# How Much Do Cremation Services Charge for Spreading Ashes
When someone passes away, families face many decisions about how to honor their memory. One increasingly popular choice is cremation followed by scattering the ashes. But what does this actually cost? The answer is more nuanced than you might think, and understanding the pricing structure can help families make informed decisions during a difficult time.
## The Basic Cost of Scattering Services
The good news is that scattering ashes is one of the most affordable options for memorializing a loved one. In fact, scattering remains typically costs little beyond the cremation itself[1]. Many cremation providers now offer packages where, for a small additional fee, they will scatter your loved one’s ashes for you[2]. This means you’re not looking at a huge additional expense on top of the cremation costs.
The reason scattering is so affordable is simple: it requires minimal infrastructure and overhead compared to other memorial options. There’s no permanent structure to maintain, no cemetery plot to purchase, and no headstone to engrave. You’re essentially paying for the service of transporting and releasing the ashes in a respectful manner.
## Understanding the Full Cremation Picture
To truly understand what you’ll pay for ash scattering, you need to first understand the base cremation costs. Direct cremation, which is the least expensive option, ranges from $595 to $1,795[2]. This is the most basic form where the body is collected, the family does not see the body during the process, and the ashes are then returned[4]. This is therefore the quickest and most affordable cremation option[4].
If you opt for a funeral service followed by cremation, then prices begin at $2,000 to $3,000[2]. This is significantly cheaper than typical funeral burial prices, which can be upwards of $4,000 without including cemetery fees[2]. The average cost of cremation is about $6,000 and the average burial funeral is about $9,000[4]. The average cost of direct cremation is far lower, standing at about $1,000[4].
The cost of cremation depends on whether the traditional or direct form is chosen. The latter can be a very cost-effective process, costing $1,000-2,000 on average. Traditional cremations can cost as much as $7,000[4].
## Geographic Variations in Pricing
Where you live significantly impacts what you’ll pay for cremation services. The search results show specific pricing for major cities across the United States. In New York City, direct cremation costs range from $595 to $6,750[2]. In Los Angeles, the range is $1,045 to $2,900[2]. Chicago shows costs from $1,295 to $4,600[2]. Houston ranges from $795 to $6,800[2]. Dallas-Fort Worth is $795 to $6,300[2]. Washington DC costs $1,645 to $6,455[2]. Phoenix ranges from $950 to $2,370[2]. Boston shows $1,195 to $3,200[2].
These variations exist because cemeteries in urban areas or landscaped memorial gardens often charge higher prices than those in rural settings[1]. The cost structure also depends on location, niche type, and cemetery fees[1].
## What You’re Actually Paying For
When cremation providers offer to scatter ashes for you, what exactly are you paying for? The service typically includes the logistics of transporting the ashes to the location of your choice and performing the scattering in a respectful manner. Some providers offer specific scattering locations like gardens or water bodies, which may have associated fees.
The actual weight of the ashes is relatively consistent. Urns are designed to hold all the remains from the cremation chamber, which will usually average between four and five pounds of ash for an average sized person[5]. This consistency means pricing is fairly straightforward without major variations based on the deceased’s characteristics.
## Specialized Scattering Options
Beyond basic ash scattering, there are specialized options that may affect pricing. The patented Eco Scattering Urn is a leading new way to scatter a loved one’s ashes[6]. This unique biodegradable urn is made entirely from bamboo, which is a sustainable resource and one of the strongest construction materials on Earth[6]. The ash scattering urn has a unique locking mechanism that gives you the ability to secure your loved one’s ashes while traveling, as well as an opening mechanism that allows you to release the ashes in a simple yet elegant way[6].
This all-natural urn comes in 4 sizes – the small for about a quarter of an adult’s ashes, the medium for about half of the ashes, the large for one full set of ashes, and the extra large for combining multiple sets of ashes[6]. It can also be engraved with your loved one’s information, and a symbol of choice; all for an affordable price[6].
For water scattering, there’s another option. Using the patent-pending Eco Water Urn is a beautiful way to scatter ashes at sea, or into any body of water[6]. What makes this urn so unique is that it’s only composed of recycled plant materials using heat and pressure; no glues or chemicals[6]. The eco-friendly ash-scattering urn floats upright in the water as the bottom of the urn starts to dissolve, causing the ashes to gracefully flow into the water after just a few minutes[6]. The urn comes packaged in an attractive bamboo case which is a beautiful method for securing and transporting your loved one’s ashes[6].
These specialized urns may add to your overall costs, but they provide a more meaningful and environmentally conscious way to scatter remains.
## Comparing Scattering to Other Memorial Options
Scattering remains typically costs little beyond the cremation itself, but it leaves no permanent memorial[1]. This is an important consideration for families. If you want a physical place to visit and remember your loved one, scattering might not be the best option.
Burial plots and headstones often cost more than a niche, especially when including the cemetery fees[1]. Cremation niches cost between $1,200 and $5,000 in the United States[1]. Some cemeteries charge even more in premium locations[1]. Families should expect the price to vary based on location, niche type, and cemetery fees[1].
Glass-front cremation niches display the urn and small personal items, such as photos or keepsakes[1]. Families who want visibility and personalization often choose this option[1]. Yes, glass-front cremation niches are more expensive than
