Low-Cost Options
Money Matters
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
- Whole body donation to medical school.
FREE, if they will accept it. - Whole body donation to a for-profit organization.
FREE, if they will take it. - Indigent Burial.
FREE, if the local authorities let you off the hook. - Cremation, ashes scattered outside a cemetery.
Requires shopping around. Likely not less than $600
Moving the Body
Warning!
Crematories and Cemeteries may not accept drive-ups.
- Using your own truck or van
FREE-ish, just the cost of fuel. - Get a friend’s truck or van.
FREE-ish, probably will require some sort of payback. - Rent a truck or van.
Should be less than $200 for a whole day, BUT you will need help moving to the vehicle. - Funeral Home hearse.
Probably over $500.
Whole Body Encasement
- Shroud
- Cardboard box
- Woven casket
Remains Container
- For composted remains:
Just a bucket to transport soil to final destination. - For ashes remains:
Supply your own shoebox. - For ashes remains:
Crematory’s “alternate” container.
Whole Body Final Resting Place
- Cemetery:
natural burial - Cemetery:
green burial - Burial at Sea
- Cemetery:
pre-paid group plot
Remains Final Resting Place
- Scattered on your own property:
FREE, where legal. Probably must disclose when selling. - Scattered in a wilderness park:
Cost of park admission + possible permit. - Scattered in a national park:
Cost of park admission + possible permit. - Scattered at sea:
Cost to get 3 nautical miles offshore - Scattered in cemeteries:
requires shopping around
Funeral
- DIY Home Funeral:
Cost is as high or low as you choose. - Doula-assisted Home Funeral:
Individually priced.