How Much Does Neptune Society Cost?

Last Updated on March 28, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

When planning for end-of-life expenses, many people consider Neptune Society for affordable and convenient cremation services. But how much does using Neptune actually cost?

In this guide, we’ll go over Neptune Society’s pricing for direct cremation, full funeral packages, prepaid memberships, and more. We’ll also compare their rates to competitors and offer tips on getting funeral services on a budget.

As a national provider operating for nearly 50 years, Neptune Society prides itself on pricing transparency and value. But costs vary based on location, services requested, and prepaying options.

How Much Does Neptune Society Cost?

Neptune Society offers direct cremation services at costs starting at around $1,600 on the low end, with full-service funeral packages ranging up to $6,500 or more on the higher end. The national average cost for Neptune Society cremation services falls between $2,100 and $3,500.

So, what does using Neptune Society actually cost on average? Here is an overview of their standard pricing tiers:

• Direct cremation starts at $1,600 on average
• Basic cremation service ranges from $2,100 – $3,500
• Full cremation package with memorial is $3,500 – $6,500+
• Prepaid membership plans from $1,995+ enrollment fee

Exact costs vary by location, specific services included, and discounts for prepaying. Nationwide, Neptune Society prices tend to be 40-60% below traditional funeral homes – a significant savings. We’ll break down what’s included at each plan level.

According to Eulogy Assistant, Neptune Society’s direct cremation services typically range from $600 to $3,000, covering essentials like transportation, storage, and preparation of the deceased. If a memorial service is added, the cost increases to between $1,000 and $4,000. Prepaid cremation plans, which allow individuals to lock in current prices, generally range from $1,900 to $4,000.

On Consumer Affairs, Neptune Society’s cremation services are priced at $1,950, which includes professional services, transportation, refrigeration, and a basic container. The company offers flexible payment options with plans starting as low as $50 per month, along with a price-lock guarantee to protect against future cost increases.

The article on After.com lists the average cost of Neptune Society’s direct cremation services at $1,664. This package includes basic services such as removal of remains, necessary authorizations, and the cremation itself. Additional options like urns or alternative containers can be purchased separately.

Lastly, Ever Loved provides a general breakdown of Neptune Society’s pricing in Tucson, Arizona. The basic organizational services fee is approximately $1,950, with additional costs for transportation ($350), embalming ($700), and optional memorial services.

Neptune Society – Cremation Provider

Founded in 1973, Neptune Society is the largest provider of cremation services in the U.S., facilitating over 100,000 cremations annually through its 45+ convenient locations nationwide. Their streamlined offerings and pricing transparency have made cremation more accessible and affordable for countless families.

Neptune Society is commonly chosen for:

• Cost savings compared to traditional full-service funerals
• Convenience of a simplified online process
• Preplanning options to arrange details and lock in costs in advance
• Peace of mind through guaranteed price protection

For those seeking no-hassle direct cremation and exceptional value, Neptune aims to deliver flexibility and transparency around cost at every step.

What’s Included

Neptune Society offers several main packages and pricing tiers:

• The direct cremation provides transportation, cremation services, basic container, and return of ashes for $1,600-$2,500.
• The basic package adds death certificate processing, family viewing, gathering or ceremony options for $2,100-$3,500 total.
• The full-service plan provides everything in previous tiers plus urn, memorial book and extended catering amenities for memorial events, ranging from $3,500-$6,500+.
• Prepaid membership locks in set pricing now through one-time or monthly installments from $1,995+.

Extra services like expedited processing, personalized urns, or shipping services may incur added fees.

Pricing By Location

Yes, Neptune Society pricing does vary slightly by state and metro area. Those in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami can expect to pay 10-25% more for comparable services than rural areas, based on higher costs of living and operations.

However, their prices remain extremely affordable relative to local competitors. Neptune also offers consistent base pricing across all locations. Knowing nationwide cost ranges helps you budget and compare rates in your specific area.

You might also like our articles about the cost of cremation in general, cemetery plots, or scattering ashes at sea.

Direct Cremation vs Full Service Plans

How do Neptune’s two main packages compare in terms of price and value?

The basic direct cremation plan starts at $1,600 and includes transportation, cremation process, temporary container, and return of ashes. This affordable tier is ideal for those wanting no-frills simplicity.

For more extensive services, the full cremation package provides everything in the direct cremation tier plus death certificates, viewing, funeral coordination, catering, memorial books and urns, and ceremony arrangements. This upgraded plan ranges from $3,500-$6,500 but delivers a robust memorial experience.

While pricier, the full service can provide meaningful closure for loved ones. Those wanting a direct cremation can still opt for individual add-ons a la carte like an urn or catering.

Neptune Society’s Prepaid Membership

What benefits does prepaying for services through Neptune Society’s membership program offer compared to paying at-need?

Neptune’s prepaid membership model provides several advantages:

• Locks in set pricing avoiding inflation over time
• Makes funeral plans in advance removing burden from family
• Spreads costs through monthly or annual payments
• Delivers savings up to 30% off at-need pricing

By enrolling in their prepaid program from $1,995+, you can secure significant savings on future services. Prepaying brings peace of mind knowing costs and details are handled.

Additional Neptune Society Fees

What additional or optional services offered by Neptune Society may involve extra fees?

• Expedited cremation within 48 hours incurs a $350-$500 rush fee
• Premium urns range from $150-$1,000+
• Engraving, jewelry keepsakes or specialty urns cost $50-$300+
• Shipping of remains domestically or internationally has added costs
• Memorial books, prayer cards, catering has customized pricing

While Neptune keeps costs low, personalization options, premium materials, and specialty requests add expenses. Knowing what’s included versus optional helps accurately budget and minimize unnecessary charges.

Neptune Society vs Alternatives

How does Neptune Society pricing compare to other cremation providers and funeral homes?

On average nationally, Neptune Society direct cremation is:

• 40-60% less than traditional full-service funeral homes
• 15-25% below dedicated cremation providers like Trident Society
• Competitive with local mortuaries and crematoriums

Vs funeral homes, Neptune provides major savings on cremation without bundled “package” pricing that inflates costs. Their pricing model has catalyzed greater transparency industry-wide.

Vs Trident Society, Neptune tends to have lower base rates for direct cremation while offering similar packages and membership discounts. Checking both quotes is wise.

For those wanting simple, affordable cremation, Neptune Society delivers excellent value, especially through prepaid memberships locking in costs. The savings are significant.

Factors Impacting Costs

What variables beyond the core services can affect your final Neptune Society pricing?

• Immediate need cremations cost more than preplanned ones.
• Local market rates mean slightly higher pricing in major metro areas.
• Added services like catering, premium urns, or expedited handling increase costs.
• Prepay membership provides up to 30% savings versus at-need pricing.
• Third party expenses like death certificates and permits may apply.

Prepaying and keeping services simple are wise ways to control expenses.

Keeping Cremation Affordable

Here are tips on keeping your Neptune Society cremation costs low:

• Choose direct cremation to forego unnecessary services.
• Inquire about prepaid membership pricing to lock in savings.
• Avoid additions like premium urns or catering unless needed.
• If preplanning, compare quotes regularly as pricing can vary over the years.
• Ask for any available discounts, like for veterans.
• Get an itemized quote outlining all deliverables before agreeing.

Being an informed, cost-conscious consumer goes a long way towards controlling cremation costs without sacrificing dignity and closure.

Is Neptune Society Worth it?

Given their pricing model and offerings, is choosing Neptune Society worth it?

For those seeking cost-effective simplicity, Neptune Society delivers exceptional affordability around direct cremation services starting at just $1,600. The convenience and minimal hassle provide value.

If wanting a more robust memorial service, Neptune’s packaged offerings provide extensive personalization and support for life celebrations tailored to any budget. Membership discounts make costs even more competitive.

According to reviews, Neptune Society’s pricing matches or exceeds the level of service received. Their transparency and nationwide reach explain their longevity and loyal customers. For cremation that balances affodability with compassion, Neptune Society is a leading choice.

Final Words

Planning cremation services in advance leads to the best financial peace of mind. With transparent, competitive pricing on direct cremation starting at $1,600 and full service packages from $3,500, Neptune Society makes choosing cremation over conventional burial extremely affordable.

By locking in costs now through their prepaid membership program and keeping services simple, you can save substantially on quality end-of-life support. For an affordable, dignified cremation experience on your own terms, Neptune Society is a smart option to consider.

Answers to Common Questions

What does Neptune Society do with the body?

Neptune Society transports the deceased to their licensed cremation facility, performs the cremation process, pulverizes the remains, places them in an urn or temporary container, and returns them to the family or interment location of choice.

Does Neptune Society offer payment plans?

Yes, Neptune allows you to divide funeral costs over 12 monthly installments for easier payment. They also provide discounts by prepaying through their membership program.

What is the cheapest overall cremation cost?

The cheapest total cost for direct cremation without services is typically $700-$1,200. Neptune Society offers affordable packages starting around $1,600 that include transportation, cremation, basic urn, and full professional support.