How much does a funeral cost in 2023?

By Ashley Shepherd

Updated 13th October 2023

The average cost of a funeral in the UK is £3,953, depending on the type of service you choose. Cremation is more popular and cheaper, costing £3,673 on average. At £4,794, burials are more expensive; plus there’s the additional cost of the burial plot to consider.

In this guide you will find:

• Breakdown of funeral costs
• Funeral costs in the UK by region
• Can I get help with funeral costs?
• Answers to your questions on funeral costs

What are the basic costs of a funeral?

The average cost of a basic funeral in the UK in 2022 is £3,953, having fallen by 2.5% over the last 12 months. Burial costs remain the most expensive option at £4,927, whilst a cremation funeral on average costs £3,765.

Demand for direct cremation without a service has increased in recent years. With average costs of £1,511, this alternative to a more traditional funeral will have played a major part in the reduction of funeral costs; the first we have seen for almost 20 years.

So how much does a funeral cost in the UK in 2023?

The cost of a funeral in the UK in 2023 will depend on where you live, the type of funeral you choose and the services you include.

Breakdown of funeral costs

• Basic funeral costs (funeral director and 3rd party costs) - £3,953
• Additional funeral expenses - £2,669

What is included in the basic funeral costs?

• Funeral director's costs in the UK

The funeral director’s 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.

• Third 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. 'In England and Wales, Doctor's fees may be required for cremations currently costing approximately £164.

What are the additional funeral expenses?

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

• Memorial - £1,064
• Limousine hire - £353
• Venue hire £312
• Catering £467
• Order of service - £105
• Flowers - £210
• Death notices - £77

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.

Funeral costs in the UK by region

The cost of a funeral varies throughout the UK. As you may expect, London funeral costs are the most expensive, whilst Northern Ireland remains the cheapest place to die.

2023 UK funeral costs by region

• London £5,283
• South East & East of England £4,300
• Yorkshire and Humber £3,742
• East and West Midlands £3,892
• North East England £3,668
• South West England £3,640
• North West England £3,832
• Scotland £3,848
• Wales £4,012
• Northern Ireland £3,317

According to the Sunlife’s 2023 Cost of Dying report, funeral costs have reduced in 8 out of 10 regions listed, although prices in Wales and Northen Ireland continue to grow.