Pittsburgh

Whether you are researching with an interest in making a cremation plan for yourself or need to arrange a funeral or cremation service for a loved one who has passed in Pittsburgh, this funeral and cremation planning guide will answer some of the key questions you will have if faced with the task of making funeral arrangements.

The following FAQs about cremation costs and funeral prices in the Pittsburgh area, as well as state funeral laws and other funeral/cremation considerations, have been put together to help you know where to start.

Cremation costs: Average cost of cremation in Pittsburgh

Direct Cremation $695 Call (412) 203-5809

With cremation on the increase in Pennsylvania, more families are seeking out information on cremation costs in Pittsburgh.  This article aims to provide families with an overview of cremation costs and cremation options in Pittsburgh. 

Families can save hundreds of dollars by selecting an affordable cremation services provider. Still, many families do not know where to start in comparing cremation services or understanding how best to select cremation services and cut costs.

Cremation cost in Pittsburgh PA

What is the best way to compare cremation costs in Pittsburgh?

It can be daunting to compare cremation services and costs between different funeral homes and crematories in Pittsburgh.  DFS Memorials has a low-cost cremation provider that offers a complete direct cremation service for just $695.  DFS Memorials compares direct cremation prices in an area to find a ‘best value’ low-price direct cremation service.

Hopefully, this information can assist you in making an informed decision about which cremation service provider offers the best value cremation service in Pittsburgh.

What is the average cost of a cremation with a service in Pittsburgh?

Compare cremation services in Pittsburgh

Average cremation costs can often be a misleading figure as the cost of a cremation can vary so much between different providers.  The cost of a cremation with a service differs in price depending upon what type of graveside, chapel, or memorial service is selected. 

To give you a general guide – a cremation with a simple service can start from just over $1,000 but range up to just under $5,000.  The simpler the service and the fewer ancillary products such as obituaries, guest books, and memorial folders, the more the overall cost is reduced.

What is the cost of a direct cremation in Pittsburgh?

Direct Cremation $695 Call (412) 203-5809

One of the best prices for a direct cremation in Pittsburgh is $695.00 complete. However, the cost for a direct cremation can range up to over $2,000.  It is imperative that you compare like-for-like direct cremation packages and ensure that you are being quoted for a complete service with no hidden extras!

Direct cremation Pittsburgh PA

How do I find an affordable cremation service provider in Pittsburgh?

The DFS Memorials provider for Pittsburgh offers one of the most competitive prices for direct cremation and understands your family’s need for affordable funeral services.  As a family-owned funeral home, they are here to lend compassionate and inexpensive funeral services to support your family in their time of need.

To learn more about cremation services, the cremation process, secure ID tracking, cremation regulations, and laws, visit our Ultimate Guide to Cremation.

What help is there with cremation costs in Pittsburgh?

Each state has its own indigent burial assistance program, although this is generally to cover the funeral costs for those indigents that become the state’s responsibility.  To inquire if you qualify for any financial assistance with cremation costs, you need to contact your local county Social or Human Services. 

Sometimes, limited funds are available for those on welfare or low income.  If you qualify, there is also a lump sum Social Security death benefit of $255.

Planning a cremation Pittsburgh PA

How can I preplan a simple cremation in Pittsburgh?

Preplanning is a great way to ensure your wishes are met, and your family is saved from the emotional stress and financial responsibility of meeting your funeral expenses.  You can set up a preneed contract through a funeral home, and indeed, these can often be transferred from one funeral home to another, should you so wish.

Alternatively, you can document your wishes and set aside the funds required to meet your needs in a Totten Trust, otherwise known as a POD account (Payable on Death).  Many funeral consumer advocates consider this a safe and convenient way to preplan your funeral.

If you do regularly travel for work, pleasure, sport, visiting family, or snow-birding, you may wish to consider our great value Travel Protection Plan. This plan costs just $450 for an individual for lifetime protection against the costly expense of returning a body home if a death occurs 75 miles (or further) from your residence. It also provides global coverage. Domestic funeral shipping can cost from $3,000, and International repatriation can start at around $6,900.

The plan costs just $450 for an individual or $875 for a couple and will cover all costs for a cremation at the place of death or returning the deceased home to Pennsylvania.  The cover is worldwide. 

Read more about this affordable peace of mind death expense coverage here: Travel Protection Plan, or click on the image above to enroll now.

I have questions or concerns about arranging a funeral in Pittsburgh.  Where can I find help?

You can contact our DFS Memorials affordable funeral service provider in Pittsburgh with any questions you have.  If you have a complaint against a funeral director or a funeral establishment, you should attempt to resolve your complaint directly with the funeral home concerned.

If you do not manage to reach a satisfactory resolution, you can make a written complaint to the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association’s Grievance Committee.

Grievance Committee c/o PFDA, 7441 Allentown Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA, 17112

Alternatively, you can also contact the Pennsylvania Cemetery Cremation and Funeral Association (PCCFA), the association of funeral directors and cemetery and crematory businesses. They support industry professionals and consumers in selling and purchasing funeral services in the state. 

Pennsylvania Cemetery Cremation and Funeral Association (PCCFA) 
100 S. 21st Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104  
Telephone: 717-236-9970

Resources:

DFS Memorials – Pittsburgh

Guide to Cremation Costs in Pennsylvania 2023

Understanding cremation laws and how they affect arranging a cremation

Written by

I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the past fifteen years. End-of-life services and experiences are topics most people avoid thinking about until they must face them. My work provides comprehensive and independent resources for families, explaining the workings of the funeral industry, the laws governing funeral practices, and the death care trends that impact consumers. With a BA in Cultural Studies, I bring a unique perspective to analyzing cultural death care rituals, complemented by a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing significant changes, which I find fascinating. The shift towards cremation services and the emergence of sustainable alternatives like aquamation and human composting are of particular interest. I am also intrigued by how technology is reshaping the funeral planning process and experience. I write for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, and contribute to various forums and publications within the death care industry.