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Compare Affordable Madison Cremation Services

Direct cremation from $1,845. Compare 11 local providers, read real reviews, and get free quotes — no pressure.

Madison Cremation Costs — 2026

Prices vary widely. Here's what to expect in Madison.

Direct Cremation

$1,845–$4,315

No funeral service, simple container. The most affordable option.

Cremation + Memorial

$5,405–$8,460

Includes cremation plus a memorial or graveside service.

Full Service

$7,135–$10,625

Viewing, funeral service, then cremation. Most comprehensive option.

Save Money on Cremation in Madison

Prices can vary by $1,000+ between providers in Madison. Always compare at least 3 quotes to ensure you're getting a fair price. Use our free quote form below to get started.

About Cremation in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is a major city in Wisconsin with a population of roughly 269,000+ residents, and it offers a solid selection of cremation providers. Direct cremation in Madison is priced between $1,845–$4,315, placing it higher than many areas nationwide. In America's heartland, more families are choosing cremation each year, and Madison providers have responded with transparent pricing.

While Milwaukee offers direct cremation from $895–$3,710, Madison families can expect to pay $1,845–$4,315. Comparing quotes from both areas ensures you get the most competitive rate.

Because cremation costs are above average in Madison, families benefit most from gathering multiple quotes. Don't overlook providers in surrounding communities who may serve Madison at lower rates. We list 11 providers in Madison on this page.

Cremation in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a cremation rate above the national average, with Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay offering the most provider choices. Prices are generally moderate and near the national average.

Wisconsin Cremation Laws

Wisconsin requires a 48-hour waiting period before cremation. Written authorization from the next of kin and a permit from the local registrar are mandatory.

Money-Saving Tip

Wisconsin's 48-hour waiting period is one of the longer mandatory waits. Ask providers if their quoted price includes the holding period or if daily storage fees apply after the minimum.

Cremation Providers in Madison, WI

Compare pricing, reviews, and contact info for local providers.

11 providers

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5.0(4 reviews)
3325 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53704

Recent Google Reviews

Google Reviewer

Extremely kind care start to finish and unlike so many other funeral homes, they did not act like I was a terrible person for needing to be very economical in my choices. I highly recommend for everyone especially those who need to be frugal and want the same quality of support or better than they will get anywhere else.

Google Reviewer

I think everyone should be told that there is such great service around with half the cost of other places. Thank you Informed Choice for being there!

Google Reviewer

We had a wonderful experience with all the Informed Choice staff when we made our prearrangements.

Direct Cremation

$1,845

Cremation + Memorial

$6,650

Full Service

$8,930

4.5(40 reviews)

Recent Google Reviews

Google Reviewer

My mom passed away in September and did not leave the family with a lot of financial resources to take care of her funeral. Foster's was not only incredibly helpful and respectful through the entire process- but they were very reasonable in price as well. My extended family is all over the US so I did a lot of the organizing and was always rushing in last minute with updates and items. DeMarco did an AMAZING job on my mom and was really sincere and helpful through the whole process. So was Brian, the owner and operator. Honestly, they are fantastic if you ever have the unfortunate need to plan someone's funeral/memorial, they are the place to go.

Google Reviewer

Foster Funeral & Cremation Service is one of the most outstanding and remarkable places I've ever seen. Dawn expressed care and concern and even helped me with paperwork prior to everything which made the process a bit more simplified when it came time. They express great care, empathy and compassion. I had the chance to look around the Coho location and it is very nice and well put together and spacious. They have a lot of resources to help you out. They are kind and patient and give you plenty of time for whatever you need. They have a lot of family that works for them also so when my time comes, I will look to Foster Care & Cremation Services. Thank You for everything you have done, and will continue to help me with. I am forever blessed for our paths crossing!

Google Reviewer

"I would like to say thank you so so much to Foster Funeral Home for everything that they do. They are professional

Direct Cremation

$2,000

Cremation + Memorial

$5,405

Full Service

$7,135

3.5(8 reviews)

Recent Google Reviews

Google Reviewer

I would like to thank Ryan for his care and compassion during this difficult time. I would recommend All Faiths to anyone in need.

Google Reviewer

I cannot believe how kind, responsive and professional Ryan is. When faced with this crisis, he steps in and makes it easy and painless.

Direct Cremation

$2,495

Cremation + Memorial

$6,340

Full Service

$8,255

4.8(38 reviews)
2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704

Recent Google Reviews

Google Reviewer

We had a very positive experience working with Skyler while navigating through my aunt's funeral arrangements. Thanks to her and to Casey for their compassion and guidance.

Google Reviewer

Every single person I encountered at Ryan Funeral Home was lovely. They were very respectful and caring during a hard time.

Google Reviewer

The Ryan family had been absolutely nothing less than amazing. Our family was not prepared for our loss and they did everything imaginable to make this as stress free as possible. We cant thank Brenda enough for all her help and support.

Direct Cremation

$4,065

Cremation + Memorial

$8,460

Full Service

$10,625

4.3(4 reviews)
6728 Mader Dr, Madison, WI 53719

Recent Google Reviews

Google Reviewer

Very professional and empathetic. I'm from out of town and Eva was top notch. Everything was handled perfectly from the funeral home to the church to the donation of the flowers to hospice. Highly recommend.

Google Reviewer

I am very grateful, I chose the funeral home closest to our home in my fog of grief and I got so lucky with Ryan Funeral Home. Their kindness, especially as a parent is extremely appreciated.

Google Reviewer

I highly recommend Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Their compassion, professionalism and patience was simply remarkable as they guided us though a really difficult time. We worked specifically with Brenda Emerson and she was wonderful-very detail oriented and especially talented in guiding us though countless details and decisions. We never felt an ounce of pressure and our trust level was very high, based upon the relationship she built with us under difficult circumstances. Patrick Collins

Direct Cremation

$4,065

Cremation + Memorial

$8,460

Full Service

$10,525

4.5(16 reviews)
3325 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53704

Recent Google Reviews

Google Reviewer

Cress Funeral Home goes above and beyond, showing us empathy and compassion, as well as great professionalism from the start making arrangements to the end at the internment.

Google Reviewer

The staff here goes above and beyond.

Google Reviewer

Dan was very comforting, it was like sitting with a close friend. He went above a beyond with getting the military paperwork we needed so my grandfather could have full military honors service. EVERYONE was great from start to finish. Also it was a cold day for the funeral I will never forget the woman worker unfortunately I forgot her name but she walked over to my grandmother and covered her with 2 blanket's. Thats the type of service you will get when working with all the great people at Cress. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE AT CRESS FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES

Direct Cremation

$4,315

Cremation + Memorial

$7,775

Full Service

$9,765

3.0(4 reviews)

Recent Google Reviews

Google Reviewer

They were very kind. They didn't push anything we didn't want and left us to grieve together. Thank you.

Google Reviewer

Foster Funeral and Cremation Services were an excellent choice for our family. They were professional, respectful, helpful, and handled my brother with care. We received my brothers ashes in a solid biodegradable navy blue box within the time we were told it would be ready. Thank you for your kind attention during a time of grief.

Direct Cremation

Call for pricing

4.9(123 reviews)
2810 Crossroads Dr #4000, Madison, WI 53718

Recent Google Reviews

Google Reviewer

I was very pleased with how fast everything took. As far as there person working in the office when I picked my package not friendly was more like I was bothering her even when I questioned if I was in the correct place. The listing says completely different name on it.

Google Reviewer

Brook and Rebecca were very helpful and respectful. They made the the process very simple.

Google Reviewer

The Cremation Society of Madison are absolutely the most kind, caring individuals ever. They helped me so much through the process. I always felt they truly cared.

Direct Cremation

Call for pricing

5.0(60 reviews)

Recent Google Reviews

Google Reviewer

Madison Memorial Home provided exceptional care and professionalism during a difficult time for our family. From our very first interaction, the staff was compassionate, patient, and respectful, guiding us through every step with clarity and kindness. Victoria was an incredible source of comfort and guidance from the very beginning, helping us navigate each step with patience, warmth, and understanding. Nothing ever felt rushed, and her calm presence made a very emotional process feel manageable. We are profoundly grateful to Victoria, Doug, and Michael, and to the entire team at Madison Memorial Home. We would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone in need of funeral services.

Google Reviewer

I was so impressed with every interaction that I had with Doug and his team. My mom was under hospice care when I made the initial arrangements and he made the planning process so simple, but with a level of kindness and empathy that truly touched my heart. When my mom passed on 12/3, everything went seamlessly and the team continued to be supportive and responsive. When I came to pick up my moms urn, I was given a personalized crystal angel ornament with her name on it from the funeral home as a beautiful keepsake. I cannot recommend them more! They made the worst time in my life a bit easier with their professionalism and care.

Google Reviewer

Madison Memorial Home offers quality service in your time of need. Doug Loikith is professional and understanding as he guides you through difficult experiences. I can only say good things about my continued contacts over 15 years with this business.

Direct Cremation

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Direct Cremation

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5.0(2 reviews)
708 Heartland Trail Suite 300, Madison, WI 53717

Recent Google Reviews

Google Reviewer

The staff was kind, professional, and handled arrangements with compassion. They made a very difficult time much easier for our family. Highly recommend their services!

Direct Cremation

Call for pricing

How to Choose a Cremation Provider in Madison

5 Questions to Ask

  1. 1.What's your total price for direct cremation, including all fees?
  2. 2.Are you licensed in Wisconsin?
  3. 3.How long does the cremation process take?
  4. 4.What payment options do you offer?
  5. 5.Can I see recent customer reviews?

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Refusing to provide itemized pricing
  • Pressure to decide immediately
  • No physical address or phone number
  • Unlicensed or unverified credentials
  • Hidden fees not disclosed upfront

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Madison Cremation FAQs

How much does cremation cost in Madison?

Direct cremation in Madison, Wisconsin ranges from $1,845–$4,315 based on current provider listings. Prices vary by provider, so we recommend comparing at least 3 quotes.

What is the cheapest cremation option in Madison?

Direct cremation (no funeral service) is the most affordable option, starting at $1,845 in Madison. Providers like Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Alternatives offer transparent, all-inclusive pricing that covers transportation, a basic container, the cremation itself, and return of ashes.

How do I arrange a cremation in Madison?

Contact a licensed cremation provider in Madison directly. Most providers handle all arrangements including transportation, required permits, filing the death certificate, and returning the ashes. Many offer phone or online arrangements. You can compare 11 providers in Madison on this page.

Does Wisconsin require a waiting period before cremation?

Most states including Wisconsin require a waiting period of 24–48 hours after death before cremation can take place. Your cremation provider in Madison will handle all timing requirements and obtain the necessary permits.

Can I have a funeral service with cremation in Madison?

Yes. Many families in Madison choose a traditional funeral service before cremation, or a memorial service afterward. Cremation with memorial services starts around $5,405–$8,460 in Madison.

What is the difference between cremation and burial costs in Madison?

Cremation is significantly less expensive than traditional burial in Madison. Direct cremation starts at $1,845, while a traditional burial with casket, vault, and cemetery plot typically costs $7,000–$12,000 or more. Cremation also eliminates ongoing cemetery maintenance fees.

How long does the cremation process take in Madison?

In Wisconsin, the entire cremation process typically takes 3–5 business days from when the funeral home receives the remains. This includes obtaining required permits and death certificates. The cremation itself takes 2–3 hours.

Do I need to buy an urn from the cremation provider?

No. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, cremation providers cannot require you to buy an urn from them. They must return ashes in a basic container at no extra charge. You can purchase an urn separately from any retailer, often at a lower price.

What happens to the ashes after cremation?

After cremation in Madison, the ashes (cremated remains) are returned to the family in an urn or basic container. Families can keep them at home, scatter them in a meaningful location (following local regulations), place them in a columbarium, or bury them in a cemetery.

Can I pre-plan or pre-pay for cremation in Madison?

Yes. Many cremation providers in Madison offer pre-planning and pre-payment options that let you lock in today's prices and relieve your family of making decisions during a difficult time. Contact providers directly to ask about their pre-arrangement plans.

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