How much funerals cost
The cost of the funeral will depend on what you choose to include in the service, and prices can differ between funeral directors. Find information on your options.
Funeral pricing
Funerals in NSW cost on average between $5,000 and $8,000. The cost can vary depending on:
- what is included as part of the service
- your location
- the funeral director you use.
You can ask your funeral director for a quote that breaks down the fees they're charging. This may include:
- hosting and organising the service, plus wake
- transport and coffin
- death certificate and permits
- burial or cremation
- cemetery plot
- celebrant or clergy
- newspaper notices.
Low cost funerals
Usually funeral directors will provide something called a 'basic funeral'. There is also the option of 'no service, no attendance' cremation or burial. This is the least expensive choice as there is no official ceremony and mourners do not attend any stage of the process.
In NSW, a funeral director is required to give you a written quote for their basic funeral option. Prices can vary widely, so it's important to compare different funeral operators.
A basic cremation in NSW costs, on average, around $4,000, according to Moneysmart.
Many funeral directors offer this basic funeral service, although they may call it something different like ‘economy' or ‘budget' funeral. It generally includes:
- arranging and conducting the funeral
- transport of the deceased person
- storage at a mortuary or holding room
- preparation for burial or cremation (does not include preparation for viewing or embalming)
- the least expensive coffin available
- compulsory medical certificates or permits
- burial or cremation.