What direct cremation is, and what it costs
Direct cremation is the simplest form of cremation.
What it means
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) describes it this way: the body is cremated shortly after death, without embalming. There is no viewing or visitation.
CANA defines it as a cremation without a formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present.
You can still hold a memorial service later, with or without the ashes present.
Afterward, the ashes can be kept at home, buried, placed in a niche, or scattered in a meaningful place.
Sources: FTC, Types of Funerals; CANA, Cremation Process (glossary)
What is usually included
The FTC says the cost includes the funeral home's basic services fee, plus transportation and care of the body.
The Funeral Consumers Alliance adds the paperwork and a container for cremation.
The crematory fee may or may not be included. If the funeral home does not own the crematory, the fee may be added on.
Embalming is generally not needed or legally required when the body is cremated shortly after death.
| Item | Usually included? | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Basic services fee | Yes | FTC |
| Transportation and care of the body | Yes | FTC |
| Necessary paperwork | Yes | Funeral Consumers Alliance |
| Container for cremation | Yes | Funeral Consumers Alliance |
| Crematory fee | Sometimes. Ask. | FTC; Funeral Consumers Alliance |
| Urn | Often extra | FTC |
| Viewing, visitation or service with the body | No | FTC; CANA |
| Cemetery plot, niche or crypt | Only if you bury or place the ashes | FTC |
Sources: FTC, Types of Funerals; Funeral Consumers Alliance, Cremation Explained; FTC, Funeral Costs and Pricing Checklist
What usually costs extra
An urn. The FTC notes there will be a charge for an urn or other container. The Funeral Consumers Alliance points out you can simply keep the plain container the ashes come back in.
A casket. None is needed. Funeral homes that offer direct cremation must offer an alternative container instead of a casket. The FTC says no state or local law requires a casket for direct cremation.
Visiting hours or a service with the body present. These can raise the price a great deal.
Cemetery costs, but only if you choose to bury the ashes or place them in a niche.
Sources: FTC, Types of Funerals; FTC, Funeral Costs and Pricing Checklist; Funeral Consumers Alliance, Cremation Explained
What it costs nationally [EST]
The FTC says direct cremation usually costs less than a traditional full service funeral.
The Funeral Consumers Alliance calls $700 to $1,400 a reasonable price, depending on the region. The page is undated. We read it on September 29, 2026. [EST]
When a funeral home uses an outside crematory, the crematory charge is usually $250 to $400, per the Funeral Consumers Alliance. Ask whether it is in the quoted price. [EST]
NFDA's 2023 study does not publish a direct cremation median in its public release. It does list some of the parts: cremation fee $400, cremation container $160, transfer of remains $395. These are medians for a cremation with a viewing, not a direct cremation price.
The Funeral Consumers Alliance says it makes no difference whether you buy from a funeral home or a cremation only business.
For real prices near you, see the cited prices on each provider page.
Sources: FTC, Types of Funerals; Funeral Consumers Alliance, Cremation Explained; NFDA, 2023 General Price List Study release
Common questions
What is direct cremation?
It is a cremation shortly after death, without embalming, viewing or visitation. A memorial can still be held later.
Do I need to buy a casket for direct cremation?
No. The FTC says no state or local law requires one. Providers who offer direct cremation must offer an alternative container.
Is embalming required?
Generally no. The FTC says embalming is generally not necessary or legally required when the body is cremated shortly after death.
How much does direct cremation cost?
The Funeral Consumers Alliance calls $700 to $1,400 a reasonable price, depending on region. This is an estimate. Local prices vary, so compare cited prices.
Is the crematory fee always included?
No. The FTC says it may be added on if the funeral home does not own the crematory. Always ask.