What is the average cost of a cremation in New Jersey?

Cremation costs in New Jersey

Below, we have outlined the best direct cremation prices in New Jersey by city.

CITYDIRECT CREMATION COSTCALL NOW
NEWARK$995 (973) 221-3351
JERSEY CITY$995 (201) 293-7900
PATERSON$995 (973) 221-3351
LAKEWOOD$1,425 (609) 269-4488
ELIZABETH$995 (908) 235-3795
EDISON$995 (732) 201-5846
WOODBRIDGE$995 (732) 201-5846
TOMS RIVER$1,425 (609) 269-4488
TRENTON$1,425 (609) 269-4488

More families are choosing direct cremation as an affordable and straightforward funeral alternative. With cremation services starting at as little as $995, it is easy to see why this is becoming a preferred option for New Jersey residents.

The cremation trend is sweeping across our nation as more and more families choose cremation as a lower-cost alternative to traditional burial.  In New Jersey, the cremation rate has climbed steadily over the last decade and now represents around 5 out of every 10 funerals.  This rate is expected to climb significantly over the next five years.

Why choose cremation?

Cremation prices in New Jersey

New Jersey has some strange funeral laws.  It is one of only 7 states where a funeral director MUST be employed, a funeral home cannot own a cemetery, and crematories must be sited on cemetery property.  These antiquated laws can result in funeral prices being above average in New Jersey.

Cost is reportedly the biggest factor causing the shift to cremation. According to the New Jersey Funeral Directors Association, a family typically spent between $7,000 and $14,000 on a traditional funeral service in 2021. 

Yet the costs of a cremation service were closer to $4,000. This clearly represents huge savings on funeral expenses. Our changing attitudes towards religious beliefs and a more transient population have also been cited as reasons why cremation is becoming so popular. 

Full-service cremation services in New Jersey

If you are considering cremation, then you need to decide upon what kind of cremation service you require.  You can arrange a cremation similar to a traditional funeral, only that the deceased is transferred to the crematory after the service instead of the cemetery for burial. 

Once the cremated remains are returned, some families may opt to conduct a committal service as the cremated remains are interred.  Although significant costs may be saved on cemetery expenses, a full-service cremation can still work out at several thousand dollars. 

A full-service cremation in New Jersey will likely cost between $3,000 – $10,000.

Cremation with a memorial in New Jersey

Cremation Service New Jersey

Arranging a cremation followed by a memorial service can work out cheaper.  The cremation is conducted immediately, and the family can perform a memorial service, with the cremation urn present, at a later date. 

This can eliminate the need for a casket for the funeral and save money on the actual service.  A memorial service can be held at an alternative venue to a funeral home and even led by family, a celebrant, or clergy.

Direct cremation services in New Jersey

Direct Cremation Service $995 Call (877) 833-3770

A direct cremation is the least expensive option. It is also known as an immediate cremation, a basic cremation, or a simple cremation. It represents the ‘simplest’ method of arranging a disposition. The deceased is collected and cremated using a basic cremation container (usually a reinforced cardboard box), and then the ashes are returned directly to the family.

Funeral help for veterans in New Jersey

Direct cremations are gaining popularity as they can be purchased at the lowest cost available for a funeral and offer the family a dignified means to conduct a send-off without incurring a huge expense. 

Many families today arrange a direct cremation with a funeral home in New Jersey and then arrange their own memorial afterward.  It gives some ‘control’ of the death ritual back to the family.

The New Jersey Funeral Directors Association claims that a direct cremation costs around $3,000 in New Jersey. Some funeral homes can indeed charge this much. However, direct cremation is intended to be a budget cremation option, and you can purchase one for under $1,000.

I have typically seen low-cost direct cremation prices between $995 and $1,595, so it is important to shop around and ensure you are comparing like-for-like services.

Discount cremation packages in New Jersey

Most economic cremation in New Jersey

Check whether the crematory fee is included in a quoted cremation price.

Many NJ funeral homes have to use the services of a crematory located at a cemetery, which can mean that the crematory fee is not always included in a funeral home’s cremation package. This makes the cremation fee a ‘cash advance’ item that the funeral director pays to the crematory. As the cremation fee can range between $150 and $350, it is important to clarify if it is included in any cremation package that a funeral home quotes.

Discount direct cremation packages in New Jersey are excellent value for money and are delivered by compassionate funeral professionals.

Unfortunately, many families are caught unprepared when a death occurs, believe it is undignified to inquire about costs, and can put their trust totally in the first funeral home they speak to.  The more you can research and inform yourself of the options available, the more you are likely to save on the cost of a funeral.

Resources:

Complete Guide to Cremation Costs in New Jersey 2024

Funeral Homes in New Jersey

New Jersey Funeral Directors Association – Consumer Info

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.