What is the average cost of a funeral?
In Australia, a funeral costs between $4,000 and $15,000 on average. This depends on the type of service you want and whether you want to bury or cremate the body.
Here is a list of the average prices for a funeral:
Type of Funeral Estimated Cost Range (AUD)
Basic cremation $3,500 to $6,000
Cremation service costs between $6,000 and $10,000.
The cost of a basic burial is between $7,000 and $10,000.
Full-Service Burial: $10,000 to $15,000
Factors That Affect the Price of a Funeral
1. The type of service
A simple cremation without a ceremony usually costs less than a traditional funeral with a viewing, service, and burial.
2. Cemetery costs
Costs for burial plots, setting up the cemetery, and keeping it up could add a lot to the total.
3. Casket or Coffin
A basic coffin can cost as little as $800, while a high-end one can cost $5,000 or more.
4. The funeral director's costs
This includes things like filling out forms, getting to the funeral, and making sure everything goes smoothly. Most of the time, these cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
5. Things that aren't necessary
These could be flowers, death notices, food, written materials, or live streaming. You don't have to buy them, but they can add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to the final price.
How to Make a Funeral Less Expensive
Plan ahead: Prepaid funeral plans or funeral insurance can help your family by locking in prices and making things easier for them.
Compare Providers: Different funeral homes charge different amounts, so it's a good idea to get quotes from more than one.
Pick cremation: Direct cremation is the cheapest option.
Limit Extras: You can save a lot of money by cutting back on extras or making the service simpler.
Final Thoughts
Families can make smart decisions during a hard time if they know how much a funeral usually costs. You can find a way to honour your loved one, keep up with tradition, and stay within your budget if you plan ahead and know your options. This is true whether you choose a simple cremation or a formal burial.