Did you know cremation costs different prices in different parts of the country? The cost of cremation depends on a number of factors, including the city, region, and availability of funeral services. With that in mind, how much does cremation cost in Texas? There’s a saying that everything is bigger in Texas, but does that apply to the cost of cremations and funerals?
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Average Cost of Cremation in Texas
- Popular Crematories in Texas
- Charities, Nonprofits or Government Programs That Help With Cremation Costs in Texas
Compared to burials, cremation is the more affordable option. Because more people are looking for a practical, cost-effective way to honor their deceased loved ones, cremation continues to become more popular. This is especially true in Texas, a state that’s home to a large population of retirees. With that in mind, what are the average cremation costs in Texas?
The better prepared you are to choose between a cremation or burial, the easier it is to plan ahead. Most people don’t plan funerals until they need to, so it’s not always clear how much these final services cost. In this guide, we’ll explore the cost of cremation in Texas so you can prepare for the future.
Average Cost of Cremation in Texas
First, what is the average cost of cremation in Texas? This depends on a variety of factors, including the type of cremation, whether you’re holding a viewing, and your specific city. There are many add-on options that can increase this cost. In general, you can expect to pay between $500 and $3,000 on cremation. The average cost rests around $1,200 for basic services.
While this might sound steep, consider the costs on a national scale. While some states offer many low-cost options, it’s not uncommon to see cremations costing families over $2,000. Having the option to choose a lower-cost service is a benefit many families take advantage of.
Traditional cremation
To begin, the more expensive type of cremation is also the one most people are familiar with. This is known as a traditional cremation. A traditional cremation may or may not include a viewing, in which case the body is likely to be embalmed. For a traditional cremation, the body is preserved for several days (or weeks) prior to the cremation itself.
This gives the family time to make decisions, say goodbyes, and plan for the cremation. In some cases, the body is cremated in a traditional casket. Because these extra steps are taken, this is a more expensive option. It begins at $1,000 for a traditional cremation in Texas. This cost becomes even higher depending on the casket, timeline, and whether the body is prepared for viewing.
Direct cremation
On the other hand, a direct cremation is more affordable. Unlike a traditional cremation, there are no extra steps taken to preserve the body or prepare it for viewing. Instead, the body is cremated quickly after death. It’s typical for the cremation to happen in a simple casket or biodegradable box.
Because there are no extra frills for this type of service, it’s very affordable. In Texas, direct cremations start at $500. As this becomes a more popular option, more crematoriums offer this service, making the price even more competitive. For those who wish to lay their loved ones to rest quickly, a direct cremation is a great choice.
Popular Crematories in Texas
Whether you’re looking for a prepaid cremation or shopping around, there are a number of popular crematories in Texas. These offer a different range of services, some more costly than others. It’s all about finding what you’re comfortable with within your price range.
Direct Cremation Texas
First, Direct Cremation Texas is one of the lowest-cost providers on this list. With direct cremations starting at $675, this is a low-cost way to honor someone’s memory.
Owned by veterans and with special veteran pricing, you can access this provider in most Texas counties. Because they only provide cremation, they keep their prices as low as possible without compromising on service.
Lone Star Cremation
Another provider is Lone Star Cremation. Trusted by thousands of Texas families since 2004, this is a cremation provider for the Dallas and Fort Worth area. Their pricing is grouped into packages, making it possible to pay for only the services you need.
Their most basic package starts at $795, whereas their premium plans go up to $1,595 and offer pre-payment plan options. For those wishing to make arrangements in advance or entirely online, Lone Star Cremation is a secure choice.
Heart of Texas Cremations
With a low-price guarantee, Heart of Texas Cremations stands out for good reason. Based in Austin, Texas, Heart of Texas Cremations provides affordable, dignified cremations and burials to families during this stressful time.
Unlike other funeral homes, they do not use a third-party crematory. Instead, they own their onsite operations, and you can contact them 24/7 for assistance. Having Texas natives there for support brings many families peace after a loss.
Falcon Family Funeral and Cremation
Located in the Austin and Temple area, the Falcon Family Funeral Home has a great rating from the Better Business Bureau. Available 24/7 to help families navigate loss, they guarantee all cremations happen onsite at their crematory. Family-owned and operated, this is an affordable, trusted option.
Charities, Nonprofits or Government Programs That Help With Cremation Costs in Texas
Even with these different options available, many families still worry they won’t be able to make ends meet when the time comes. These charities, nonprofits, and government programs help with the cost of cremation in Texas.
Science Care
Though not a nonprofit, Science Care helps those who wish to donate their bodies to science after death. When you donate your body to science, it goes on to aid medical researchers, educators, and scientists across the state. When the body is no longer needed, it’s cremated and returned to the family at no cost.
Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund
For those who were a victim of a crime, the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund is here to help. Offering up to $4,500 to cover final expenses, this is a generous program that helps those in need. While you will need to determine if your loved one qualifies, it’s easy to learn more through the Texas Attorney General website.
Department of Veterans Affairs
There are also veteran funeral benefits for those who served the armed forces. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers burial benefits as well as reimbursements for funeral and cremation expenses. Sometimes these benefits can be received by veteran’s spouses or qualifying children.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Ronald McDonald House Charities offers a variety of programs and help for those in need. They offer a six-week bereavement support program for Texas parents after the loss of a child or pregnancy. They also have financial assistance for burials or cremations.
The TEARS Foundation
Next, the TEARS Foundation is a federal nonprofit that helps with any outstanding balance owed to a funeral home after a loss. These are for excess funeral expenses for a 20-week gestation up to 12-year-old children. This foundation helps families in need during the worst time of their lives.
Jewish Federation
The Jewish Federation of North America is a religious group that helps with Jewish interment. This is available for those who qualify for financial assistance. They have support resources across the country, including Texas. There are a lot of charities that help with funeral costs, and many are religious in nature.
Texas Department of Human Services
Another provider of funeral or cremation assistance is the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS). State-specific resources typically have strict requirements for low-income families, but they can put up to $1,000 for funeral or cremation expenses.
County Assistance
Depending on your specific Texas county, you might be eligible for other benefits. Many cities partner with local crematoriums to cover the costs of funerals and basic cremations for those who don’t have any funds. While there are strict requirements, this makes all the difference.
FEMA Funeral Assistance
Last but not least, FEMA offers funeral reimbursement for those who die as a result of a natural disaster. If a disaster is declared an emergency, you are likely eligible for funeral assistance. Recently, FEMA extended coverage for COVID funeral relief.
Affording a Cremation in Texas
In conclusion, every state has its own rules, pricing, and regulations around funerals and cremations. If you’re wondering how much a cremation costs in Texas, this guide is a great introduction. While you might experience price changes depending on your city, type of cremation, and add-ons, it’s important to be prepared.
Everyone deserves a final sendoff in their honor. Luckily, cremation makes this more affordable than ever before, even in large states like Texas. Now that you know the costs and what to expect, you’re ready to create your own plan. Start your free end-of-life plan today and share your wishes with trusted loved ones.
If you're a Texas 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:
- “The most Important Things to Know About the Cost of Cremation in Texas.” Green Cremation Texas. GreenCremationTexas.com.