Burial vs. Cremation in Los Angeles: Costs & Options

Written by: Marissa Bergen, Healthcare Industry Writer, and Troy Centazzo, Founder and CEO of Opal Cremation

Key Takeaways

• Families in Los Angeles have numerous choices to arrange to hold a memorial for a loved one who has passed
• Cremation-related options include direct cremation and traditional cremation
• Burial services are often traditional funerals, but immediate burial offers a quicker, less expensive option
• All options come with pros and cons and a wide range of cost, from about $1,500 to more than $30,000
• This guide provides an overview of cremation and burial options, so families can choose the service that is right for them

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Cremation vs Burial Summary
• Burial Options in Los Angeles
• Cremation Options in Los Angeles
• Cremation vs. Burial Prices
• Pros and Cons of Cremation and Burial Options
• How to Choose the Right Service for Your Family – A Decision Framework
• FAQs
• Opal Assists with Direct Cremation
• Additional Resources from Opal

Introduction

If you’re considering cremation or burial in Los Angeles, you’re not alone. Our team at Opal assists families every day who are making the choice of what type of memorial service is right for them and their loved one who passed.

Making the choice between cremation or a traditional burial arrangement for your deceased family member (or you if you are prearranging services for yourself) can be challenging, considering all the options and costs associated with each selection. But choosing the right type of service—and the right provider—can make a big difference in cost, comfort, and peace of mind.

But how do you select the right choice when it comes to cremation versus burial arrangements? And what does each option involve?

During the process of making funeral arrangements for a loved one, it’s also important that you put together estimates and quotes to figure out what you want and can afford.

This article will explore various factors involved in cremation and burial so you can make the best choice for your loved one.

At Opal Cremation, we support families seeking direct cremation with affordable pricing, compassionate guidance, and full transparency. This guide compares cremation and burial options so you can make the best choice for your loved one.

Need help now? Opal Cremation offers affordable cremation services to the Los Angeles region, ensuring a transparent and simplified process for everyone involved. Contact us to learn more about your cremation and burial options or start arrangements today.

Call us at 888-714-8481 or send us a message and we’ll get back to you immediately.

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Cremation vs Burial Summary

Cremation and traditional burials offer families in California two different options for funeral services for deceased loved ones.

Direct cremation is a simple, lowest-cost option where the deceased is cremated without a formal ceremony. Families may hold a separate memorial, such as a celebration of life, at a later time.

Another cremation option is a “traditional cremation” service, which involves several of the same aspects of a traditional funeral, such as a visitation or wake. The deceased is embalmed and present in a casket, and other common aspects of a funeral.

A traditional burial funeral, including casket, plot, and ceremony, remains a popular choice—but typically includes significantly higher costs and planning requirements.

Another option for a burial funeral is a “immediate burial.” The body is transported directly to the cemetery for burial, typically within a few days after the death.

For more information about direct cremation, see our blog What is Direct Cremation?

Burial Options in Los Angeles

Immediate Burial Arrangements

In Southern California, if you wish to bury your loved one right away, you may choose an expedited burial that usually does not involve any kind of service or viewing. This service is what’s known as an “immediate burial” or “direct burial.”

Because immediate burials can happen so fast, there is no need for the body to be refrigerated.

The process typically involves:

• No formal service such as a viewing or visitation
• No embalming or preparation- the body is typically placed in a simple casket or container
• Direct Interment- The body is transported directly to the cemetery for burial, typically within a few days after the death.

This method is cost effective as it eliminates ceremony, and burial services. According to the NFDA, this service typically costs around $2,495. Although there is no ceremony, families can plan a visitation or memorial service at a later date.

Traditional Burial Arrangements and Funerals

Of all the funeral options, this is likely to be the one most people have experienced in some capacity – this type of service is what most people still think of when they hear the term “funeral.” A funeral service is a traditional ceremony usually held before burial, typically with the body present.

In the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, many funerals follow cultural or religious customs and are scheduled within days of death. They may include a viewing, embalmed body, a casket, formal eulogy, prayers, or other rites depending on family beliefs.

The body is placed in a casket, transported to the ceremony, and buried at the gravesite where families and friends can say their final goodbyes.

Common Features of Traditional Burial Services:

• Body present in a casket
• Often includes visitation or wake
• Held at a funeral home, church, or place of worship
• Typically followed by burial or cremation (or both)
• A family get-together, such as a luncheon, repass, or memorial brunch
• Higher costs due to embalming, transportation, and venue
• Common structure: Viewing → Funeral Ceremony → Burial or Cremation
• Service provider: funeral home

An additional memorial service also may be planned at a later date.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), in 2024 about 28% of funeral services in California involved traditional burial.

Cremation Options in Los Angeles

Direct Cremation Services

The simplest and most cost-effective option is direct cremation, in which the body is cremated shortly after death rather than kept at a facility. With minimal steps, this arrangement gives family and friends time to grieve their loved one, without being caught up in additional responsibilities that come with traditional arrangements.

Direct cremation is the industry term for a basic cremation service with no additional funeral services, such as embalming or a viewing. Direct cremation is generally the most affordable option for consumers. Other common terms for direct cremation include:

• Simple cremation
• Basic cremation
• Low cost cremation

The reason you’ve seen the term direct cremation as you’ve been evaluating cremation and traditional funeral services is that all US funeral providers, including funeral homes and cremation service providers, must include a separate price for direct cremation on their price lists per federal regulations. Price lists, which every provider must provide to consumers who inquire about services, are known as General Price Lists, or GPLs.

Direct cremation must only include the following:

• Removal of the deceased
• Transportation to the crematory
• Basic service fee
• Necessary authorizations, such as completing death certificates
• Cremation itself

Also, the service provider must provide information about “alternative containers,” the container used to hold the body during cremation.

Here is a breakdown of the direct cremation process:

• Collection: The body is collected from the place of death.
• Paperwork and Permits: Families must gather legal documents such as death certificates and cremation permits.
• Cremation: The body is placed in an alternative container and cremated by a licensed cremation provider.
• Return of Ashes: The cremated ashes are returned to the family in a basic urn or temporary container.

Direct cremation offers numerous benefits compared to other funeral and memorial service options. Importantly, while the cost effectiveness and affordability of direct cremation is a key reason for its increasing popularity, cost is not the only reason families select direct cremation.

The benefits of direct cremation include the following:

Less Expensive / More Cost-Effective:

• The median cost of direct cremation in the US is $2,024, while traditional funerals on average cost between $8,300 (NFDA) and $10,856 (Passare study), not including cemetery expenses, such as a plot and burial fees
• Money saved by selecting direct cremation allows families instead plan and hold a service

More Flexibility Than Traditional Funerals:

• Families can plan a memorial service on their own timeline, not within 48–72 hours
• Provides emotional and logistical “breathing room”
• Memorials and celebrations of life that follow direct cremation offer more personalized services focused on the deceased loved one
• Families can still hold “traditional” memorial services that include many elements of funerals

Simplified, Streamlined Process:

• No need for embalming, casket selection, public viewing, or formal funeral planning

Environmental Benefits:

• Uses less land and materials than burials
• Avoids embalming chemicals
• Modern cremation equipment emits fewer pollutants through air cleaning technologies

Learn more about direct cremation: Direct Cremation in LA & OC: How Long It Takes

Many families choose direct cremation and then plan a memorial or celebration of life several weeks or months later. This approach offers cost savings and ample time for creative planning. Also, many families are now taking of do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to planning celebrations of life and memorial services.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), almost 40% of people surveyed would feel confident or very confident when planning a funeral without the help of a funeral director, a large recent increase likely due to experiences during the Pandemic when families had to organize funerals when funeral homes were closed.

Cremation With a Ceremony

Though traditional funerals are generally associated with a burial of the deceased in a cemetery, the rise in the cremation rate has led to more services known as “traditional cremation” services. Traditional cremation services involve several of the same aspects of a traditional funeral, such as a visitation or wake, the deceased is embalmed and present in a casket, and other common aspects of a funeral.

With this option, you and your family and friends can have a special ceremony to honor your loved one. However, with cremations in California, there is no viewing of the body ahead of the service.

The selected funeral home will give the family or designated family member the cremains and host a service that celebrates the life of your loved one.

Here is a more thorough look at what the process entails:

• Preparing for the service: Preparation may include choosing a location such as a funeral home crematorium chapel, church or community center, selecting an officiant, deciding on a casket or container, and personalizing the service with music, reading, eulogies, etc.
• The Ceremony: Guests are seated as the casket or cremation container is carried out. The ceremony may include reading, eulogies, and other tributes. The coffin is typically placed behind curtains so loved ones can say their goodbyes privately.
• Cremation: After the service, the body is taken to the cremation chamber and reduced to ashes. The ashes are returned to the family in an urn or another container.

A cremation with a ceremony typically costs around $2,300.

Which Cremation Option May be Best for Your Family?

Why Cremation is Becoming More Popular in General

Although many families still prefer to bury their loved ones, cremation is becoming a more popular option. NFDA statistics reveal the 2024 cremation rate was 61.9% while burial rates were 33.2%.

Cremation rates are predicted to increase to 82.1% by 2045. Options include direct cremation, cremation with memorial services, traditional cremation services, and cremation followed by a celebration of life.

So what’s behind the trend? Here are some key factors to consider:

• Cost: Cremation is much more affordable than burial services, making it a preferred choice.
• Flexibility: Families can plan a memorial service on their own timeline, not within 48–72 hours
• Environmental Concerns: Although cremation requires energy use, it does not involve embalming, uses less land, and minimizes the need for resource-intensive caskets, tombstones, and cemetery maintenance.
• Less Religious Restrictions: Cremation was once unpopular among many families as it was frowned upon in various religions. However, Pew Research is just one of many resources to find that the world is getting less religious. Therefore, it is becoming a more popular choice.

Expert Commentary

“By staying informed about these trends, funeral directors like me can better anticipate the needs and preferences of today’s consumers. This allows us to provide personalized services that honor the memories of those we serve while adapting to the shifting landscape of funeral service.,”

— NFDA President Douglas R. “Dutch” Nie II, in NFDA’s press release about its “2024 Cremation & Burial Report”

Cremation vs. Burial Prices

What Does Burial Cost in Los Angeles?

According to Funeralocity, the average cost of a traditional full service burial in California is $8,026, not including costs associated with cemetery plots and services. Here are several individual products and services that are generally included in a traditional funeral:

• Casket ($2,000–$5,000)

• Embalming and body prep ($700–$1,500)

• Funeral home service fees ($1,500+)

Note: Prices vary significantly based on location, cemetery fees, and provider.

What Does Cremation Cost in Los Angeles?

The average cost of direct cremation in California is $1,642, though prices can range from slightly more than $1,000 to almost $5,000, depending on the provider. Also, as we’ll explain, this average cost does not include the additional fees and charges families will pay for services.

Direct cremation is the simplest, most affordable option for families in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas and service providers are required to list their price for direct cremation on their price lists, so it should be straight-forward to calculate how much these services will actually cost, right?

Unfortunately not.

As is too often the case, advertised prices for all inclusive direct cremation services are not the actual final prices charged by cremation service providers, especially when those prices seem too good to be true. As many grieving families have discovered, prices that seem too good to be true often are. We unfortunately see this every day at Opal Cremation.

Service providers in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas advertise that their direct cremation packages are “all inclusive” and state a fixed price for the direct cremation package. For example, you may see “all inclusive” direct cremation services advertised for $895. However, after speaking with a funeral director at that provider, the final price ends up being $1,200 or more.

How is this possible?

Many families discover too late that these low-cost packages come with hidden fees for services like transportation, paperwork, or returning the ashes. Also, there is no one definition for what is included in an “all inclusive” direct cremation package in California. While all families will need a death certificate, a permit that approves the cremation process, and a state fee, these services are often not included in the package price.

Opal research has shown that the actual price of direct cremation services is between $215 and $400 more than the stated “all inclusive” price.

Learn more about additional and hidden fees in cremation packages: What is Direct Cremation?

At Opal Cremation, we offer flat-rate, all-inclusive pricing with no surprise fees or upcharges. Our all inclusive service includes:

• Transportation of loved one
• Cremation Basic service fees
• Handmade rosewood urn
• Return of cremated remains / urn
• Death certificate (1), with overnight shipping
• Disposition Permit (1)
• State Fee (DCA)(1)

Always ask providers if their quote includes these required government fees. Most do not.

Learn more about the costs of cremation: A Guide to Cremation Costs in California.

Pros and Cons of Cremation and Burial Options

When determining which is best for your loved one, it typically comes down to cost, whether you want a service, and how you want your loved one to be remembered.

The table below will provide a visual that may guide you to a suitable option.

How to Choose the Right Service for Your Family – A Decision Framework

Choosing between a traditional burial funeral and cremation is a deeply personal decision. There is no right or wrong answer when choosing which is best for your loved one.

In 2025, the options to memorialize and celebrate the life of a loved one are virtually endless, but each family (and likely individual family members) has several important factors to consider when making this important decision.

Here are some things to consider when choosing which is best for your loved one’s needs:

• Relative’s Wishes: Your loved one may have chosen a preferred burial or cremation method. These decisions may be in writing, such as a prearranged funeral plan. If a deceased loved one has not put their wishes in writing, families will typically honor their requests, although their wishes are not legally binding in most jurisdictions.
• Honoring Your Loved One: If the deceased was not specific about post-death procedures, families may decide on the best way to honor their loved one. Some prefer a traditional ceremony while others prefer to organize a memorial service, such as a celebration of life, on their own. Some prefer visiting a grave while others would rather have an urn or container that allows them to remain close to their loved one.
• Ceremony: Many families prefer to host a ceremony to honor their loved one. However, if you choose a non-ceremony approach, you can always host a memorial service later, after the shock of grieving has worn off.
• Cultural Restrictions: Some people may choose a burial or cremation method that aligns with their culture.
• Time Constraints: Burial and cremation have varying timelines that include paperwork processing, planning, and ceremonies. Time may be a factor if relatives are coming in from out of town to bury their loved ones, or if other time-sensitive factors apply.

Learn more about traditional funerals, memorials services, and celebrations of life: Funeral vs Memorial Services in Southern California | 2025

Looking for Assistance with Cremation Services Near You in Southern California?

Opal Quote

“When a loved one passes away, it can be incredibly overwhelming for friends and family, especially when it’s unexpected and something that the family didn’t have preplanned arrangements for.”

“Not only does this element of surprise add to the emotional burden of accepting the loss, but it also might cause friends and family to be burdened with the costs associated with the death.”

— Troy Centazzo, Founder, Opal Cremation

In this case, when trying to mourn the loss of a loved one, friends and family are also trying to figure out how to afford a proper send-off that honors the individual in the best way possible. The last thing a deceased family member would want for their family is to have them burdened by the financial responsibilities of their death.

If cremation or traditional funeral arrangements are outside of your budget or finances, there are financial assistance programs available to help people bury their loved ones, including sponsors for people who have lost a relative or friend due to crime. There are also specific sponsorship options in the state of California for certain losses including crime-related death and the passing of military veterans.

Whatever situation you are in, do some research to discover if there are any sponsorship options for you that can support you in paying for the arrangements.

Opal offers affordable cremation in Los Angeles, helping reduce some of the financial burden. Call us at 888-714-8481 or send us a message and we’ll get back to you immediately.

Send us a Message

FAQs

What is the cost difference between burial and cremation in Los Angeles?

The cost of both cremation and burial varies making it difficult to pinpoint the difference in expenses. However, direct cremation starts at about $1,000 while cremation with a ceremony is ranges from $2,500 to $4,000. A traditional burial costs between $6,500 and $20,000.

Can you host a service if you choose cremation?

Yes, you can host a service if you choose cremation. Families can choose a cremation with a ceremony option, allowing them to say goodbye to their loved ones before cremation. They may also have a memorial ceremony, such as a celebration of life, after the cremation.

Is embalming required for burial or cremation?

Embalming preserves the body for viewing purposes. Therefore, it is usually not necessary for a direct cremation or straightforward immediate burial unless the family wishes to have a service, such as a visitation or viewing, beforehand. If this type of ceremony is involved, it may be preferred. Most traditional burial funerals will include embalming.

Which takes longer, cremation or burial?

Although a cremation only takes about 3 hours, families must first file paperwork which can delay the process. Then, families often wait up to two weeks to receive the ashes from a licensed cremation provider.

With a straightforward burial, the body may go into the ground within 24-72 hours, although a death certificate is needed. Traditional funerals may take up to a week or more to plan while the service can take up to two hours.

Are there eco-friendly options for burial and direct cremation near me?

Yes, green burial options are a popular choice in Southern California. Burials that take place at Joshua Tree and Mount Sinai natural burial grounds often forego embalming and concrete vaults and use biodegradable containers.

People looking for environmental alternatives to cremation may consider aquamation which uses water and alkaline hydrolysis to break down remains. It uses less energy than cremation and does not produce harmful emissions.

Opal Assists with the Direct Cremation in Los Angeles and Orange County

Opal is an ideal option for direct cremation in Los Angeles and Orange County. We offer affordable prices and transparent services, and unlike many providers, we never charge hidden fees.

As the best cremation company in Los Angeles and Orange County, we offer comprehensive services and all-inclusive packages to ensure a seamless process. We will:

• Complete and submit all necessary paperwork
• Care for your loved one’s body and remains
• Coordinate the cremation process
• Return the ashes to you safely and promptly
• Include a free death certificate
• Provide guidance on scattering laws and permits in California
• Offer free disposition permits, even months or years after the cremation
• Provide planning support for personalized services
• Offer ongoing communication throughout the cremation process

Opal Client Testimonial

“I am deeply grateful for the exceptional customer service and genuine empathy I received from Opal Cremation.”

–Lillian M, El Segundo, CA

Do you have more questions about the cremation process or about arranging a funeral? Opal Cremation can walk you through expectations and help you develop a step-by-step plan. Compassionate professionals are eagerly awaiting your call and will provide you with the information you need about Opal Cremation services. Or get the process started online.

Contact us for the guidance you need to make it through this difficult time.

Additional Resources from Opal

Direct Cremation in LA & OC: How Long It Takes

A Guide to Cremation Costs in California

Who to Notify When Someone Dies | 2025 Opal Guide

How To Plan an Unforgettable Celebration of Life

Definitive Guide to Scattering Ashes in California 2025

Free Downloadable Planning Tools

Direct Cremation Pricing Worksheet (PDF)