How much does it cost to die in Wake County?

It can be daunting, in the midst of a loss, to consider the costs and steps for dealing with the body. Here's what you need to know about cremation.

Posted 1:13 a.m. Apr 27, 2018 — Updated 11:42 a.m. Apr 27, 2018

Liisa Ogburn

Death is expensive, in case you don’t know. In short, it seems to range from $1000 (for a bare bones cremation) up to over $10,000 (for a bells-and-whistles, bring in a quartet from the Symphony, casket funeral affair). While I won’t go into all the funeral packages available, many readers have recently requested information on the costs and steps to take for a simple cremation.

Cremations—for those who don’t know—are the big trend these days. There are lots of reasons for that, one seasoned local funeral home director shared with me recently. We live far from one another. Cremations are considerably cheaper. People want to take the remains with them, or convey their parents’ remains to a family burial plot elsewhere. Fewer people belong to a church where they can have a meaningful ceremony. More families are scattered over long distances and too busy or financially strapped to attend. Whatever the case, how does one prepare if they would like their loved one cremated?

First, the family must identify a cremation service provider. There are 17 funeral homes in Raleigh, many owned by the same company. It’s a business which is regulated. Some places offer the whole array of services and packages, from cremation to coffin to flutes at a graveside service and guest books, while others offer strictly cremation services (with no extras). The cost for cremation seems to range from $1000 to $4000.

How do you pick which company to go with? I called five. Edward Kosmos, owner of City of Oaks Cremation, was the most patient and knowledgeable person I spoke with (even though it was after 5 pm) . He said if you are going to choose primarily on cost make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Also, ask the funeral home if they have the crematory on site or if they need to send your loved one elsewhere for the actual cremation to take place. Ask the funeral home what can be done to reduce the cost while not sacrificing any included services and make sure the funeral home is licensed to operate in NC. You can check this by calling the NC Board of Funeral Service or checking their directory online. The bottom line is this is an emotional decision and there is not a one fit solution for everyone. You should really call around to the individual funeral homes and simply ask questions until you feel comfortable.

For a “simple cremation,” City of Oaks charges $1196. This cost includes the transfer of remains, an alternative container, the crematory fee, three Certified Death Certificates, a wooden rectangular shaped urn and the NC Sales tax. Kosmos says sometimes a place will quote a lower price, but then add in unmentioned fees to your final bill. Keep in mind, for example, an urn that doesn't come with “the package” can cost from $35 up to over $1000. (For what it’s worth, you can find nice, affordable urns on Amazon, if there is the time.)

What is the process once your loved one has died? If they are in the hospital, once the family has determined a service provider, the family informs the hospital where they want their loved one transported. The hospital then contacts the business and sets the time for pick-up. (It’s usually within a few hours.) The family fills out the personal information form and authorization for the cremation to take place.

What happens after the body has been cremated? The funeral home will contact the necessary State, local and Federal agencies to report the death; however, the family will need to start working on personal items such as credit cards, vehicles, bank accounts and/or a home. The process can seem overwhelming, but the Estates Division at the County Register of Deeds Office is a great resource to start with and are always willing to help.

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