Iowa Funeral & Cremation Costs
Dataset snapshot: 2026-08-30 · Source year and coverage vary by page.
1 cities with pricing data · Compare cremation, burial and cemetery costs across Iowa
Quick Answer
Average cremation cost in Iowa: $895 (direct) to $2400 (with service)
Iowa Funeral & Cremation Costs: State Overview
Iowa funeral costs are among the lowest in the Midwest, with direct cremation in Des Moines starting at $550. The state’s cremation rate has risen steadily and now approaches 62%, though traditional Lutheran and Catholic burial practices remain common in rural areas.
Iowa Funeral Regulations
Iowa does not require embalming. The Iowa Board of Mortuary Science regulates funeral homes and requires itemized General Price Lists. Iowa allows family-directed funerals under certain conditions.
Iowa Cost Range Summary
| Service | Low Range | Average | High Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $550 | $895 | $1,800 |
| Cremation with Memorial | $1,250 | $2,400 | $4,200 |
| Full Traditional Burial | $4,300 | $6,700 | $11,800 |
| Cemetery Plot | $650 | $1,500 | $3,200 |
Veterans Benefits in Iowa
Iowa has 1 national cemetery: Keokuk National Cemetery. It provides free burial for eligible veterans. The Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter also offers burial benefits.
Veterans Burial Benefits in Iowa
If the deceased was a veteran, burial in a VA national cemetery is free — the plot, opening and closing, headstone, and flag are all covered, plus a cash burial allowance of $300-$2,000.
Green Burial Options in Iowa
Iowa Cities — Funeral Cost Comparison
Des Moines Funeral & Cremation Costs 2026
Cremation from $550 · Burial from $4300
Metro population: 709,466