The average cost of direct cremation in Des Moines, Iowa is $1,192, which is 45.4% below the national average of $2,183. Cremation with a full service starts at $4,950.
In Iowa, 48% of families choose cremation — near the national rate of 61.8%. Choosing cremation can save families $7,108 compared to a traditional burial.
Cremation Cost Comparison in Des Moines, IA
| Service | Direct Cremation | With Viewing | With Memorial | Full Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Services Fee | $417 | $1,357 | $1,238 | $1,138 |
| Transportation | $179 | $179 | $179 | $179 |
| Embalming | N/A | $651 | N/A | $517 |
| Viewing / Visitation | N/A | $814 | N/A | $621 |
| Ceremony / Memorial | N/A | Included | $934 | Included |
| Cremation Process | $536 | $977 | $990 | $776 |
| Urn | Basic container | $222 | $222 | $222 |
| Total | $1,192 | $5,429 | $4,950 | $5,172 |
Direct Cremation ($1,192): The most affordable option. Includes basic services, transportation, cremation process, and return of cremated remains. No viewing, embalming, or formal service. Ideal for families planning a private memorial later.
Cremation with Memorial Service ($4,950): Includes the cremation plus a formal memorial ceremony at the funeral home or other venue. The urn is present during the service. This allows family and friends to gather and pay respects.
Cremation with Viewing ($5,429): A traditional service with a viewing/visitation before cremation. Includes embalming, rental casket, ceremony, and cremation. Similar to a traditional funeral but with cremation instead of burial.
Alkaline Hydrolysis ($2,492): Also called water cremation or aquamation. An eco-friendly alternative that uses water and alkali instead of flame. Uses 90% less energy than traditional cremation. Available in select locations in Iowa.
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The Cremation Process in Des Moines
The cremation process in Des Moines typically takes 2-3 hours at temperatures between 1,400-1,800°F. After cooling, the remains are processed into fine particles (cremated remains or "ashes") weighing 4-8 pounds for an average adult.
Before cremation, all metal (pacemakers, implants, jewelry) must be removed. Most crematories in Iowa require a 24-48 hour waiting period after death before cremation can proceed. The entire process from death to return of remains usually takes 3-7 business days.
Families receive the cremated remains in a temporary container or the urn they purchased. Options for the remains include keeping them at home, scattering at a meaningful location, burial in a cemetery, placement in a columbarium niche, or creating memorial jewelry or art.
Pet Cremation in Des Moines, IA
| Pet Size | Private Cremation |
|---|---|
| Small (under 30 lbs) | $116 |
| Medium (30-70 lbs) | $192 |
| Large (over 70 lbs) | $267 |
| Communal (no ashes returned) | $50-$150 |
Pet cremation is also available in Des Moines, Iowa. There are two main types:
Private Pet Cremation — your pet is cremated individually, and you receive their ashes. Costs range from $116 for small pets (under 30 lbs) to $267 for large pets (over 70 lbs). Medium-sized pets typically cost $192.
Communal Pet Cremation — multiple pets are cremated together. This is the most affordable option at $50-$150 but ashes are not returned. Many veterinary clinics in Des Moines can arrange pet cremation services.
Tips to Save on Cremation in Des Moines
- Choose direct cremation: At $1,192, it's the most affordable option — saving $7,108 vs. traditional burial and $3,758 vs. cremation with service.
- Compare 3+ providers: Cremation costs in Des Moines vary significantly between providers. The FTC Funeral Rule requires price lists. Get at least 3 quotes.
- Skip the expensive urn: A basic urn costs $222. You can use any container — a decorative box, ceramic jar, or biodegradable urn for scattering ($20-$50).
- Consider a cremation society: Membership organizations that pre-negotiate cremation rates. Members often save 20-40% on direct cremation.
- Pre-plan at today's prices: Lock in current rates with a prepaid cremation plan. Cremation costs rise 3-5% annually.
- Check for veteran benefits: Veterans may receive a $300 cremation allowance plus a free urn or marker from the VA.
- Ask about payment plans: Many cremation providers in Des Moines offer interest-free payment plans for families who need financial flexibility.
Cremation Services Near Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation in Des Moines
Direct cremation in Des Moines costs approximately $1,192. This is the most affordable option and includes basic services, transportation, the cremation process, and return of cremated remains without a formal ceremony or viewing.
Cremation with a viewing in Des Moines averages $5,429. This includes embalming, a rental casket, visitation time, a ceremony, and the cremation. It provides the traditional funeral experience with cremation instead of burial.
Families in Des Moines save an average of $7,108 by choosing direct cremation over traditional burial. Even cremation with a full memorial service saves significantly compared to the national average burial cost of $8,300.
Alkaline hydrolysis, also called water cremation or aquamation, uses water and alkali instead of flame. In Des Moines it costs approximately $2,492. It uses 90% less energy and produces no direct emissions, making it the most eco-friendly option.
Yes. Basic urns in Des Moines average $222, but you can use any container. Biodegradable urns for scattering cost $20-$50, decorative boxes $30-$80, and companion urns for two sets of remains $100-$300. The FTC does not require purchasing an urn from the funeral home.
Contact local cremation providers in Des Moines to lock in current prices with a prepaid plan. Cremation costs rise 3-5% annually, so pre-planning at today's rate of $1,192 can save hundreds over time. Ask about payment plans and price guarantees.
Cremation Costs in Nearby Cities
$1,165 direct · $4,839 w/service Iowa City, IA
$1,165 direct · $4,839 w/service Waterloo, IA
$1,165 direct · $4,839 w/service Sioux City, IA
$1,165 direct · $4,839 w/service West Des Moines, IA
$1,165 direct · $4,839 w/service Dubuque, IA
$1,165 direct · $4,839 w/service Ankeny, IA
$1,165 direct · $4,839 w/service Ames, IA
$1,165 direct · $4,839 w/service Council Bluffs, IA
$1,165 direct · $4,839 w/service Urbandale, IA
$1,165 direct · $4,839 w/service Marion, IA
$1,165 direct · $4,839 w/service Cedar Falls, IA
$1,165 direct · $4,839 w/service
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