How Much Does Cremation Cost in California? (2024)

If you’re wondering what the cost of cremation in California is, this guide answers your questions to help you plan a meaningful final goodbye for your loved one.

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it comes to someone close. In the fog of grief, planning final arrangements can feel like a daunting task.

If you're trying to figure out the cost of cremation in California, this guide offers insight into some respectful and dignified ways to say farewell — whether it’s a direct cremation, a memorial service, or something else.

This guide will delve into the typical direct cremation costs in California, helping you make informed decisions while navigating this tender chapter.

Average cost of cremation in California

Direct cremation is the most economical funeral option. It involves cremation without a viewing or ceremony. 

According to Funeralocity, the average cost of a direct cremation in California is $1,624.

Here’s what’s involved in a direct cremation:

Meadow offers an all-inclusive cremation package at $1,295 for Los Angeles County residents.

Unlike most cremation packages, ours is extremely comprehensive and even includes one copy of the death certificate and a premium urn.

Cost of a cremation with a memorial service in California

Cremation with a memorial service in California offers a more personalized way to honor your loved one compared to a direct cremation, but it comes with additional costs. 

On average, it costs about $5,400 for a full-service cremation, while the cost for a memorial service depends entirely on the venue, number of people involved, and the specifics of the function.

A memorial service usually contains many variable elements that can influence the cost — such as live music, customized catering, clergy fees, transportation, and decor.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  1. Core cremation costs: The foundational fees, which cover the cremation itself, tend to fall between $1,000 and $2,000. This includes facility fees, the cremation process, and staff services.
  1. Venue and memorial service costs: Renting a chapel or a larger venue may cost $100 or more per hour.
  1. Additional expenses: Refreshments, clergy or officiant fees, and musical performances can add anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars to the final cost.

There are also potential hidden fees such as cremation caskets, permits, administrative costs, and death certificate fees.

Meadow Memorials and Cremations serves Los Angeles County, and strives to provide a high-quality, cost-effective alternative to traditional funeral homes.

Our cremation package is all-inclusive at $1,295 for Los Angeles County residents. We manage necessary paperwork, including death certificates and Social Security notification.

Meadow Memorials also goes beyond basic cremation services to provide assistance with memorial service planning. We collaborate with top venues to help you organize personalized memorial services, ranging from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations of life. 

Cost of a full-service cremation in California

A full-service cremation includes the cremation process, a memorial service with viewing of the deceased (usually embalmed), and typically use of a funeral home for visitations.

On average, it costs about $5,400 for a full-service cremation in California.

This includes the core cremation costs, memorial venue rental, and additional fees as shared in the previous section, but it also includes:

  1. Embalming, which costs about $500-$700
  2. Visitation at a funeral home, which is approximately $400-$500
  3. The memorial service, where the price can vary based on the number of guests, the venue, and complexity of the event.

Additional costs to keep in mind

While a cremation with a memorial service offers a more affordable alternative to a full-service cremation, there can still be additional costs to consider:

These costs can vary significantly depending on the cemetery location and desired plot size. Be sure to inquire with the cemetery directly for their current pricing structure.

Ways to reduce the cost of cremation in California

The cremation cost can vary depending on your location and the funeral home you choose. Generally, cremation costs tend to be lower in rural areas compared to urban centers.

Funeral homes can also have different pricing structures, so it's important to compare quotes from several providers in your area.

Be sure to ask detailed questions about what's included in their packages and about any additional fees that may apply.

Planning a cremation with a memorial service doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some strategies to keep your costs in check:

Next steps

If you’re in the midst of planning and figuring out how much a cremation costs in California, we hope this guide has been useful.

We understand the weight of this moment.

Meadow is here to offer a gentle hand and a streamlined approach to managing a meaningful tribute to your loved one — whether it’s a cremation or a memorial service.

Our team of caring planners partner with you in this tender time to create an occasion as remarkable as the life it honors.

Our team is available 24/7 to guide you through this process. Explore our personalized memorial services to honor your loved one, on your own terms.

California Cremation and Funeral Services

Cremation Package

The Meadow Cremation package includes everything you need for a simple cremation.

$1,295  

Chapel Service

Everything you need for a traditional memorial service at one of our partner chapels.

$1,970 

Memorial Celebration

We'll help you create a memory that will last forever at a Beautiful Venue across Los Angeles County.

from $3,900
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