Cremation Cost in Chicago (2026 Price Guide)

Cremation Cost in Chicago (2026 Price Guide)

How Much Does Cremation Cost in Chicago in 2026?

By Milos Djordjevic, Funeral Director and Owner, Caring Cremations

At Caring Cremations, simple direct cremation starts at $997 and water cremation (aquamation) starts at $1,897. Those are package prices. Every cremation also carries a few required costs, like the county permit and the cremation container, so most families’ final total lands between about $1,400 and $2,000.

This guide lists every charge we make and walks through three examples, so you can see what an actual bill looks like before you call anyone.

Our Package Prices

Every package includes transportation from the place of death within our local service area, climate-controlled care, filing all legal paperwork, individual cremation and an online obituary.

• Simple (direct) cremation: from $997
• Water cremation (aquamation): from $1,897, using water instead of flame
• Family Farewell: from $1,997, adding a one-hour private family viewing at our funeral home before cremation
• Cremation with a memorial service: from $2,500

You can see every package and what it includes on our pricing page.

Costs Added to Every Cremation

Costs That Apply Only in Certain Cases

• Immediate removal: $295, for a removal from a home, nursing home or hospice, or any removal that has to happen immediately
• Expedited cremation: $150, if you need the cremation completed sooner
• Permanent urns and keepsakes: optional, from $95 plus sales tax, or use an urn you already have

We’ll tell you on the first call whether any of these apply.

Three Worked Examples

Example 1: Direct cremation, death in a hospital, no death certificates

$997 package + $200 permit + $160 container + $25 temporary urn + $19.43 sales tax = $1,401.43

Example 2: Direct cremation, death at home, 6 death certificates

$997 + $200 + $140 certificates ($40 + 5 × $20) + $160 + $25 + $295 immediate removal + $19.43 sales tax = $1,836.43

Example 3: Water cremation, death in a hospital, no death certificates

$1,897 + $200 + $160 + $25 + $19.43 sales tax = $2,301.43

Sales tax is 10.5% of the container and urn. None of these include optional items such as a permanent urn or expedited cremation.

How to Compare Another Provider’s Quote

Compare final totals, not starting prices. When you call around, ask each provider:

• Does the price include the county permit, and what does it cost?
• What do death certificates cost per copy?
• Is the cremation container included?
• Is there an extra charge for a removal from a home, nursing home or hospice?
• Is every cremation performed individually?
• Can you send me your General Price List?

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral providers must give you an itemized price list when you ask in person and answer price questions over the phone.

Ways to Keep the Cost Down

• Choose direct cremation and hold a memorial later at home, a place of worship or a park.
• Order the death certificates you need up front. Extra copies ordered at the same time cost $20 each; ordering again later costs more.
• Plan ahead. A prepaid cremation plan locks in today’s package price, from $1,700. Government fees, like the permit, can still change.

Get Your Guaranteed Price

Use the calculator on our cremation prices page to see your exact total, including the urn you choose and sales tax. Send us your choices and we’ll guarantee the price, or call us 24/7 at (773) 866-2273 and we’ll go through it with you.

You may also find these helpful:

• The FTC Funeral Rule (Federal Trade Commission)
• Death certificates in Cook County
• Prepaid cremation plans in Chicago
• Water cremation (aquamation)
• Cremation services across the Chicago area