Funeral costs in the UK

UK funeral costs by region

The cost of a funeral varies throughout the UK. As you may expect, London is the most expensive area when it comes to paying for a funeral however other regions are rising at a faster rate.

According to the Sunlife’s 2020 Cost of Dying report, funeral costs in the South East, Midlands and Wales all increased by over 9% between 2018 and 2019. A huge difference compared to the average national increase of 3.4%.

table of regional costs;

Breakdown of funeral costs

This breakdown of funeral costs highlights on average what you could expect to pay of a funeral in the UK in 2020. Prices vary depending on the type of funeral, where you live and the services you include.

• Basic funeral costs (funeral director and 3rd party costs) - £4,417
• Additional funeral expenses – £2,306
• Professional fees for administering the estate - £2,771

This means the total cost of dying in the UK is now £9,493.

What is the average funeral cost for a cremation?

The average cost of a cremation funeral in the UK in 2020 is £3,858. This cost includes the funeral director’s fees, cremation fees and third party costs. Direct cremation costs are cheaper, however these don’t include a hearse, limousines or a service, as typically this type of funeral is unattended.    

What is the average funeral cost for a burial?

The average cost of a burial funeral in the UK in 2020 is £4,975. In addition to the funeral director’s fees and third party costs, this average also includes burial fees and the burial plot. However burial plot prices and availability vary hugely depending on where you live.

What are the funeral director costs?

Funeral director’s costs in the UK currently average £2,687. These costs include collection and care of the deceased, administration, viewing, the coffin, hearse, funeral cars for family and services on the day. The funeral director will also liaise with third parties and provide support for the family throughout the process.

What are the 3rd party funeral costs?

Third party funeral costs comprise of those essential services not provided by the funeral director. This includes the cremation or burial fees, the minister or celebrant’s fees which currently average £169 and the doctor’s charges. Doctor’s fees are only required for some cremations but if required, cost around £164.

What are the additional funeral expenses?

Additional funeral expenses are the services you choose as optional extras that personalise the service such as:

• Memorial - £910
• Limousine hire - £313
• Wake, including venue hire and catering - £653
• Order of service - £88
• Flowers - £184
• Death notices - £82

What are the professional fees?

Professional fees for administrating the estate may be necessary if probate is required, however this all depends on whether you decide to do it yourself or use the services of an expert.

For more information look at our guide to probate.

Can I get help with funeral costs?

Help with funeral costs is available through the government’s funeral payment scheme. This funeral expense payment is for people on low incomes claiming certain benefits. Whilst it doesn’t cover all costs, the funeral payment can help with cremation or burial fees, transportation of the deceased and death certificates.

In addition, the funeral payment also provides up to £1,000 for additional funeral expenses such as the funeral director fees, flowers or the coffin.

Help with funeral costs is also available through the Bereavement Support Payment. This allowance is for bereaved spouses or civil partners under the state pension age. If eligible you receive a one-off bereavement support payment, plus 18 monthly payments, the rates for which depend on whether you have dependent children.