The average cost of direct cremation in Tempe, Arizona is $1,339, which is 38.7% below the national average of $2,183. Cremation with a full service starts at $5,356.
In Arizona, 70% of families choose cremation — well above the national rate of 61.8%. Choosing cremation can save families $6,961 compared to a traditional burial.
Cremation Cost Comparison in Tempe, AZ
| Service | Direct Cremation | With Viewing | With Memorial | Full Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Services Fee | $469 | $1,475 | $1,339 | $1,236 |
| Transportation | $201 | $201 | $201 | $201 |
| Embalming | N/A | $708 | N/A | $562 |
| Viewing / Visitation | N/A | $885 | N/A | $674 |
| Ceremony / Memorial | N/A | Included | $1,100 | Included |
| Cremation Process | $603 | $1,062 | $1,071 | $842 |
| Urn | Basic container | $260 | $260 | $260 |
| Total | $1,339 | $5,900 | $5,356 | $5,616 |
Direct Cremation ($1,339): 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 ($5,356): 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 ($5,900): 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 ($2,800): 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 Arizona.
Cremation Cost Calculator for Tempe
Estimate Your Total Cremation Cost
The Cremation Process in Tempe
The cremation process in Tempe 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 Arizona 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 Tempe, AZ
| Pet Size | Private Cremation |
|---|---|
| Small (under 30 lbs) | $125 |
| Medium (30-70 lbs) | $210 |
| Large (over 70 lbs) | $295 |
| Communal (no ashes returned) | $50-$150 |
Pet cremation is also available in Tempe, Arizona. There are two main types:
Private Pet Cremation — your pet is cremated individually, and you receive their ashes. Costs range from $125 for small pets (under 30 lbs) to $295 for large pets (over 70 lbs). Medium-sized pets typically cost $210.
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 Tempe can arrange pet cremation services.
Tips to Save on Cremation in Tempe
- Choose direct cremation: At $1,339, it's the most affordable option — saving $6,961 vs. traditional burial and $4,017 vs. cremation with service.
- Compare 3+ providers: Cremation costs in Tempe vary significantly between providers. The FTC Funeral Rule requires price lists. Get at least 3 quotes.
- Skip the expensive urn: A basic urn costs $260. 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 Tempe offer interest-free payment plans for families who need financial flexibility.
Cremation Services Near Tempe, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation in Tempe
Direct cremation in Tempe costs approximately $1,339. 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 Tempe averages $5,900. 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 Tempe save an average of $6,961 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 Tempe it costs approximately $2,800. It uses 90% less energy and produces no direct emissions, making it the most eco-friendly option.
Yes. Basic urns in Tempe average $260, 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 Tempe to lock in current prices with a prepaid plan. Cremation costs rise 3-5% annually, so pre-planning at today's rate of $1,339 can save hundreds over time. Ask about payment plans and price guarantees.
Cremation Costs in Nearby Cities
$1,326 direct · $5,302 w/service Gilbert, AZ
$1,326 direct · $5,302 w/service Yuma, AZ
$1,326 direct · $5,302 w/service San Tan Valley, AZ
$1,326 direct · $5,302 w/service Goodyear, AZ
$1,326 direct · $5,302 w/service Buckeye, AZ
$1,326 direct · $5,302 w/service Prescott Valley, AZ
$1,326 direct · $5,302 w/service Avondale, AZ
$1,326 direct · $5,302 w/service Flagstaff, AZ
$1,326 direct · $5,302 w/service Casas Adobes, AZ
$1,326 direct · $5,302 w/service Maricopa, AZ
$1,326 direct · $5,302 w/service Queen Creek, AZ
$1,326 direct · $5,302 w/service
Popular Cities in Arizona
Compare cremation costs across the largest cities in Arizona.
From $1,299 Tucson, AZ
From $1,245 Mesa, AZ
From $1,299 Chandler, AZ
From $1,326 Gilbert, AZ
From $1,326 Glendale, AZ
From $1,285 Scottsdale, AZ
From $1,486 Peoria, AZ
From $1,312 Surprise, AZ
From $1,285 Yuma, AZ
From $1,326 San Tan Valley, AZ
From $1,326 Goodyear, AZ
From $1,326 Buckeye, AZ
From $1,326 Prescott Valley, AZ
From $1,326 Avondale, AZ
From $1,326 Flagstaff, AZ
From $1,326 Casas Adobes, AZ
From $1,326 Maricopa, AZ
From $1,326 Queen Creek, AZ
From $1,326 Lake Havasu City, AZ
From $1,326