How much does direct cremation cost in Montana?

Direct cremation in Montana averages $950, with prices ranging from $950 to $950 depending on the city and provider.

Is cremation cheaper than burial in Montana?

Yes. Direct cremation in Montana averages $950, while full traditional burial typically costs $5,000-$12,000+. Cremation is generally 3-5x less expensive than burial.

Can you prepay for cremation in Montana?

Yes, most funeral homes in Montana offer pre-need cremation plans. Under state law, pre-need funds must be held in trust. You can also set aside funds in a payable-on-death bank account as a simpler alternative.

What is the cheapest cremation option in Montana?

The cheapest option is direct cremation (no viewing or service), starting at $950 in Montana. This includes basic services, transportation, and the cremation process.

How many cities in Montana have pricing data?

FinalCostGuide covers 1 cities in Montana with independently researched funeral, cremation, and burial pricing data.

Montana 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 Montana

Quick Answer

Average cremation cost in Montana: $950 (direct) to $2700 (with service)

Montana Funeral & Cremation Costs: State Overview

Montana funeral costs are moderate for the Mountain West, with direct cremation in Billings starting at $595. The state’s cremation rate is approximately 60%. Montana’s vast rural geography means families often travel long distances to funeral homes in larger towns.

Montana Funeral Regulations

Montana does not require embalming. The Montana Board of Funeral Service regulates the industry and enforces the FTC Funeral Rule. Montana allows family-directed funerals and does not require a funeral director for all arrangements.

Montana Cost Range Summary

Service	Low Range	Average	High Range
Direct Cremation	$595	$950	$2,100
Cremation with Memorial	$1,450	$2,700	$4,800
Full Traditional Burial	$4,500	$6,800	$11,800
Cemetery Plot	$800	$1,800	$4,200

Veterans Benefits in Montana

Montana has 1 national cemetery: Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel, near Billings. It provides free burial for eligible veterans with available space for casketed and cremated remains.

Veterans Burial Benefits in Montana

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.

Montana veterans are eligible for burial at Yellowstone National Cemetery (Laurel, 15 miles from Billings). Full benefits include grave plot, opening/closing, concrete grave liner, government headstone, and perpetual care at no cost. Cremation interment in the columbarium is also available. The Montana Veterans Affairs Division provides a $100 reimbursement toward transportation of remains to the cemetery. Additionally, the Montana Burial Association provides limited financial assistance for indigent veterans. Contact the Yellowstone County Veterans Service Office for application assistance.

Read the Complete VA Burial Benefits Guide

Green Burial Options in Montana

Green burial in Montana is practical and culturally aligned with the state's ranching heritage. Home burial on private land is legal with county permit — many Montana families choose ranch burial using a simple wood casket or shroud. Montana has 2 dedicated green burial grounds: (1) Yellowstone Natural Burial Preserve near Livingston offers conservation burial with native grass restoration, (2) Missoula Cemetery has a green burial section. No concrete vault or grave liner is required for green burial. The Montana Funeral Directors Association can provide a list of funeral homes experienced with green burial. For Billings specifically, Sunset Memorial Gardens has a green burial section available.

Compare Green Burial Methods & Costs

Montana Cities — Funeral Cost Comparison

Montana

Billings Funeral & Cremation Costs 2026

Cremation from $595 · Burial from $4500

Metro population: 185,000

Browse All 1 Cities in Montana

Billings