How much do funerals cost in Australia?

Wondering how much does a funeral cost? The cost of funerals is usually between $4,000 and $15,000 for a private ceremony. Funeral costs can stack up quickly, and the total price will depend on the choices you make for the day.

When it comes to organising funerals, it can be a stressful process. From choosing the date and venue to music and floral arrangements, it can become overwhelming. At a time when emotions are running high, the last thing grieving families need to worry about is money.

With reports indicating that only 25% of Australian seniors have their funeral arrangements in place for when they pass, it makes sense to consider the best options for paying for a funeral in advance. Whether individuals opt for a prepaid funeral, a funeral bond or funeral insurance, there’s an option that will help save stress in the long run.

In this funeral cost guide, we explore:

• How much do funerals cost?
• Various funeral expenses to consider
• Different ways to pay for a funeral
• How to get funeral quotes, and more.

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How much does a funeral cost in Australia?

How much do funerals cost? The cost of funerals depends largely on where you live and your local suppliers. Expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 and $15,000, or more, for a funeral, depending on whether you choose a burial or cremation, and how elaborate you want the ceremony to be.

The average cost of a burial is $9,055, while the average cremation cost is about $6,334.

For those who cannot afford a funeral service, the government will pay for a very basic service. Keep in mind, the amount of money you spend on someone’s funeral does not indicate how much you love or will miss them. Your loved one will receive a dignified farewell, whether you spend a large amount on the service or if the state takes care of the funeral arrangements.

How much does a burial cost?

A burial funeral service will usually cost anywhere between $8,000 and $15,000, or more.

How much does cremation cost?

Cremation costs generally range from about $3,000 to $7,200. This will include the crematorium cost and the cremation service.

Different funeral costs to consider

Funerals are tailored to your individual preferences, which means there is no standard or fixed cost. Besides the service and casket, there are many other factors that increase the overall expense. You’ll need to consider the transportation of the body to and from the funeral home, preparation of the deceased, flowers, funeral vehicles, death certificates, death notices, and more.

While many funeral services offer all-inclusive packages, it’s a good idea to request an itemised breakdown of costs to avoid paying for unnecessary or unwanted items.

Here are some common funeral costs and their starting prices (estimate only):

• Funeral director fee: $3,000
• Transfer of deceased to funeral home: $300
• Storage of deceased at funeral home: $150
• Preparation of deceased: $200-$600
• Embalming: $600-$1,400
• Death certificate (varies in each state): $49 to $88
• Cremation certificate: $110
• Cremation permit: $100
• Coffin or casket: $400-$10,000
• Burial services (graveside service): $2,000
• Cremation service (at crematorium): $600
• Cremation service with chapel service: $1,200
• Disposal of ashes – wall, niche, urn or rose garden: $1,200
• Celebrant: $300-$600
• Flowers: $200-$500
• Catering: $300+
• Newspaper notice: $200-$300

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Options for paying for a funeral

While the options for financing a funeral may seem overwhelming, there is good news. Instead of leaving family members with a financial burden, individuals have plenty of choices for financing their own funeral.

Besides using superannuation, savings or money from your estate, some possibilities to fund your own funeral are funeral bonds, insurance or prepaid methods. Let’s explore further.

How much does a prepaid funeral cost?

Prepaid funeral plans are seemingly the most straightforward arrangement for financing funerals. Under a prepaid funeral plan individuals will pay off funeral fees in full or in installments over a specific period of time, be it 12 or 60 months. With a set contract, individuals can also allocate their money in close detail.

Funeral prepayment has a distinct advantage when it comes to financing a funeral. This option allows the individual full control over their service while also lessening the burden on loved ones. Another benefit of a prepaid funeral is the ability to make a payment that is set at today’s price, avoiding inflation.

How much do funeral bonds cost?

Funeral bonds can be a useful way to plan for end-of-life expenses and ensure that loved ones are not burdened with these costs. Funeral bonds require individuals to invest money that is exclusively put aside to cover the cost of funeral expenses. The bond can be invested through an investment company or directly from a funeral director of the individual’s choosing.

The money deposited into a funeral bond can only be withdrawn after the bondholder’s death to pay for funeral expenses, which can include funeral services, burial or cremation costs, and other related expenses.

Monthly installments or lump sum options

The cost of a funeral bond will ultimately depend on how much an individual wants to save and the time frame in which they want to save that money. The cost of a funeral bond can be paid in monthly installments or a lump sum with the option for top-ups.

Under a monthly installment, individuals will be required to contribute a minimum instalment each month, such as $50. For example, if an individual wanted to save $7,000 for their funeral in the space of 10 years, reaching this target would require an investment of $50 a month for the next 10 years.

Whereas under a lump sum payment, individuals are required to contribute a minimum lump sum amount, such as $500. Individuals then have the freedom to top up the funds at any time. Lump-sum funeral bonds typically require individuals to start with a $500 deposit with a minimum top-up of $42.

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How much does funeral insurance cost?

How much is funeral insurance per week? Funeral insurance cost depends largely on the individual’s age, and is usually between $10 and $65 per week.

Funeral insurance is typically included under the umbrella of other insurances. This means that after passing, beneficiaries will receive the lump sum of money. However, they will be left to organise the service themselves.

Many in the funeral industry find funeral insurance kind of obsolete. This is because funerals are a certainty. Therefore any insurance policy has to charge the consumer more than the final cost of the funeral in order to be profitable.

Although funeral insurance does not suit everyone it can be beneficial to some people. Funeral insurance doesn’t require having a conversation with loved ones about death. Instead, this insurance can be added to everyday expenses without anyone knowing.

Get quotes from a funeral director

The best way to understand local market rates for the average funeral costs is to get in contact with a local funeral service or director. You can discuss the various options available. With Yellow Pages you can compare multiple free quotes and search local listings for reviews and contact information.

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*All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.