Oregon has one of the highest cremation rates in the country, with 80 percent of residents choosing to be cremated. Many people choose cremation as a green and low-cost alternative to burials. Cremations range in price from low-cost basic services to customized plans, ensuring that Portland families have a wide range of options on any budget.
Cremation vs. Burial Costs
Traditional burials are costly: They damage your pocket book as well as the environment. Burials have a deep environmental impact, requiring the excavation of land in cemeteries, wooden caskets, and granite headstones – which translate to your overall cost. On average, burials cost several thousand dollars.
In contrast, a cremation is a simple, dignified process that leaves the earth unmarked. Due to its practicality, cremations cost as low as a quarter the price of burials. Scattering the remains after cremation is free and burial at sea services are inexpensive. Cremation urns are a fraction of the price of burial caskets and biodegradable urns are available for eco-conscious families.
Cremation Cost Factors
Your overall cremation cost depends on the details of your cremation plan. Here are some things that factor into your overall cremation cost:
- Direct cremation. A basic cremation service that omits the funeral or viewing service before cremation offers the lowest cost.
- Funeral service or memorial service. Holding a funeral service with a viewing adds to your cremation cost. Reduce costs by not having a casket service or viewing and instead opt for a post-cremation memorial service.
- Scattering or burial at sea. Scattering cremated remains in a public or private place of your choosing costs nothing, but chartering a boat for a burial at sea costs extra.
- Cremation urns or keepsakes. Vessels that hold cremated remains are much cheaper than caskets and burial plots. Customized or personalized urns cost extra, but they are a popular choice for many families. Provide your own urn to keep costs low.
Speak with your Portland cremation provider about available options before you create your cremation plan. Your cremation planner works with you to create a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle – whether you’re looking for affordable, eco-friendly options or a fully customized service plan.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
The Neptune Society is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of affordable cremation services. Whether you have an immediate need or want to plan cremation services in advance, we are always available to assist you and your family.
Call 1-800-NEPTUNE (800-637-8863) today or contact us online to learn more.
