cremation in Nevada starts at just $600. While it can go up to $1,400 depending on any add-ons, this is the cheapest way to cremate a loved one. If you’re not concerned about using a traditional funeral home or full-service memorial, this saves a lot of money.
Popular Crematories in Nevada
Now that you understand the basic pricing structure for cremations in Nevada, let’s share some of the most popular crematories in the state. These Nevada-specific crematoriums are known for their commitment to families in need, and they offer straightforward pricing options. Like all things, it’s worth shopping around to get the right fit for you.
Smart Cremation
First, Smart Cremation is a national cremation provider that services the entire state of Nevada. Plan ahead or contact their helpful team for immediate-need cremation services. Unlike other funeral homes, you can do all of your Smart Cremation plans from the comfort of your home.
Cremation Society of Nevada
Next, the Cremation Society of Nevada offers professional services for families in need. Whether you’re planning ahead or arranging an immediate cremation, this provider has offered cremations for over 20 years. Locally owned in Reno and Sparks, NV, cremation services begin at $695.
Affordable Cremation Las Vegas
For affordable cremation services in the Las Vegas area, choose Affordable Cremation Las Vegas. Serving over 1,000 families each year, this funeral home makes sure all families have access to premium services at an affordable price. Pay for only what you need without worrying about hidden costs.
Sunrise Cremation
Since 2001, Sunrise Cremation in Henderson, NV has been a low-cost provider of high-quality funerals and direct cremation in southern Nevada. Direct Cremations start at just $640, making this one of the lowest-cost options in the state. Additionally, they work with families to donate bodies to science for a no-cost cremation.
Desert Memorial Cremation and Burial
Desert Memorials has helped families achieve a meaningful sendoff at a reasonable price since 1989. With both cremation and burial services, this is an alternative to the costly funeral system found throughout the country. With simple services, viewings, and cremations, this is a trusted solution based in Las Vegas.
Kraft-Sussman Funeral and Cremation
Lastly, Kraft-Sussman Funeral and Cremation offers both traditional cremation and aquamation. Aquamation is an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional or direct cremation. Though their direct cremations start at $2,400, they offer more comprehensive support throughout the entire process. For families in the Las Vegas area who want full-service care, this is a great pick.
Charities, Nonprofits or Government Programs That Help With Cremation Costs in Nevada
Though there are more low-cost funeral and cremation options than ever before, this still places a burden on families. These charities that help with funeral costs are here to help families make ends meet. Everyone deserves a meaningful sendoff, regardless of income or pre-planning.
Nevada Victim Assistance
If your loved one was a victim of a violent crime, they might qualify for assistance through the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Victim of Crime department. The VOCP pays up to $5,000 toward the victim’s funeral or cremation expenses. The family can also be reimbursed for any qualifying expenses.
Low-income assistance cremation program
Next, families who aren’t able to afford a final disposition for their loved ones can seek help if they live in Nevada County. This county offers low-income assistance cremation programs for those with no income or little resources. The qualified dependent must apply through the county, and it can take 2 to 3 weeks for the funeral home to receive the payment.
Whole body donation
Another alternative that includes the cost of cremation is a whole body donation program. Available in the state of Nevada, a whole-body donation is when a deceased body is used for research, education, and medical training. This does a world of good, and it also includes a free cremation. Once complete, the cremated remains are returned to loved ones.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Alternatively, if your loved one was a veteran or service member, he or she is eligible for veterans’ death benefits. This includes a stipend that can be used to cremate or bury a loved one. Eligible in any state, you can apply for VA death benefits through your local VA office. This is the perfect way to honor someone’s service to their country.
FEMA Funeral Relief
Lastly, the national department of disaster relief also helps families after a loss. If the loss is a result of a natural disaster (storm, tornado, fire, etc.), families can receive assistance affording final arrangements. FEMA recently announced they would provide reimbursements for funeral costs associated with the COVID19 pandemic. Taking advantage of this reimbursement ensures you can provide the right sendoff for your loved one.
Affording Cremation in Nevada
Ultimately, there are a lot of options when it comes to affordable cremations in Nevada. With more people choosing cremation over burial, it’s important to fully understand your options. These crematories and low-cost programs are here to help. Remember, you’re never alone after a loss.
With that in mind, how will you plan ahead? Whether you’re planning your own arrangements or creating the perfect sendoff for a loved one, this is an act of compassion. Make sure you’re aware of your rights, options, and financial plan. Post-loss is never easy, but it also doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
If you're a Nevada 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.
Sources:
- Brean, Henry. “Burning question: Why does Nevada lead in cremations?” Las Vegas Review Journal. ReviewJournal.com.
- “Las Vegas Funerals.” US Funerals Online. US-Funerals.com.