Low-Cost Options
Money Matters: Practical Options
When a death occurs, unexpected or otherwise, financial concerns can quickly become overwhelming. This section outlines practical options and typical costs associated with end-of-life arrangements—from transporting the body to selecting containers, resting places, and funeral services. Understanding these categories can help you plan realistically, reduce expenses, and make informed choices during a difficult time.
The Body ("Disposition")
Some options eliminate most body-related costs entirely—if they are available and accepted.
Whole Body Donation
Medical Schools
Often free, including transport and final disposition—if accepted. Acceptance depends on timing, condition, and location.
For-Profit Organizations
Also often free, but requires advance coordination and acceptance criteria vary.
Indigent or Unclaimed Disposition
If no one takes responsibility and authorities approve, the county may handle disposition at no cost to family. There is usually no choice or return of remains.
Cremation
Ashes Scattered Outside a Cemetery – Requires shopping around. Even at the low end, expect $600+ in most areas.
Moving the Body
Transportation can be one of the most flexible—and overlooked—cost categories.
Your Own Truck or Van
Legal in many states. Cost is mainly fuel and time.
A Friend’s Truck or Van
Similar cost; expect some form of compensation or help in return.
Rental Truck or Van
Often under $200/day, but you’ll need help lifting and loading.
Funeral Home Hearse
Convenient, but commonly $500 or more.
Laws vary—check local requirements for permits or refrigeration.
Whole-Body Encasement
(Before Burial or Transport)
Encasement requirements are often cemetery policy, not law.
Shroud
Simple fabric wrap; often allowed in green or natural burial.
Cardboard Box
Functional and low-cost; commonly accepted.
Woven or Simple Wood Casket
More durable, still relatively low cost.
Remains Containers
There is no legal requirement for expensive containers.
Composted Remains
A basic container (even a bucket) is sufficient for transport.
Cremated Remains (Ashes)
A shoebox or personal container
The crematory’s alternate container (often included)
Whole-Body Resting Place
- Cemetery
Natural Burial – Minimal intervention; usually lower long-term costs.
Green Burial – Similar to natural burial but within designated sections.
Pre-Paid Group or Common Plot – Sometimes offered by municipalities or nonprofits. - Burial at Sea
Requires compliance with federal rules; costs depend on transport.
Cremated/Composted Remains Resting Place
- Private Property
Often free where legal; disclosure may be required when selling. - Wilderness or State Parks
Usually admission fees plus possible permits. - National Parks
Permit required in many cases; rules vary by park. - At Sea
Requires travel at least 3 nautical miles offshore. - Cemeteries (Scattering Gardens or Plots)
Costs vary widely; shopping around matters.
Funerals & Ceremonies
- DIY Home Funeral
Costs range from minimal to moderate, depending on choices.
- Doula-Assisted Home Funeral
Individually priced; offers guidance without full funeral-home costs.
Read more…
Additional Considerations
- Paperwork & Permits
Death certificates, burial permits, and transit authorizations may carry small fees.
- Time Pressure
Rushed decisions often cost more. Knowing options ahead of time saves money.
- Pre-Payment vs. Saving
Paying in advance is not always safer or cheaper—see the Paying for End-of-Life Costs section.