For most families, the final farewell with a loved one boils down to this: burial or cremation? Both options pay respects to a life uniquely, but both have their price tag attached to them. Here's a comparison of the two for your reference: 

The Cost of Burial- 

There are a variety of additional expenditures associated with a traditional burial. A conventional burial can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $12,000. Major items that contribute to this cost are:

- Casket: A casket is an expensive item, ranging in price between $1,000 for the more basic model and higher than $10,000 for the top-of-the-line types.

- Burial Plot: The cost of an actual grave site is a broad range, but most often falls within the $300 to $2,500 range, depending on the location of the cemetery.

- Digging Fee: These opening and closing fees for digging the grave usually range from $300 to $1,500.

- Headstone/Marker: A grave marker will run from $500 to $3,000, depending on material and the design chosen.

Putting all of these additional elements together can quickly run up the cost. Traditional burial is quite an expensive endeavor.

The Increasing Popularity of Cremation: 

Another great advantage of cremation is that it is presumed to be the cheaper option. The average amounts for a cremation in the U.S are between $2,000 and $5,000, though in some cases, where one chooses direct cremation services, the sums paid might be much cheaper. Here's what you can expect from the basic charge: 

- Cremation Fee: The basic fee itself usually includes the cremation. And in a safe estimate, that one can range between $1,000 and $3,000.

- Cremation Urn: While plain urns can be bought for $50 to $300, more elaborate selections can cost more than $1,000.

- Memorial Service: The family can opt for a memorial service, which can be priced anywhere in the range of $100 to $2,500, depending on how formal the service will be.

Using cremation is often easier for families to be flexible with final arrangements, thus having smaller overall expenses.

The Emotional and Financial Impact of it: 

Although the price might be a determining factor, the emotional factors for deciding on the type of service may play an equal role. Families will want either the ritualistic feel of a traditional burial or the simplicity and convenience of cremation. 

Hence, Making An Informed Choice Is Crucial Part- 

This is an emotional choice, with an economic cost involved. But knowing what goes on with the costs of each, one can inform a family's decision so that he/she can honor their loved one. In the final analysis, what difference does it make, anyway? All's well and good whether by traditional burial or by lesser funeral rights: it's all the same-the creating of a meaningful tribute that reflects upon life.

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