Funeral costs in Saskatchewan vary based on the chosen disposition method, location, and additional services. The main types of funeral arrangements include traditional burials, direct burials, cremation with services, direct cremation, and aquamation.
Breakdown of Average Funeral Costs by Disposition Type
Traditional Burial
This involves placing the deceased person’s body into a casket and burying them in a cemetery. It includues ceremony, and possibly a visitation or viewing. See more info on burials.
- Average Cost: CAD $7,000 – $15,000
- Key Components: Casket, cemetery plot, embalming, viewing, and funeral services.
- Notes: Prices can vary depending on cemetery fees and specific funeral home services.
Direct Burial
This involves placing the deceased person’s body into a casket and burying them in a cemetery immediately and without a ceremony. Learn more about direct burials.
- Average Cost: CAD $2,500 – $5,000
- Key Components: Simple casket, transportation, and immediate burial without a formal ceremony.
- Notes: This option is more straightforward and typically does not include a service.
Cremation with Services
This involves placing the deceased person’s body into a crematorium and reducing their remains to ashes. A ceremony can be held before cremation of remains if a viewing or visitation is preferred, A ceremony can also be scheduled afterwards, at any time. See also our Cremation FAQ.
- Average Cost: CAD $3,500 – $7,000
- Key Components: Cremation process, urn, memorial service, and associated fees.
- Notes: A popular choice due to its affordability and flexibility in memorialization.
Direct Cremation
This cremation option is not paired with a ceremony, however one can be arranged later or ashes can be scattered in future. See also: What is direct cremation.
- Average Cost: CAD $1,000 – $2,500
- Key Components: Basic cremation without additional services or ceremonies.
- Notes: Ideal for those seeking simplicity and lower costs.
Aquamation (Water Cremation)
This water based disposition uses water and chemicals to reduce the body to ashes. Like cremation it can be paired with or without a ceremony. See also our Aquamation FAQ.
- Average Cost: CAD $2,000 – $4,000
- Key Components: Aquamation process, urn, and necessary paperwork.
- Notes: Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, aquamation is an eco-friendly alternative gaining popularity.
Average Funeral Costs by Major City in Saskatchewan
To provide a localized perspective, here is a comparison of funeral costs in five major cities across Saskatchewan:
| City | Traditional Burial (CAD) | Direct Burial (CAD) | Cremation with Services (CAD) | Direct Cremation (CAD) | Aquamation (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saskatoon | $7,500 – $14,000 | $2,800 – $5,200 | $3,800 – $7,200 | $1,200 – $2,500 | $2,200 – $4,200 |
| Regina | $7,000 – $13,500 | $2,700 – $5,000 | $3,600 – $7,000 | $1,100 – $2,400 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Prince Albert | $6,800 – $13,000 | $2,600 – $4,800 | $3,500 – $6,800 | $1,000 – $2,300 | $1,900 – $3,800 |
| Moose Jaw | $6,500 – $12,500 | $2,500 – $4,600 | $3,400 – $6,500 | $1,000 – $2,200 | $1,800 – $3,700 |
| Swift Current | $6,300 – $12,000 | $2,400 – $4,500 | $3,200 – $6,200 | $900 – $2,100 | $1,700 – $3,600 |
Average Cost of Funeral Components in Saskatchewan
In addition to disposition types, specific funeral components contribute to the overall expense. Here are some typical costs:
- Casket: CAD $500 for basic models to $10,000 for premium, high-end types.
- Urn: CAD $100 to $2,000, depending on material and design.
- Cemetery Plot: CAD $1,000 to $5,000, varying based on location and type (e.g., single vs. double plots).
- Embalming: CAD $500 to $1,200, depending on the funeral home’s policies and specific requirements.
- Grave Marker or Headstone: CAD $1,000 to $5,000, depending on customization and material (e.g., granite, marble).
- Obituary Notice: CAD $100 to $500, based on the publication and length.
- Funeral Home Service Fees: CAD $500 to $2,500 for administrative tasks and coordination.
Additional Funeral-Related Costs
Funeral services often come with supplementary expenses. Here’s what to consider:
Memorial Cards and Programs: CAD $50 to $300, varying based on printing quality and quantity.
Transport Services: CAD $200 to $600 for basic transportation of the body.
Floral Arrangements: CAD $50 to $500, depending on size and type of flowers.
Tips for Managing Funeral Costs
To help manage expenses, consider the following strategies:
- Pre-Planning: Pre-arranged funeral services can lock in current rates and reduce future financial burdens.
- Comparison Shopping: Reviewing multiple funeral homes can help identify the best value and services for your needs.
- Financial Assistance: Explore provincial and community programs that may provide financial support for funeral costs. See our post on funeral financial help for Saskatchewan.
