My name is Eric Neuhaus, and as the owner of Cremation.Green, I've spent over 20 years guiding Texas families through some of their most difficult days. One of the first things I learned is that when you’re grieving, the last thing you need is a confusing price list or a sales pitch. That’s why my first priority is always clarity.
When a family calls me asking about the cost, they’re really asking, “Can I trust you to take care of my loved one with dignity, at a price that is fair and clear?” The answer has to be yes.
- Average Cost: Cremation costs in Texas generally range from under $1,000 for a simple service to several thousand dollars if a memorial is included.
- What's Included: The base price typically covers transportation, legal paperwork, the cremation process itself, and a simple container for the remains.
- Key Factors: The final price depends on the service level (direct vs. memorial), third-party fees (like death certificates), and any merchandise you choose (like a specific urn).
- Our Promise: At Cremation.Green, you receive care at our private, luxury crematory. Your loved one never leaves our care, ensuring dignity and accountability.
- Water Cremation: We also offer eco-friendly water cremation, a gentle, water-based alternative to traditional flame cremation.
A Clear Conversation About Texas Cremation Costs
My goal here is to give you honest, straightforward information. At Cremation.Green, our reputation is built on the trust we’ve earned from Texas families, and that trust is reflected in over 450 five-star reviews. That relationship always starts with an open conversation about what to expect, both in the care we provide and the costs involved.
Making these arrangements should never feel like a transaction. It’s a deeply personal process, and you deserve a partner who understands that. I’ve always believed that giving you clear, upfront information is the only way to empower you to make the right decision for your family without pressure. We built our entire philosophy around Transparent Pricing because it’s simply the right thing to do.
What Drives Cremation Costs
So, what actually goes into the final price? Several key factors determine the final cost of cremation services in Texas. Once you understand them, you can see exactly where your money is going.
- Service Level: This is the biggest piece. A direct cremation—where the process is handled simply without a formal service—is the most straightforward and affordable path. Services that include a viewing, visitation, or memorial will naturally have higher costs.
- Provider Type: There’s a big difference between working directly with a crematory like ours, which owns its own private, luxury crematory, and going through a traditional funeral home that might outsource the cremation itself.
- Location: You might see slight price differences between a major city like Austin and a smaller town, which usually comes down to the local cost of doing business.
- Third-Party Fees: These are costs we don't control, usually required by the state or county. This includes fees for official death certificates or a medical examiner's permit.
My commitment to you is simple: you'll understand every part of this process, including every line item on the bill. This guide is here to give you the confidence to navigate these decisions, knowing you have a clear picture of all your options. We will always provide a General Price List, as required by the Texas Funeral Service Commission, so you'll never be caught off guard.
Breaking Down the Different Cremation Service Costs
When families call me, one of the first things they want to understand is what they're actually paying for. It's a completely fair question. My job isn't just to provide a service; it's to provide clarity so you can make a decision with confidence, not confusion.
Let's walk through the main types of cremation services so you can see how the level of service aligns with the cost.
Direct Cremation: The Most Straightforward Path
Direct cremation is the simplest and most affordable option available. It’s for families who want a dignified process without any formal ceremonies or viewings beforehand. It’s a clean, straightforward approach.
When you choose direct cremation, you're choosing a core set of essential services. This typically includes:
- Bringing your loved one into our care from their place of passing.
- Securing and filing all necessary legal paperwork, which we handle for you.
- The cremation process itself, which takes place in our private crematory.
- A simple, respectful container for the cremated remains.
This option provides everything necessary for a dignified farewell, allowing your family the time and space to plan a separate memorial later if you wish. It separates the logistical tasks from the commemorative ones, giving you complete flexibility.
The pricing for this service is designed to be clear and accessible. In Texas, the cost for this type of service can vary quite a bit by city. Direct cremation can often be found for under $1,000 in some areas, though the average is often higher.
For example, some providers in Dallas or Houston may offer services starting around $795, while the average in a city like Austin might be closer to $1,839.
Simple Cremation With a Memorial: A Moment to Say Goodbye
Some families feel it's important to have a private moment to see their loved one before the cremation. This is where a "simple cremation with a memorial" comes in. It includes everything from a direct cremation but adds an opportunity for a private family viewing or a small, intimate gathering at our facility.
This service strikes a balance. It's still simpler and more affordable than a traditional funeral, but it provides that crucial opportunity for closure that many families need. It allows for a personal, quiet goodbye in a peaceful setting.
For many, this isn't about ceremony; it's about connection. Having that final moment together can be an incredibly important part of the grieving process for close family and friends.
Adding a viewing or gathering will naturally adjust the final cost, as it requires additional time and care from our staff to prepare your loved one and facilitate the event.
This chart shows the general cost ranges you can expect for different service levels across Texas.
As you can see, each level of service builds upon the last, with costs reflecting the added components.
Full-Service Cremation: Honoring Tradition
A full-service cremation is the option that most closely resembles a traditional funeral. This service can include everything from a public visitation or viewing to a formal memorial service held before the cremation occurs. The casket is often present at the service, which can be held at a place of worship, our facility, or another venue.
This choice is for families who wish to blend the traditions of a funeral with the simplicity of cremation. It includes:
- All elements of a direct cremation.
- Embalming and preparation of the body for a public viewing.
- Use of facilities and staff for a visitation and/or funeral service.
- Coordination of the memorial event.
Because this is the most comprehensive option, it is also the most expensive. The final cost reflects the extensive use of facilities, the professional services required for preparation and event coordination, and materials like a rental casket. We provide a complete breakdown of these costs so you can make an informed decision.
For a more detailed look at what's included in our packages, you can review our list of cremation services and prices.
Comparing Cremation Service Levels in Texas
To make it even clearer, let's break down what's typically included at each level. Think of it as building blocks—each service level adds more to the foundation of the previous one.
| Service Component | Direct Cremation | Simple Cremation with Memorial | Full-Service Cremation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Professional Services & Staff | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Transfer of a Loved One into Care | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Required Authorizations & Permits | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| The Cremation Process | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Simple Urn or Container | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Private Family Viewing | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Embalming & Preparation for Public Viewing | ✔️ | ||
| Use of Facilities for Visitation & Service | ✔️ | ||
| Funeral Service Coordination & Staff | ✔️ |
This table should help you visualize exactly where the costs are going and what services you receive with each option.
Ultimately, my goal is for you to feel fully informed. There's no right or wrong choice—only the one that feels best for your family and honors your loved one in a way that feels true to their life. I am here to answer any questions you have, with no pressure, so you can choose with peace of mind.
Why More Texas Families Are Choosing Cremation
Over my 20 years of helping Texas families, I've seen a real shift in how people approach saying goodbye. It's less about sticking to old traditions and more about finding what truly feels right for the family and honors the person they lost. Cremation has become a huge part of this conversation, and not just because of the cost. It’s about the personal freedom it offers.
The decision often comes down to a desire for flexibility. A traditional burial can force you into immediate, complex arrangements, which adds a ton of pressure when you're already overwhelmed. Cremation lifts that urgency. It gives families room to breathe and plan a memorial that genuinely reflects their loved one, whether that’s a few weeks or even months down the road.
A Modern Choice for Practical Needs
So many families I talk to are spread out across Texas, or even the whole country. Cremation just makes the logistics simpler. It means everyone can gather when the time is right for them, not when a rigid funeral schedule demands it. That practicality is a massive relief for families trying to navigate grief from different cities.
This isn't just something happening here; it's a nationwide trend. As of 2025, the cremation rate in Texas is around 49%, with burial at 51%. That's getting closer to the national average, where cremation has already surpassed 63.4%. A big driver is economics—a funeral involving cremation typically costs about $2,000 less than a traditional burial, mainly by avoiding high cemetery fees and the cost of a casket. You can get a better sense of the numbers by looking at these cremation expenses and trends.
More Than Just Cost Savings
While the financial side is certainly a factor, what really resonates with people is the ability to create a more personal, meaningful tribute. Cremation opens up a world of memorial options that just aren't possible with a traditional burial.
I’ve helped families who scattered ashes at a favorite fishing hole, held a beautiful service in a beloved backyard, or kept the remains close in a lovely urn at home. It’s all about creating a legacy that feels authentic.
Choosing cremation gives families control. It empowers them to honor their loved one in a way that is personal, meaningful, and free from the pressures of tradition or time constraints.
When I ask families why they made this choice, a few reasons always come up:
- Greater Flexibility: It allows them to hold a memorial service at any time or place that holds special meaning.
- Personalization: They have more choices for what to do with the remains, from scattering them in a significant location to creating keepsake jewelry.
- Simplicity: The process itself can be much simpler to arrange, which cuts down on stress when a family is already grieving.
Ultimately, choosing cremation is a modern, practical decision that fits the way Texas families live today. It provides the space to grieve without the immediate burden of expensive arrangements, giving people the freedom to say goodbye in a way that feels true to them.
Understanding the Factors That Influence Final Costs
After more than two decades in this profession, I’ve learned that the last thing a grieving family needs is a surprise on the final bill. My commitment has always been to absolute clarity. When you’re making these arrangements, you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for, down to the last dollar.
The final price isn't just one number; it's a sum of several distinct parts. Understanding these components is the key to feeling confident in your decisions. Let's pull back the curtain on the key variables that can shape the final cremation costs in Texas.
The Core Service Package
The foundation of the cost is the service package you choose. As we've discussed, a simple direct cremation will naturally have a different base price than one that includes a private family viewing or a full memorial service. This core price covers our professional services, transportation, and the cremation itself.
But there are a few other factors that come into play, and knowing about them ahead of time prevents any surprises down the road.
Third-Party Fees and Cash Advance Items
Some costs are simply unavoidable because they're required by state or local authorities. We call these "cash advance items," which just means we pay for them on your behalf and include them on your final statement for convenience. These are non-negotiable fees that every funeral provider must handle.
These usually include:
- Death Certificates: The State of Texas charges a fee for each certified copy of a death certificate. Families often need several copies for things like closing bank accounts, managing life insurance, and handling estate matters.
- Medical Examiner Permits: In many Texas counties, a permit from the Medical Examiner's office is required before a cremation can legally take place. This fee goes directly to the county to ensure all legal and medical reviews are completed.
We will always itemize these fees clearly on our General Price List. Transparency isn't just a policy for us; it's a promise. The Texas Funeral Service Commission mandates this clarity, and we wholeheartedly support it.
Merchandise and Personalization Choices
Another area that affects the final cost is your choice of merchandise, most notably the urn. While our basic cremation services include a simple, dignified container for the remains, many families choose an urn that holds more personal meaning.
The options are vast—from simple wooden boxes to ornate ceramic vessels, biodegradable urns for scattering, or even small keepsake urns. The cost can range from under a hundred dollars to several hundred, depending on the material and craftsmanship. This choice is entirely yours, and we're here to guide you without any pressure. For a deeper look at what to expect, our guide on what's in a contract for cremation services can help you identify these details.
The Impact of Location and Inflation
Where you are in Texas can also play a role. The cost of doing business is often higher in major metropolitan areas like Austin compared to smaller towns. This can lead to slight variations in the base price for cremation services in Texas.
We also can't ignore broader economic factors. Inflation and rising material costs have a real impact on our industry. Funeral prices have seen significant increases nationwide over the past few decades, largely due to the rising costs of raw materials for things like caskets and urns. In fact, since 1986, funeral expenses have jumped by about 295%.
Despite these pressures, we work hard to keep our services accessible. Our model at Cremation.Green is designed to be efficient, which lets us provide exceptional care from our luxury crematory without the high overhead of many traditional funeral homes.
My goal is to demystify the pricing process. By understanding each component—from the service package to third-party fees and personal choices—you can make an informed decision that honors your loved one and respects your family’s budget.
Our Commitment to a Dignified and Transparent Process
After serving Texas families for more than two decades, I know one thing for sure: conversations about cremation costs in Texas are really just the starting point. The numbers matter, of course, but what families are truly seeking is trust. It's about knowing your loved one will be treated with absolute dignity.
When a family chooses Cremation.Green, you're not just buying a service; you're placing your trust in my team and me during one of life's most vulnerable moments. I want to be perfectly clear about what that trust means to us. It’s a promise that goes far beyond any price list.
Your Loved One Never Leaves Our Care
This is something I feel every family needs to know right away: we own and operate our own private, luxury crematory. This isn't just a facility detail—it’s the very core of our promise to you.
From the moment your loved one is brought into our care, they stay with us. They are never handed off to a third-party contractor. We personally oversee every single step, ensuring the highest standards of respect and professionalism are maintained until they are returned to you. This gives us—and you—a level of accountability and peace of mind that I believe is non-negotiable.
My personal commitment is to provide every family with the respect, clarity, and peace of mind they deserve. It's the foundation of everything we do at Cremation.Green.
This unwavering commitment is why we’ve become one of the highest-rated funeral homes in Texas. We're honored to have earned over 450 five-star reviews from families who felt seen, heard, and cared for when they needed it most.
A Process Built on Open Communication
Grief is confusing enough without adding uncertainty to the mix. Wondering what’s happening behind the scenes only adds to the stress. That's why we've built our entire system around clear, constant communication, so you’re never left guessing. To me, transparency is the highest form of compassion we can offer.
We lay everything out in Our Process, which walks you through each step we'll take together. We’ll guide you through the paperwork, explain the timeline, and answer every single question with honesty and patience. This isn't just a business for me; it's a personal calling to make a difficult time just a little bit easier for the families I serve.
Whether you need Austin cremation services or you’re located elsewhere in Central Texas, our standard of care is always the same. You'll know what to expect, who to call, and that your loved one is being treated with the honor they deserve. It's not just our process; it's our promise.
Exploring Eco-Friendly Water Cremation
Many Texas families I speak with are looking for options that feel gentler on the earth and more aligned with their personal values. While traditional flame-based cremation is a very practical choice, it’s not the only path available anymore. One of the most common questions I get is about water cremation, a peaceful alternative we are proud to offer at Cremation.Green.
Known technically as alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation uses a gentle flow of warm water and an alkali solution to speed up the body's natural breakdown process. Instead of flame, it uses a quiet, water-based method that many families find to be a much more tranquil concept. It's a respectful process that simply returns the body to its natural elements without fire.
The Process and Benefits
The fundamental difference is the method. Flame cremation relies on intense heat, while water cremation uses a combination of water, temperature, and alkalinity. The end result is similar—the return of bone fragments, which are then processed into "ashes" for the family. The environmental impact, however, is significantly lower.
This process stands out for a few key reasons:
- Lower Energy Use: It consumes just a fraction of the energy needed for flame cremation, which dramatically reduces the carbon footprint.
- No Direct Emissions: Unlike flame-based methods, this process doesn't release any airborne mercury or other particulates into the atmosphere.
- A Gentle Approach: For many, the idea of a water-based process resonates deeply, offering a softer, more peaceful alternative to fire.
Understanding the Cost Difference
It's important to be transparent here: water cremation is a different service with its own unique cost structure. The specialized equipment and the longer duration of the process mean it is typically more expensive than our direct flame cremation services.
We offer this choice because we firmly believe in giving families options that fit their personal beliefs. For those who place a high priority on a minimal environmental impact and a gentler process, the value is clear. To help you understand the investment, we've put together a detailed breakdown of what water cremation costs and everything included in the service.
My role is to give you all the information you need to make the right decision for you and your family. If the idea of a gentle, eco-friendly cremation feels right, I encourage you to learn more about Water Cremation and how we can help. We're here to answer your questions honestly, making sure you can choose the path that brings you the most peace of mind.
Common Questions About Cremation Costs in Texas
After helping families for over 20 years, I've learned that one of the most comforting things I can offer is a straight, honest answer. When you’re facing a loss, the last thing you need is confusing information.
Here are some of the most common questions I hear about cremation costs in Texas, answered with the clarity you deserve.
What is the average cost of cremation in Texas?
A simple, direct cremation in Texas can often be arranged for under $1,000, though the statewide average is closer to $2,000. Costs increase if you add services like a viewing or a full memorial. At Cremation.Green, we provide a complete price list upfront to ensure there are no surprises.
What is included in a direct cremation package?
Our direct cremation package is designed to cover all the absolute necessities. It includes bringing your loved one into our care, managing all the required paperwork and permits with the Texas Funeral Service Commission, the cremation itself at our private crematory, and returning the ashes to you in a simple container.
Can our family have a viewing before the cremation?
Yes, absolutely. Many families find comfort in having a private moment to say goodbye. We can arrange an intimate gathering in a quiet, peaceful space before the cremation occurs to provide a sense of closure for close family and friends.
How do Austin cremation costs compare to other Texas cities?
It’s true that cremation costs can fluctuate from city to city, largely because of differences in local operating expenses. While Austin cremation services might have a slightly higher average cost, our promise at Cremation.Green is to provide fair, transparent pricing no matter what.
Are there extra fees if a death occurs outside Central Texas?
Transportation is a core part of what we do, and distance can affect the cost. If a death happens outside of our standard Central Texas service area, there may be some additional transportation fees. However, we will always lay out any of those costs for you upfront.
What is the cheapest way to be cremated in Texas?
The most affordable option is direct cremation. This service includes all the essential steps—transportation, paperwork, and the cremation itself—without any added ceremonies. This provides a dignified process while keeping costs to a minimum.
My promise to you is simple: you will always know exactly what to expect. No hidden fees. No confusing jargon. Just honest conversation and compassionate care. I know this is a difficult time, but you don't have to navigate it alone. If you have more questions or if there's anything I can do to help, please reach out to my team or me. We’re here for you.
